Wu De : Martial Virtue
Wu De 武德
Traditional Martial Artists live by a moral code called Wu De, literally meaning martial virtue. As a student I take this to heart because I know many do not. But what does that mean?
Hand to Hand. Heart to Heart.
You will be hard pressed to train these arts alone. Truly, it is a teacher that is needed. There is no room to negotiate the key tenants of the martial arts and the values placed by the teachers. If one wishes to learn- this fact is rather unavoidable.
Although, I grew up and trained in a very strict school of martial arts I am not huge on formalities.
I do not require students to call me sifu this is a personal choice. I certainly do not use the term master when speaking of myself. I keep things disciplined but not authoritarian ( unless i have to). I am strict in training but fair in life.
With this all said, the fact remains that I am the head coach/SiFu here and this is my WuGuan. I’ve put in the time, effort and the money for decades now to become accomplished in the arts, to make a name for myself and while I do prefer to be informal and approachable I will tolerate no silliness as far respect and honor are concerned. I require my students to act as responsible upright members of the community, balanced & stable in life.
In short: I do not demand respect but I absolutely command it. I am kind not nice. This is the way of WuDe.
How does one further live wude?
Be kind and generous. Be disciplined and dangerous.
As martial artists, we learn that the combative path sharpens our bodies in many ways, both physically and mentally. IF you take it to heart there is great longevity in these practices. Physical strength and conditioning, mental resilience, a higher martial IQ these are all side effects that equal a net positive in your day to day.
It is learning the intricacies of fighting that draws us together. To be able to stand up with competence in the face of aggression should the need come. We all want to become skilled in martial art. We train because friendly pugilism is fun and keeps us humble as well as sharp. We train because the world is not kind.
However, we are reminded that fighting is the path not the destination. Violence is not to be sought or relished it is to be dominated…by force if needed and then mourned.
To be engaged in purpose is the clearest path to success in self cultivation. For this you must be an autodidact.
A serious student will study other arts and skills such as: nature, cooking, music, academics, and medicine. These type skills are used to compliment and bring balance to the martial artist.
Lower expectations. Raise Standards.
You do not rise to your assumptions in life. You fall to your level of understanding and ability. And a mans worth is measured by actions not by words (often empty lies).
This is a competence hierarchy.
Are you consistently reliable or reliably inconsistent. Do you do what you say or are you always making excuses for why you are failing? Do you make sure your responsibilities are met?
Never lie – especially to yourself.
Traditional Poem of our southern fist Arts.
相逢不是忠良輩,
Encountering someone who is not loyal and honest, then
黃金萬兩也不傳。
for ten thousand ounces of gold we will still not pass the skills on to them
有親無義不可教,
Even a relative, without righteousness, will not learn this art .
有義無親則可傳。
But one that has kindness, although not related, he can train the ways of our martial art ( become family)
Hoc Jeun
- To have the quality of being kind and understanding. Respect for others
Hoc yi
- To to be generous and heart felt in your thoughts and actions.
Hoc Gung fu
- Learn the skill of martial art and self cultivation. To be disciplined and dangerous.
jeun jo
- Respect the old guard and past masters. Without them we would be left without.
Jeun si
- Respect the current teachers for their dedication and discipline to both study and teach.
Juen gao do
- Respect the traditions and martial practice. To live WUDE.
