Rules, Self Disciplines, and Courtesies
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Rules may vary from school to school.
The following are general rules that should be consistent in all
SDA member schools.
Fellow Students - All students will
be treated with respect.
Bowing
1. Standing bow when entering or exiting
a gym.
2. Classes begin and end with a formal bow. Do not rise until
everyone that out ranks you is standing.
The School (dojo
or Kwoon)
1. Remove your shoes before entering
the gym.
2. Be respectful and neat.
3. Repair or replace any damage you do.
The Uniform or GI
1. All students should have a GI by
the second month of classes.
2. The GI should be washed and clean.
3. The full (top & bottom) should be worn in class.
4. The right flap of the GI jacket goes on top. The belt knot
should open to the right.
Belt strips should be on the left side.
5. Remove headbands. Jewelry, watches, etc. before class.
6. Only black belts may wear a black GI.
7. Patches:
Round Fist - Right Shoulder
Shaolin Hands - Left Shoulder
Yin/Yang - Left Front
Red Belt - Left Front under Yin/Yang
SDA (hand) - Left Bottom of Right Flap Front
Teaching
1. Do not show material without the
full and explicit consent of your teacher.
2. Never put on a demonstration without the full and explicit
consent of your teacher.
Attitude
1. Attitude toward your teacher.
2. Attitude toward your dojo.
3. Attitude in class.
4. Attitude toward higher ranking students.
5. Attitude toward yourself.
6. Attitude about rank advancement.
7. Attitude about sparring and tournaments.
8. General thoughts to live by.
Equipment (This
is only a partial list)
White Belt : White Gi and Groin Cup
Yellow Belt: Shin / Instep Pads, Mouthpiece and Bo (Staff)
Blue Belt: Nunchaku and Sparring Gloves (optional)
Green Belt: Short Stick
Brown Belts: Broadsword (wood or metal), Sai and Kwan Do
Black Belts: Double Edge Sword, Double Broadswords, Spear,
Tiger Hook Swords and Black GI (optional)
Tai Chi: Double Edge Sword, Fan and Double Broadsword
The following is based on an open letter
written by Senior Master Bill Leonard. Discipline (self or otherwise)
and courtesy sets us apart from common thugs that know how to
hurt and maim. We hope that you take this to heart.
Bowing
One of the most obvious of the many
rules, self disciplines and courtesies in Shaolin Do is "bowing".
This is the first show of courtesy a new student notices.
Who
Students below the rank of "Black
Belt" should bow to all black belts whenever they approach
one. When the conversation is over the student should bow again
before turning to walk away. If the student is a black belt they
should follow the same routine with any black belt that out ranks
them. After all, each rank of black belt takes as long or longer,
as it does from white belt to black belt. It is only right that
proper respect be shown to an upper ranking black belts.
Whenever a "Master" walks
into a dojo (Japanese word for school, in Chinese the name is
"kwoon"), everyone should stop what they are doing and
show proper respect by facing them and bowing. After all, your
art survives only at the will of the Masters. They have demonstrated
to the Grandmaster that they possess the necessary talent and
knowledge to reach this high level. Shaolin arts are over 1500
years old and each of the masters carries that history with them
wherever they walk.
If you are teaching and a higher ranking
black belt comes into the room, stop the class and have everyone
bow to them. It is also proper to offer for them to teach the
class. Whatever the response, go along with them and treat them
with respect.
When
Whenever a student enters or leaves
a dojo, they should bow at the door or entrance to the training
floor. When class begins and ends, there will be a formal kneeling
bow. DO NOT RISE from a sitting position before all black belts
or other belts that outrank you are standing, this is looked upon
as an insult to higher ranks.
While in class pay attention to the
sensai (teacher, "sifu" in Chinese) and don't horse
around. If you have a question, approach your teacher, bow and
ask your question and bow before walking off.
While in class you will perform different
"katas" or sets of techniques. It is proper to bow before
starting and upon completion of a kata. If you perform a set,
such as short katas or sparring techniques, you should bow at
the beginning and end of the set, not after each individual technique.
Another common courtesy to others is
to bow when you stop at a barrier of some kind (ie. wall, cliff,
etc.), and then again after you turn to start once more. This
is a form of an apology to those who might be in your path that
you mean no ill will toward them as you practice your art.
Testing
Test bowing has a few more rules. When
the master enters the test area, all students should be in a straight
lines and facing them. There will be a standing bow after which
all those being tested will sit down and await their turn. When
your name is called, step to the middle of the area, face the
master and bow. If there is a committee, you will then face them
and bow. After bowing stand ready to be tested. If during the
exam you make a mistake, face the master, bow and ask permission
to repeat the material. Whatever the answer, bow.
When your test is completed, face the
master and bow out. If there is a committee, you will bow out
to them first and then to the master. After all the test scores
are given (under NO circumstances argue with the results or ask
questions) there will be a formal kneeling bow. Again, do NOT
rise until all black belts and other belts that outrank you are
standing.
