Lai Tong Pai or Poon Kuen - Encircle Fist Style Kung Fu is an art dating back to the middle of the Ching Dynasty in China. It later moved south from the Sil Lum (Shaolin) Temple in Hunan to the Kwantung Province where it acquired the name of Lai Tong Pai which means "dig a hole" being named after the town that did so much for the monk of Lai Tong. He honored the town by changing the name from Poon Kuen to Lai Tong. Centuries later it was being taught in Hong Kong where it became available to the public. For more on Lai Tong Pai history, please refer to the history page.

Lai Tong Pai is an art some say very similar to Wing Chun. However, Lai Tong Pai is much older and possibly has a connection with the earliest days of Ng Mui and Wing Chun. Lai Tong Pai also uses Long Fist as well as Short Fist techniques. Luk Sao (Sticky Hands) is also included in the style. Below is a brief overview.

• Lai Tong Pai uses various forms to teach students to blend from short to long fist applications.
• Unique to Lai Tong Pai, is the fact that it uses long fist techniques with short stances and short fist technique with long stances as well as the traditional fist-stance combinations. There are roughly 12 empty hand forms.
• Lai Tong Pai holds true to its Sil Lum traditions by teaching the original weapons of Kung Fu. There are roughly 10 weapon forms. The two sectional spear being its most unique and prestigious. The Mook Jong (wooden man) is also taught. There are eight different Mook Jongs in this style.
• Lai Tong Pai also includes the teaching of Chinese Medicine and Chi Building exercises.
• Lai Tong Pai includes Lion Dancing as part of its system. This is integrated in the training by using the Lion to mimic the footwork of the style.
• Lai Tong Pai uses many different training aids handed down from the Sil Lum Temple. These include Mook Jong training, 18 Lo Han Sow and other kung training exercises to develop strength and stamina in the student.