Etiquette in the Kung Fu Class Room

The Shaolin Kung Fu Institute’s “Kwoon”  (kung fu class room or training area) is filled with many Chinese cultural practices and observances. Even though we a modern school, we still follow the traditional rules and etiquette given to us by our kung fu ancestors. These rules are guidelines for all students to follow during and even after class. The rules of Etiquette help build character and offer structure to the beginner student and provide depth and meaning for more advanced student.

The Salute or Bow

The Salute is a sign of respect. It is also a gesture on your part to show that ready to start your martial arts journey. There are many types of Salutes or Bows. Our school uses the right fist and left palm placed together in front of you. Stand straight up as you salute entering the school.  Always bend forward a little when saluting your seniors and bend more for your Sifu.

If your are practicing Hung Gar, your salute may look a bit different then others. They use a right fist and left Tiger claw with a left cat stance. There even other schools that their salutes look even more different. Don’t get hung up on what or how a salute looks like. It is more important just to show respect, than to worry about how it looks.

There are also many different origins of the Kung Fu Salute. Through research and detailed conversations with many masters, I have found that Salute is different for each school and different origins. Some say right fist is martial power and left palm is knowledge of how to use it. Some say right fist is Yang and left palm is Yin. Some say the different positions of palms and fists were like secret hand shakes or code signs for rebel factions. If you did not know the correct hand position, you probably were not a member and did gain access to their gang or club. You might have even been killed if you stumbled across a triads hideout and did not have the correct Salute or hand code.

Yet another origin of the Salute is that the salute had a practical application. Martial artists were always very cautious in the old days, and a hand shake was considered either too threatening or an invitation for attack. Warriors would try to avoid contact with unscrupulous people, leery of surprise attacks. Many Chin Na (joint locking) techniques begin from a handshake.

Why You Salute

One of the main reasons to salute is to give honor to the past masters who have gone before you. You give them respect for the hardships they endured to gain their skill and knowledge. Saluting to your seniors also shows humility. Being humble is a big part of kung fu training. It is part of your moral character training, in which your Sifu will test to see if you are worthy of learning the more advanced material or if they think you have a bad attitude, you may never learn the deeper aspects of that style.

WHEN?

The first place to Salute is when you enter or exit the school building itself. Then salute as you enter or exit the Kwoon. This signifies that you wish to honor our Martial Ancestors and preserve these skills and pass them on to future generations.

Always salute to your Sifu, give him or her the utmost respect for the hardships they went through to achieve their position. Salute to the Senior students and any classmates that you may be working with for drills. This shows them that you bear no hard feelings during training (especially blocking exercises). Salute at the beginning and ending of class. Try to be the first to salute, this shows alertness, quick reflexes and most of all… respect.

ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS

Your weekly class sessions have been tested over and over. Thru diligent observation and years of experience, the schools have found that 2-3 lessons per week will sufficiently train a student and help them to achieve their goals in the appropriate amount of time. You should be attending your schools classes at least 2 times per week. Any less than this will push back the time it takes to reach your goals (whether it’s a black sash or 20 pounds).

The term “Kung Fu” can be translated as a skill gained over a period of time, thru dedicated effort. Staying home to watch television instead of going to class, just shows that you are not dedicated, especially in the teachers eyes. Going to class on a constant basis also builds a pattern in your muscle memory and adds endurance to your lungs. Your muscles and lungs become use to the rigors of the kung fu class and prepare the student for more extreme workouts as they grow closer their Black Sash! How many of you remember what it felt like after you took that week or 2 off? What did it feel like the first day back? Tardiness or being late to class is probably one of the biggest bad habits there is. Barring any physical problems such as a flat tire or you had to work overtime to make your tuition payment, being late is:

#1 disrespectful to the teacher. It makes it seem that you do not care about what he is teaching.

#2 It also disrupts the class as you enter late. Students have to move and change rank arrangements.

#3 You miss part of the warm up and exercise program. Some students are late on purpose to miss jumping jacks….

DRESS CODE

The kung fu uniform is the attire worn during class time or during any class functions (tournaments, demonstrations etc.). The reason behind wearing any uniform at all is the traditional Kung Fu School, students were dedicated to their master. All students would wear schools colors to show how proud they were to be under their Sifu. Also on a more traditional note, schools usually made every one wear the same thing so no one would feel inferior and all would be equal under the teacher. The uniform you are wearing now is practical and economic as well.

Besides the uniform, there are items that are not good to wear during your class. Things like jewelry, street shoes, head covers and such are not permitted in class. Many items like watches and rings will injure other classmates during 2 person drills. Street shoes bring dirt and debris onto the kung fu floor and make an unsafe environment to stretch on it.

RESPECT

To be gracious and humble and always show respect to others. This is in the first part of the creed and for a good reason. Respect is a big part your kung fu training. Showing respect to your teacher, lets them know that you are humble enough to know they deserve it. Respect is not only for your Sifu, but for everyone. If an older person is trying to buy something at the grocery store, let them go in front of you. If a neighbors child fell down, help them up. If your parents tell you to clean up your room, do it without any back talk or sassy mouth. Always say: Yes Sifu or No Sifu, please and thank you. These signs of respect build and overflow into regular life. Overall, respect is a essential for the kung fu student and their goal to master themselves.

ALTAR

The kung fu Altar something a bit different than what it may sound like. The Altar does not have any religious affiliations nor does the kung fu school for that matter. It does represent the past masters who have dedicated their lives to training and passing on the knowledge we are privileged to have today.

In Chinese culture, showing respect to your ancestors is a major part in family life. The same can be said for the Kung Fu family. Showing respect to men and woman who have gone ahead of you is a major part role of respect for the kung fu student. Altars come in many forms and styles. From a small stand on a table to a large scale Altar that encompasses an entire wall While attending your class, be careful not to bump or disturb the Altar. Breaking a porcelain figurine on the Altar shows that you are not paying attention to where you are at. The Mind must be aware of all 4 sides, the Mind’s eye must cover all area’s.