Pics: Dragon dance, The Dao and Lion Dance.

 

philosophy & culture

Lion and Dragon dance is used in celebration of Chinese new year and the opening of new business ventures.

 

Click on the topic of choice for easier selection.

1. our view

2. the concept

3. the life path

4. ageless & timeless discipline

5. become a proficient practitioner of martial arts

6. martial etiquette

7. code of ethics (for internal & external styles)

 

 

our view

Many schools advocate that they teach the classical knowledge system.
The idea of a classical school is more than martial arts.

Moral codes define; culture assists with social obligations and philosophy inspires.

We wish open a door to understanding and wash away the negative concerns which are spread due to ill informed individuals.

 

Why is it so effective

We are one a few center in the world that still advocates to the lineage based system.
The passing down of knowledge from one generation (master) to the next (student).

Elisabeth Hsu states in her book; "The transmissions of Chinese Medicine"; identified 3 ways of being taught today.

1) transmission from master to student, as exemplified in some Qi Gong lineages; which form the basis of training.

2) training scholar physician; who carefully analysis the classical text to discover universal transformations of energy within human health and illness.

3) Recent development of curriculum-based schools, where knowledge is more standardized and less holistic in practice.

back to top of the page.

 

the concept

Taoism/Daoism, as way of understanding the universe, is not based on faith, it is based on experiences. It is the underlying study to classical training.

 

Chinese culture is one of reserve and mystery; often coming across as been very secretive. The culture is influenced by three major philosophies; Confucianism, Taoism & Buddhism. The main core of influence is that of nature and the laws that preside over it. The biggest been the Tao/Dao, often referred to as “the way".

 

Based on these philosophical ideas the culture has nothing different from any other indigenous cultures. A good teacher must respect the student and convey the knowledge across on a mutual agreement basis. The respect to have a willing student; is the balance of mutual respect.

 

A common statement often quoted by a Chinese person would be; “The tongue has no bones so it rattles a lot.” This is a common feature about speaking too much; lots of contemplation and time would go into an idea before a verbal response is made. The idea, “less is more” becomes more relevant.

philosophy & culture

 

Taiji/Tai Chi and Qi Gong is based on the cosmological origins of the universe; everything that exists becomes reality through the concept of Yin and Yang.

Chinese healing apply these principles in its fullest; a properly trained practitioner and/or martial artist of the classics adheres and administers according to these concepts and principles.

Quantum mechanics seems to suggest that the sub-atomic world and even the world beyond the atom - has no independent structure at all until defined by human intellect.

Werner Heisenberg, who transformed physics when he developed this concept in 1927, notes: "Natural science does not simply describe and explain nature; it is a part of the interplay between nature and ourselves... What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our methods of questioning."

Lao Tzu wrote and devised the Tao Te Ching (the tao of power); in these classics he encourages the use of the "whole mind" approach, wherein the spatially and aesthetically astute right hemisphere is put into use along with the analytically and logically orientated left hemisphere of the brain.
back to top of the page.

the life path

The Tao Tê Ching prefer that we; “stay centered with the Tao.” According to the text, a person can stay centered with the Tao by following its non-confrontational qualities and by giving up control to its perfection.

The Tao does not influence events by force. Instead, it is flexible and yielding, taking an approach that controls without conflict. The Tao Tê Ching likens it to water, as water is soft and patient but can also carve mountains and wear away stone and metal. In the gentle fluidity of the Tao, the greatest of accomplishments are possible.

Like the Tao; it's suggested that people should live humbly and flexibly, letting events unfold as they are meant to unfold and develop over time.

back to top of the page.

---

 

 

ageless & timeless discipline

The motto of International Kim Loong Wushu Center

Obligation

Respect
Patience
Humbleness

Kung Fu/Wushu is for health and self defence. Physical Kung Fu develops the external body only. One must attain internal training along with the training of the 3 inner faculties of Jing, Shen & Qi - Essence, Mind Power and Internal Energy.

 

Kung Fu not only makes a person strong, agile and healthy but also strengthens the internal body systems which prolongs life.

 

The believe is that a student will automatically acquire in his/her long process of learning the arts by having patience, insight and calmness.

 

To be a good pugilist; one needs patience to develop his/her techniques and force.

 

Insight to understand the workings of the arts principles and calmness; to pinpoint his/her opponents’ movements in free sparing.

 

These qualities unconsciously help a person to be sensitive and composed even in a tense situation.