Dojo
Always bow before entering or leaving
the dojo. Always be respectful of your dojo and don't abuse it.
After entering and before class, students should make sure the
dojo is clean and free of any trash, paper, bottles, etc. As a
matter of respect for the dojo don't ever smoke, drink or do anything
else that is unhealthy inside the dojo. Always support your dojo.
Anytime there is a white belt sign-up you should do your best
to enroll new people. The lifeblood of a dojo is the support of
its students.
Uniform
Your Karate uniform is called a "GI'".
Your GI should be kept clean and in good repair. Nothing is worse
than a worn out GI. All students below the rank of black belt
will wear a white GI. Only black belts may wear a black GI. The
ornamentation of your GI should consist of the Yin Yang patch,
fist patch, red belt patch, the Shaolin patch and the SDA patch
(if you are a member). You can also have your name either on your
back or right front of the GI. There are a couple of other patches
given only to black belts. Do not put anything on your GI that
has not been approved by your teacher.
Sparring
Sparring practice has a great deal
of bowing. When you approach the ring, bow before entering. Both
of the contestants should face the referee and bow to the referee's
command. They will then face each other and bow again at the referee's
command. The match can then begin. If the match is stopped for
any reason, such as a knock down or out of bounds, you will bow
to each other again before the restart of the match. At the end
of the match, stand facing each other and bow, then face the referee
and bow. Before leaving the ring, bow and back out of the ring.
Sparring, although not the most important
part of the Martial Arts, it is essential in your training. As
a general rule you should not spar without supervision until you
rank at least 3rd degree brown belt. There are a number of reasons
for this rule. First, in the lower ranks you have not developed
enough control over your body or focus in your attacks or blocks.
Second, you must develop the right attitude about sparring. If
you are accidentally hit, you might get mad and hit back. This
is not the correct attitude.
Sparring is a learning exercise not
a win/loose exercise. When sparring in class or with a fellow
student never, no matter how tempted, throw any attacks to the
knee or elbow joints. These kinds of attacks can permanently cripple
an opponent. You should always consider your classmate's safety
before anything else.
If someone above your rank asks you
to spar, you cannot turn them down. If they ask you to spar, it
is that they are taking an interest in your progress and it would
be an insult to refuse. On the other hand, don't ask someone above
your rank to spar. This could be interpreted as a challenge.
Teaching
We are all students and will always
be students. If your teacher has faith in you they may recommend
you as a teacher to Grandmaster The'. Until then, you should not
teach or cause to be taught anything you have learned. If you
do, not only are you robbing your teacher of students, but you
are also robbing yourself of all the hard work, sweat, time, and
money that you have invested in Shaolin Do. Never put on a demonstration
with out the express consent of your teacher.
Attitude
The hardest thing to talk about
is attitude, so it is divided it into sections.
* Attitude toward your teacher.
* Attitude toward your dojo.
* Attitude in class.
* Attitude toward higher ranking students.
* Attitude toward yourself.
* Attitude about rank advancement.
* Attitude about sparring and tournaments.
* General thoughts to live by.
Attitude toward
your teacher
Your teacher is the source of your
entire knowledge. They should be treated with great respect, not
only for their physical ability, but for their ability to teach.
When your teacher tells you something, you should believe it.
You should follow their advice almost blindly because they have
been there before. Grandmaster The' is probably the only person
in the world with a comprehensive knowledge of the Shaolin system.
You should treat him in the same manner as you would treat the
President of the United States or other world leader.
We are extremely lucky to have him
as our Grandmaster and you should not forget it. The old saying
that familiarity breeds contempt is true, don't let this happen
to you with your teacher or master. The friendlier you become
with them the luckier you should feel and the more respect you
should show. Loyalty to your teacher and master is a must. Without
loyalty, there is no respect or trust. There have been traitors
to us in the past and in almost every instance, the reason has
been their massive egos, lack of respect and self discipline,
and little or no loyalty. Don't let this happen to you.
Attitude toward
the dojo
"Dojo" is the Japanese word
for Karate school, the Chinese word is "Kwoon" which
means training hall. Your attitude about the dojo should be to
feel that it is a place of learning and should be treated respectfully.
It should be kept clean by the students. It should not be defaced
or horse around in and you should act with restraint and self
discipline.
Attitude in class
When in formal class, you should act
as proper and respectful as possible. You should concentrate everything
you have on what your teacher is trying to teach you. Put every
ounce of strength and effort you have into everything you do in
the class. Taking it easy in class is lazy, and you will never
gain ability in this manner. Never drop out of a workout or stop
in the middle of a workout unless you feel you are going to be
ill. If you do feel it necessary to remove yourself from a workout
you should face your teacher and bow. Then respectfully ask permission
to sit down, giving the reason why. When you feel better, again
bow to your teacher and take your place in the class. This is
not to be tough on anyone whom is ill it is to encourage those
who are tired or feeling a bit of pain to continue the workout.
