ETIQUETTE AND SCHOOL RULES
Zihe's goal is to train excellent practitioners and cultivate their character by building the foundations of spirit and character necessary to settle humbly and confidently in self - thus fortifying the ground for deepening one's cultivation. The quality of one’s cultivation and practice is expressed in their character and spirit.
Humility, Integrity, Nobility: The Path to Mastery.
At Wudang Wudao students train to refine the sword of the spirit to a keen, unbreakable edge with a piercing tip. Through training and the cultivation of humility, integrity, and nobility the blade is kept honed, yet quietly sheathed.
The goal is not to use this sword wantonly, but to establish the humble responsibility and judiciousness to know if, when, and how to appropriately unsheathe and wield this blade with benevolent skillfulness through the cultivation of character.
All experiences and engagements with life are training opportunities when we attune our lives to our cultivation. One's life is an extension of their practice and their practice an extension of their life. The core principles to always return to are humility, integrity, and nobility in character and action.
New Students
Becoming a student can often be somewhat overwhelming or confusing - to make this new experience easier, the following are some words on basic etiquette and school rules. Whenever in doubt, return to the 3 core principles of humility, integrity, and nobility.
At Wudang Wudao, it is our goal to cultivate self and Dao through our practice and community. The quality and essence of one's practice and integrity rely on the cultivation of their character. For this reason, we focus on "grinding the iron bar into a fine needle" through practice.
We humble ourselves before the traditions that have been passed down to us and practice them with the integrity which honors them and cultivates the nobility within.
Student Enrollment
All students are required to first consult and talk with Zihe Shifu 资和师父 [Jeff] about their training. Students are required to register and sign a waiver and contract prior to beginning training. Students under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver and contract. Please be sure to arrive to your first class 10 minutes early to fill out these forms and have a short orientation.
Basic Etiquette
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Show up to class on time. Try to arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the start of class.
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Students are not allowed to leave class early (outside of emergencies or circumstances prior communicated).
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Students should greet the Master by saying “Shifu hao” 师父好 and maintain mindful, respectful, and humble conduct.
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At the conclusion of each class, students should greet and thank the teacher by saying “Shifu xinku le” 师父辛苦了.
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Students should always be mindful of character and how it shines through in attitude and conduct.
Class Etiquette
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Students are not allowed to teach anyone outside or inside of class unless given permission by the Master.
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Students should always be respectful to Shifu, other elders, and guests as well as their kungfu brothers and sisters.
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Vulgarity, curse words, and crude gestures are not allowed.
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Loose fitting pants and a t-shirt should always be worn.
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Students should wear dedicated, non-black soled indoor training shoes during class. No street shoes or bare feet.
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Students are expected to cultivate humility and nobility in their conduct. Inappropriate comments or behavior will not be tolerated.
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There is no talking allowed during training.
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Students must not come to class under the influence of drugs.
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All mobile phones and any other electronics must be either off or set to silent during training.
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Please wash off any strong perfumes, colognes, and any other strong scent before coming to training.
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Students are expected to maintain a standard of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
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Students who fail to comply with these rules may be asked to leave class.
Safety
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Students should not use any weapon that they have not been specifically trained in.
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When doing any type of partner training, be sure to always communicate clearly with your partner to avoid injury.
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If you have an injury or debilitating condition, please know your limitations and communicate them with Shifu and others.
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Please remove all jewelry and piercings prior to the start of training.
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All long hair must be tied back in a ponytail or in a bun.
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Please be aware of your surroundings and conscious of the space you are training in.
