How to Observe Kung Fu School Etiquette

Perhaps because of its violent side, kung fu stresses manners and respect. This importance, combined with its roots in Chinese culture, make kung fu etiquette very mysterious. In fact, fear of embarrassment through improper behavior is a prime reason that keeps many would be students from entering a kwoon (or training hall). Kung fu etiquette is actually much more relaxed than many other martial arts rules of conduct.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Leave your shoes on unless asked to remove them. Generally, taking off shoes is associated with Japanese culture, not Chinese. Be careful to avoid walking on training areas (such as mats or into rings) with street shoes as dirty mats can cause infections or rashes for those wrestling on them.
2. Bow when meeting other students and teachers, making sure to bow slightly longer and deeper for teachers. Most schools will have a salute used in conjunction with a bow. This should not be imitated. Simply hold the hands at the side and bow at the waist. Shake hands if offered.
3. When one joins a kung fu school, everyone is senior to them. Address everyone using sir or ma'am until instructed otherwise. The basis of most kung fu etiquette is the family model with the teacher (called the sifu or "learned father") leading the brothers and sisters of the school. After one is accepted into a school, the behavior is fairly relaxed.
4. Avoid touching or bumping the altar. Many schools will have a designated area to honor the school's ancestors. Frequently there will be a small statue of the Chinese folk, General Kwan and paintings or photographs of past teachers. Although not specifically religious in nature, it is an area that must be regarded with a great deal of respect. If asked to light incense at the altar, follow the lead of other participants.
5. Follow the lead of students as much as possible. Because of the familial nature of kung fu etiquette, it can vary a great deal from school to school just as acceptable behavior in one home would be scandalous in another. Some schools are very informal with joking and even cursing while others are studious and quiet.
6. Listen for a specific dialect of Chinese and attempt to use its phrases as much as possible. The most common are Cantonese and Mandarin. "Sifu," "sillum," "kung fu," and "kwoon" are Cantonese phrases, while in Mandarin one would say "shifu," "shaolin," "gung fu" and "guan."