The need - realistic approach toward potential martial health & healing; a realistic goals.

How - demand is met by maintaining classical concepts and applying them to today's needs.

Success - constant evaluation allowing for environmental influences.

Result - a satisfied client returning or recommend us to another.

Validation - clientele spanning across the world and all walks of life.

Lifestyle - balanced; that suits your demands and needs.

back to top of the page.

BECOME A PROFICIENT PRACTITIONER OF A MARTIAL ARTS
Have faith in your selected style of martial art.
Respect your chosen teacher, who has sincerely accepted you as his/her student.
Concentrate during training.
Cultivate patience during training.
Practice coordination during training.
Practice as much as possible, not only in the training hall (kwoon) but at home.
Acquire confidence in yourself through your art.

back to top of the page.

 

MARTIAL ETIQUETTE
Address your teacher with their respected title in or out of class.
Always introduce your teacher with their title to students, friends or the public in or out of class.
Always address your teacher by their title when writing letters to them.
Bowing or greeting to your teacher, other students, coming in or out of your training area or to the public is a sign of respect.
Never debate the cost of instruction and pay on time, if you feel it is to high find another teacher who charges less.
Try not to be late for class.
Do not leave class early because you are tired or have better things to do unless you ask permission from your instructor before hand. Discipline yourself to not show tiredness and complete the class without question.
Each system has traditions, if it is a complete art. Pay good attention to these traditions for they represent that particular system.
Without being asked, clean the training area or various parts of the center like the change rooms, etc.
This shows good humbleness and respect, regardless of how senior one is. If you see the teacher clean the center, this is telling all that the students are lacking in their responsibility and must quickly take the hint.
Senior students should know and feel comfortable with the senior teachers rules and be able and willing to explain with understanding these traditions to junior students.

The longer you study from a teacher, the more you represent them, and after five years you should represent your teacher.

back to top of the page.

 

CODE OF ETHICS OF INTERNAL & EXTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS.

Always honor one’s family and give without expectation of receiving.
Second to one’s family, honor your teacher.
Treat your fellow students as a brother or sister.
Senior students, be humble. Treat junior students as equals, thus, enabling you to have the respect and position of senior.
Junior students, be respectful to your senior. Their treatment of you as an equal is a sign that they are starting to understand deeper martial arts, and are worthy of senior respect.
Never consider yourself knowledgeable, regardless of time in training.
Recognize that everyone will have strengths greater than you and weakness, regardless of his or her time in the art.
Senior students are responsible to demonstrate the “codes” in and out of class.
Rely on your teacher’s judgment as best as one can.
Remember teachers are human.
Be an example of courtesy, regardless of what step you are on in your training.
Empty your cup; allow criticism and suggestions by anyone
Never openly criticize your teacher, hold your doubts or criticism to yourself and possibly your view will change later on the matter.
Don’t think of criticism as personal, criticism is only suggestions or sharing to gain better refinement from outside eyes.

Pride, carry yourself earnestly, and try your best even if it is not up to your expectations.

Martial arts is practice in containing one’s ego.
Remember that martial art is sharing and non-competitive unless you choose to do so.
The showing of too much power in any partner exercise shows you have no ego containment.
Demonstrate containment, this is a sign of strength.
Tenacity, it is your responsibility to try your best in all classes. Do not allow yourself to just follow or stand idle.
Cleanliness. Refined cleanliness means refined mind. Clean clothes and body show by example the honor and ethics you hold.
Never ask for more knowledge. Let the teacher decide when you are ready.
By working Hard on what you have is the first sign that you are getting ready for more and deserve it.
Always remember your teacher’s birthday, Christmas, etc.
If you are far away from your teacher and you visit them or any other teachers, it is proper to bring them a small gift each time.
If you have fallen out with your teacher, but want to re-establish your connection, it is most important to bring a gift upon your “first” contact and to give your humble apology.
Anytime one invites the teacher over to their home or anywhere else, it is essential that there is always food and drink available.
Though a part of ethics is instilled to control one’s combativeness to a point, its main goal is to learn an inner relationship of respect and understanding toward one’s teacher, fellow students, ourselves and even to the center or space we learn from.
These rules will not only help you understand this art and its players, but it will make you a much stronger practitioner if you adhere to the code of ethics.

Belief is that the practitioner who has a strong code will also have a strong art coupled with wisdom.

back to top of the page.

Feb 2011