Martial Arts Etiquette and Courtesy

Etiquette and courtesy are a fundamental component of Wushu/Kungfu training and discipline. Traditional Martial Arts Etiquette is earnestly emphasized at this Kwoon. The etiquette of traditional Martial Arts is based on the ancient Confucian household and is rich with traditions of mutual respect, courtesy, and decorum. In our Kwoon, traditions are liberally seasoned with humor. A Kwoon (Martial Arts School) is a unique situation where people from diverse backgrounds come together to grow as individuals, whether it is for self-defense, for health and physical development, or for mental and spiritual growth. Therefore, it is crucial that we create an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable and welcome through traditional courtesy and etiquette. The following guidelines will aid in your understanding of the atmosphere of the school and help you feel more at ease in class.

Salutation

Salutation is executed by covering your right fist with palm of your open left hand. Performing the salutation shows your respect for your Kwoon, your ShiFu, your fellow students, and yourself, as well as for all Kung Fu practitioners past and present. When to perform a salutation:

• Upon entering or leaving the practice space for any reason, including using the restroom or getting a drink.
• At the beginning or conclusion of any class or practice session, including private lessons and informal workouts.
• To your training partner before and after sparring, pushing hands or practicing together.
• Before and after addressing ShiFu, or when asking for or receiving assistance.
• When a visiting instructor or master enters the Kwoon.

Titles

It is appropriate to address Instructors, Assistant Instructors, and Senior Students by their proper titles while at the Kwoon and during Kwoon functions and activities. Also, anytime the topic of conversation involves the Kwoon or martial arts training, or while at any martial arts function or activities, like tournaments, demonstration, or seminars.

• ShiFu Your teacher, Kung Fu Parent
• ShiGung Your ShiFu's teacher, Kung Fu Grandparent
• ShiHing Male Assistant Instructor or Senior (Advanced) Student, your Kung Fu Older Brother.
• ShiJi Female Assistant Instructor or Senior (Advanced) Student, your Kung Fu Older Sister.

Classmates are usually called by their first name

Use the title ShiFu and attach their last name for formal relationships and situations. Use the title ShiFu and first name for informal relationships and situations to address instructors other than your ShiFu.

General Courtesy in the Kwoon

• Please remove all jewelry before starting class. This is to protect your valued objects as well as to reduce the risk of injury to you and your Kung Fu brothers and sisters.
• Please keep your language, your feet, your body and your workout clothes clean. offending your Kung Fu brothers and sisters.
• Please pick up after yourself at the Kwoon. It is inconsiderate to your ShiFu and your Kung Fu brothers and sisters to leave your mess behind for them to clean up.
• Please pitch in and help tidy the Kwoon after your class, just spend a minute or so cleaning mirrors, vacuum the floor, dusting or cleaning the bathroom. This has always been a traditional part of martial arts training. Remember, ShiFu is here to help you learn Kung Fu, not to be your janitor or to remind you of your responsibilities to your Kung Fu brothers and sisters.
• Please keep conversation not related to the subject matter to a minimum during class in order to avoid distracting your Kung Fu brothers and sisters during their training. It is okay to joke and have a good time, but please avoid controversial and distasteful subjects that may make others feel uncomfortable.
• Please try to be helpful to your Kung Fu brothers and sisters during class. Be more concerned with helping them learn, and less with impressing them with how good you are, or how much you know.
• Please be supportive and encouraging to your Kung Fu brothers and sisters. We are a Kung Fu family and we are here to help each other grow.

Traditional Kung Fu Etiquette

• Always greet other martial artists with a salutation, especially senior martial artists and instructors.
• Always give and receive items to and from other people using both hands. Using only one hand shows disrespect and is a sign that you don’t think that the person deserves your full attention.
• Always allow your ShiGung, ShiFu and Senior Kung Fu Brothers and Sisters to walk ahead of you. The most senior martial artist present walks in the front with the senior students walking closest to his/her side and the most junior students walking furthest behind.
• Always hold doors and allow your ShiGung, ShiFu and Senior Kung Fu Brothers and Sisters to pass through first. The most junior student should always hold the door for everyone else and enter or leave last.
• Always wait to sit at a dinner table until your ShiGung, ShiFu and Senior Kung Fu Brothers and Sisters have sat down. The head of the table should be reserved for the most senior martial artist present, with the senior students sitting closest, and the most junior students sitting furthest away.
• Always make sure that the beverage cups and glasses of your ShiGung, ShiFu and Senior Kung Fu Brothers and Sisters are full. It is considered a loss of face for both parties if the senior martial artist must pour his/her own drink.
• Always pour beverages using both hands. Using only one hand shows disrespect and is a sign that you don’t think that the person deserves your full attention.
• Always insist on performing any menial chore that you see your ShiGung, ShiFu and Senior Kung Fu Brothers and Sisters doing. It is considered a loss of face for both parties if the senior martial artist must do chores while the junior stands around and watches.