Grandmaster Lai was born in Hong Kong in
1942. He became a devoted disciple of the the famous Seven Star Praying
Mantis Grandmaster Wong Hon-Fun after learning that system for many
years. In 1961 Grandmaster Lai came to the United States to attend
college, and in his spare time, he worked very diligently to improve his
skills. In 1967 he started teaching the Seven Star Praying Mantis
Kung-Fu system, and within a few years, he became known all over the
world for his expertise in Kung-Fu.
Grandmaster Brendan Lai was inducted into the "Hall of Fame" by both
Inside Kung Fu Magazine and Black Belt Magazine (1990, 1983), and was
covered by over one hundred magazines and books across the world.
Grandmaster Lai earned numerous titles and honors over his years as an
instructor. Here are but a few of his many accomplishments: He was the
first person ever to receive a Ph.D. in Martial Arts by the
Eurotechnical Research University. That same month he was appointed Dean
of the Department of Chinese Studies of the same university. Finally, in
1992 he formed the International Northern Praying-Mantis Federation and
became its chairman.
To the great sadness of the Praying Mantis community Brendan Lai passed
away September 23, 2002.