The old cliche is true, " no pain, no gain". You should
never over workout this is not productive. However, if you do
not stretch a little beyond what you were before or workout hard
enough to get your heart rate high enough nothing will be gained
from your workout. If you must ask a question during the class,
wait until there is a break in the action. Don't break up a workout,
keep it in your mind until there is an opportunity. Example of
when to ask would be, standing in the bo stance catching your
breath.
Attitude toward
higher ranking students
Higher ranking students should be treated
with respect, the way you respect upperclassman in school. Black
belts should be treated as a much older brother with experience
that you can learn from. You should show extreme respect for any
black belt, whether you like them personally or not. The higher
the rank, the higher the respect. Do not walk up to a black belt,
hit them on the back. and say: "Hi Joe. How is everything?".
You should approach them respectfully and address them respectfully
when you speak. Remember, there are good black belts, average
black belts and poor black belts. Just as there are good, average,
and poor doctors. The fact remains that they are black belts and
doctors.
Attitude about yourself
To work hard in Shaolin Do and gain
ability, you must have some ego. The trick is to be in control
of yourself and your ego, never think of your self as super bad
or super great, and keep everything in perspective. As long as
you study, you will be a student no matter what your rank. Even
if you become a teacher, you are still a student of your teacher.
You should have respect for yourself
but at the same time try to be as humble as possible. The biggest
problem is when you start thinking you are better than other people.
You isolate yourself in your own little world and can't see out.
Attitude about rank
advancement
There are more hard feelings and politics
about rank advancement than any other subject. You must look at
it this way. In the lower ranks, you are judged physical ability
alone. If you fail an exam, it doesn't mean you are a failure.
What it does mean is that your teacher feels you do not have a
firm grasp on the material that has been presented to you, and
if they pass you to the next rank you will be further confused
because of the addition of new material. Do not complain or quit
if you do not pass a test, rather go back, redo the previous material
until you have a firm grasp on it, both physically and mentally.
In the upper ranks of brown and black
belt, the question sometimes is not if you can perform the material,
but how well can perform the material. There must be some artistic
value to
what you are doing. Your overall performance is what counts Also,
in the upper ranks your attitude comes into play. If you have
a poor attitude, your chances of becoming a black belt are
poor. If you have a good attitude, your chances of being a black
belt are good. The most important statement about rank advancement
is :
"IF YOU DON'T FEEL READY TO
TEST -- DON'T."
You must feel 100% comfortable with
your material and performance in order for your advancement to
mean anything to you.
Sparring and Tournaments
When two people spar, both should learn
from the experience and neither should be injured. Learning at
the expense of a fellow classmate is not the way Shaolin Do. When
you begin a match, you should try your best but show control and
focus. Most people fear sparring and this is not the right attitude.
You should approach sparring as a mathematical problem, that needs
to be resolved. For example how can you score upon this opponent,
or why is this opponent scoring on me and what can you do to stop
them. Complete cooperation of both parties is needed in order
to prevent injury.
You should always give it your best,
but you must remember that only one person can win. So don't get
mad or feel like you have to win to save face. Sparring is a learning
experience, and we learn more from our defeats than our victories.
The true martial artist looks at their defeats and studies them
so they are not repeated. The same holds true for tournaments.
Approach them as if you are going to a party. Play your part of
the game the best you can, but win or lose you are going to enjoy
everything that goes on at the tournament. Tournaments are a chance
for you to see students that may be approaching the material from
an different angle than in your school. So, like the monks of
old, bring back to your school what you learned, then all will
benefit.
General Attitude
Always try be the best person that
you can . Always try to be concerned with other people's feelings.
Life sometimes is hard and things don't always go the way you
want them to. In order to survive happily or sanely, you must
accept reality and go on from there. Do not accept it grudgingly,
but accept it as the natural order and proceed with life.
Everyone in the art of Shaolin Do that
wears a black belt should try to be a living example of our rules
and regulations. This will encourage the lower ranks to follow
suit without complaints. The worst thing any black belt can do
is to tell anyone to do something one way and then do the opposite
. "Do what I say, not what I do", was never a valid
concept. You must practice what you preach. If you cannot live
up to the rules, don't expect others to live up to them.
All the rules that were followed in
the Orient haven't been covered, but that was not the purpose.
It was to convey a general understanding of Shaolin Do . And most
of all, to give the students a little knowledge of the proper
way to conduct themselves in and out of class. If you as a student
do not wish to accept what is written here, then that's fine.
No one will force you to do anything that you do not want to do.
But for those of you that want to know the proper way of doing
things...
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Achieve results,
But never glory in them.
Achieve results, But never boast
Achieve results, But never be proud.
Achieve results, Because this is the natural way.
Achieve results, But not through violence.
Force is followed by loss of strength.
- Lao Tzu
Sin The' Gym
282 Gold Rush Road
Lexington KY 40503
Phone: 859-275-2148
Send comments to: remy@starlight.com