our philosophy is based in martial arts values that one can take away into everyday life. Ninety percent of practitioners do not continually train their entire life; this is acceptable and normal, but the philosophical values of Shaolin Kung Fu should be observed for life.
武德WU DE
Wu De meaning Warrior Method or the way of the warrior are our core values that dictate whether you are a real martial artist or not. The physical aspects of martial arts is of little importance compared to the philosophical. Wu De should be applied in all aspects of life; Shaolin Kung Fu is not an activity, it is a lifestyle.
Mindful
Be mindful of both action and thought, be deliberate, be understanding, be insightful, and focused.
Dimensions of mindfulness
- Humble: being mindful of yourself, your weaknesses, your place in the universe.
- Understanding: being mindful of others.
- Focus: being mindful of your actions and surroundings
Respectful
Be respectful of yourself, others, and the Shaolin way.
Dimensions of respect
- Standards: Have standards for how you should be treated. Respect the standards of how others expect to be teated, within reason.
- Boundaries: Have healthy boundaries and respect the boundaries of others.
- Compassion: respect the struggles of others whether you relate or not.
Courageous
Never be governed by fear, this is contrary to the Spirit of Shaolin. One must always strive to better themselves, regardless of their current issues or limitations.
Dimensions of courage
- Truthful: be truthful to yourself and others, there is no honor without truth.
- Heroic: stand up for yourself and others, be the hero, be the leader.
- Fearless: take on challenges, don’t back down, and never give up.
LEADERSHIP
Attributes of a Good Leader
Leaders facilitate an environment for others to grow and many times that means they have to be the first to move, plan and give. Below are some key things that must be at the forefront of every leaders mind.
Sacrifice- Whether it be time, effort, patience; leadership requires sacrifice.
Initiative- Leaders are willing to take the first step, make the first move or do something that will open them up to criticism.
Strategic- Make a plan, delegate, identify hurdles, have a contingency, create checks and balances.
Attributes of a Bad Leader
Unfortunately most people don’t have the discipline, will, selflessness to lead.
Self Serving- Actions and intent originate in their own interests.
Impatient- An inability to adjust their approach and temperament for those who may need a bit more empathy.
Stubborn- An inability to take feedback, adjust, and keep their ego out of their behavior and decision making.
PHILOSOPHY OF MASTERY
Progression of Mastery
Shaolin quan is not only a martial arts it is a physical form of meditation, introspection, and self development. Mastering anything is a matter of transitioning from struggling to clarity.
1-Identify what it is you want to overcome
2-Identify goals
3-Identifying why this is important to you
4-Taking self inventory, figure out your strengths and weaknesses
5-Applying yourself to strengthen your weaknesses
6-Schedule time for development, practice, and structured learning. Be consistent and apply exercises developed by professionals.
7-Measure your progress; be critical on yourself, get outside feedback, ask a professional.
8-Practice and compete with others
9-Set higher goals to continue to improve
10-Share, teach and debate with others with the intent to grow and expand.
Filter of Mastery
All people face challenges, how you approach those challenges dictate whether you progress forward. Challenges are left turns, not dead ends. The challenges you face act as filters, dividing the great from the weak. Every time you do not confront the opportunity to conquer a challenge you separate yourself from another martial artist who did. Do what other wont, accomplish what other can’t.
RULES
Class Conduct
- Pay your respects to Shifu and your instructors before and after class
- Wear your uniform to class, no outside shoes
- No sitting down during class
- No food, smoking, or alcohol during class
- No bullying, cursing, name calling, teasing, or mindless chatter.
- When an instructor is talking; freeze, listen, look
- Always acknowledge your instructor’s instructions with yes mam, yes sir.
- Do not play with the weapons. Only students who are learning a weapon are permitted to use that weapon.
- Always ask permission before using a weapon that is not your own.
- If you go to china you are required to bring Shifu plain flavored sunflower seeds.
The 3 Rules of Listening
- When your instructor is talking; stop what you’re doing, listen, and look
- Always say yes mam, yes sir, yes laoshi or yes shifu as a way to show you are engaged, listening and understand.
- Be fast, don’t waste time, don’t make others wait on you.
Fight Team Rules of Combat
6 Cardinal Laws of Combat
- Always be willing to lose
Only a lesser warrior if afraid of losing - Success is achieved when you facilitate an environment to accomplish goals.
If you want to throw someone you have to set up the takedown. - Maximize your options whilst minimizing your opponents options.
violating this rule will put you in a defensive position where you have to fight reflexively rather than lead the fight. - Always lead the fight, never fight reflexively.
If you must fight reflexively only do so when you are setting up a trap. - Speed is second to timing.
The fastest fighter is the fighter with the best timing. - You are responsible for all that happens in a fight.
If you get hit, you actions or inactions facilitated you getting hit. If you hit them, your actions or inactions facilitated you hitting them.
6 Laws of Strategizing
- Any space you create you must also be able to close.
Not doing this is actively retreating. - Always out maneuver your opponent.
Make the battlefield yours, claim all the territory and attack from the most advantageous position. - Create as many unpredictable variables as possible: pressure, bait, angles, speed, targets, and strategies. Never clearly present a linear strategy.
- Spacing; always control the distance between you and your opponent. this is your first step of defending and attacking. Distance dictates what strikes and defenses are effective.
- Break their rhythm, pattern, and strategy. Never let their approach reach maturity. This will force them to continuously adjust their method.
- Only fight on the centerline is you can easily overpower, counter, predict their movements or when you are moving through them. Don’t fight a war of attrition unless you have the upper hand.