School Guidelines

Respect

  • Always be courteous and helpful, particularly to newer new students.
  • Address instructors with their proper title, usually Sifu, meaning teacher.
  • Bow entering and leaving school to show respect.
  • If you call the Kwoon and leave a message, be sure to leave your name, phone number, and reason for calling. Speak slowly and clearly.

Self-Control

  • Control emotional reactions.
  • Kung Fu is a way of life, not a sport. Be positive and balanced in feelings.
  • Cultivate your body, your mind, and your spirit.
  • Compare your progress to yourself, not to other students. Learn from their perseverance in practice. Honor your commitment to your training and progress.
  • Respect other martial arts. Be positive in your comments or else do not comment.
  • "A little progress every day." Each student will progress at different rates. Be patient with your learning but work hard. Stay focused.
  • Practice what is easy. Practice ten times more what is difficult. All students and teachers are "works in progress" and continually learning.
  • The only failure is not to try.

Respect for the Kwoon (School)

  • Be on time for class.
  • Wear appropriate attire (school uniform, sash)
  • Be careful of the mirrors.
  • Weapons are not toys. Use weapons only under supervision.
  • Help keep Kwoon clean and welcome for all practitioners.
  • Do not wear street shoes on the carpet. This will help keep the school clean.
  • Turn off all cell phones and beepers. Concentrate on your practice.

Health Advice

  • Always bring water to class.
  • Always warm up before working out.
  • Always practice good hygiene. Respect your body.
  • Come to class energized to practice.

Practice

  • Wear loose clothing for practice.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry.
  • Bring a notebook to class. Take five-ten minutes to review what you have learned and write it down.
  • Write down the moves and the advice which Sifu gives you. Also write down stories or history or training advice. This includes physical training but may also include mental and spiritual training and advice.
  • The best students ask questions. The student/Sifu relationship is very special. Feel free to ask questions. It is best to ask questions before or after class.
  • Men must wear groin protection to spar. All sparring is supervised.
  • (Do not attempt to teach anything you learned to others. Kung Fu is very serious. Sifus have had much training in the art and how to teach.)