What does Kung Fu teaches us? Discipline and Respect

There are many element of Kung Fu that teaches us how to respect one another, respect our teachers, respect our lineage.

When we bow into class we all say "Past Masters". This is to show respect to our lineage. A respect for all the effort our past masters put in order for us to be able to train and learn.

We we see each other, we great with hello, we make eye contact, we do not play with our belt. When we are given instructions in class we bow and say "yes/no sifu". This is to acknowledge the effort our instructors are putting when sharing their knowledge with us. With the younger kids we recite: "3 rules of concentration - Focus your eyes, Focus your mind, Focus your body." When a student is focused, they show respect to their instructors, to the art of Kung Fu but also they show respect for themselves.

When our master instructor, Sifu Brinker, steps on the mats, we should all stop and bow as a token of respect. Respect to the master instructor and respect to our lineage. This is also showing our gratitude for allowing us to train. When Sifu Brinker steps on the mats, someone need to call "Students" and everyone will stop what they do and bow.

Showing our respect to the alter is also very important. We never stand with our backs next to the alter. We never place our weapons or anything else in front of the alter. When we fix our belt or clothing, we also turn away from the alter.

And of course you have to respect yourself. This is an important part of building your character and becoming a better person. If you don't respect yourself, you cannot expect others to respect you.


"KNOWLEDGE WILL GIVE YOU POWER BUT CHARACTER WILL GIVE YOU RESPECT!"
Bruce Lee