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Wu-De, The Shaolin Code

For students of The Hall of The Peaceful Dragon
An affiliate school of
American Center for Chinese Studies (A.C.C.S.)
As dictated by
Grandmaster Frank DeMaria,
teacher of our Head Instructor,
Master Eric Sbarge

A Message From Grandmaster Frank DeMaria (Ma Foren)

What is the Shaolin Code? The code, simply put, is the directives that we follow to preserve the Shaolin arts for future generations. Collectively, these rules or customs are known as Wu-De. The character "wu" is the same as in wu-shu, meaning martial or warrior; the character "de" means virtue, to follow the natural way or do what is instinctively right.

Respect is the key word in preserving the Shaolin arts. Without respect the true martial arts and their traditions would have faded away centuries ago, leaving nothing but fighting and pugilism in their wake.

I have had many teachers in my life. Among them were masters Arng Wak Yuey, Chung Tsai, B.P. Chan, John McSweeney, Kwang Yun Chang and Wu San Jyu. I have also had many masters of Chan Buddhism and Taoist philosophy, including the renowned Master Shen Yen. My last and greatest teacher of Kung fu was Chang Tung Sheng, whom I strive to emulate. It is he who I use as my guide to properly follow kung fu traditions and ethics. What you read in this small document on Wu-de is simply my passing on the expectations and traditions of Chang himself. I believe in and live my life according to these Shaolin traditions, and I expect you to follow in the same foot steps as the great masters before us.

Of course this list of proper Wu-de is incomplete, for an entire text could be written on the subject. However, the main concepts are expressed and any others must come from deep within you as you cultivate yourself through your training. Always strive to do the right thing. When in doubt, ask your teacher. If your teacher is unavailable then ask yourself, "What would Great Grandmaster Chang Dung Sheng, who lived a life of pure and righteous kung fu, have done in this situation?"

Train hard, and may each day of your training bring you closer to enlightenment.

Sincerely,

Grandmaster Ma Foren
(Frank DeMaria)

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Titles

Great Grandmaster
Grandmaster
Master
Teacher
Older Brother/Sister

Always address your teacher as Sifu (teacher), not by name. Senior students who instruct classes should be addressed by name or as older brother/sister.

Rank

Great Grandmaster - Beyond Rank
Grandmaster - 40+ years
Master - 25+ years
Sifu - 10+ years
Disciple - 5+ years
Student - 1+ years

Though when you join the Hall of The Peaceful Dragon you may be referred to as a student in casual conversation, it is at the one year mark that you are eligible to officially become a student and be listed on the family tree.

The Family Tree

The rewards for dedication to our arts are many and life-lasting. For as long as you train your name is engraved in our kwoon's (school's) family tree and in the history of Shaolin. Your name will always hold a place of honor amongst members of our circle. Your dedication and skills in the art will be recognized in articles, books and documents that will carry into future generations. When you reach teacher level, if that is your desire, your students will be recognized and sanctioned by circle members as legitimate heirs of the Shaolin arts. You will long be remembered for your dedication to the arts and for helping to maintain the ancient traditions of Shaolin.

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School Support

In a traditional Chinese kung fu school of old, the teacher's role was to cultivate him or her self to the highest level and then guide the students to this same level. The student's role was to support and obey the teacher, but of equal importance was to provide and maintain needed facilities or resources to make such training possible. The Peaceful Dragon adheres to this tradition of what a kung fu school should be in as much as possible. Tuition is kept reasonable to make training available to as many students as possible, but without the support and effort of the students, the teacher cannot forge ahead and the success of the students will in turn fall short. Therefore the following guidelines are important.

1. All students should take the responsibility for running and maintaining the school. Volunteer to help in which ever ways you can, and participate with a positive spirit of cooperation.

2. More experienced students should help new students feel welcomed and wanted in our kwoon. Encouragement and setting a good example will help all students reach their full potential. Newer students should demonstrate respect toward more senior students at all times.

3. All students should actively participate in promoting the Shaolin arts in general, and our school in particular. There are always fliers to be posted in your community, or articles to be written, or many other ways you can help your school grow and flourish. Word of mouth is one of the best ways - tell other people of good character about your training and encourage them to join. The strength of your school truly is the foundation from which you'll draw strength in your own training.

General Expectations For Students and Disciples

Attendance

1. Never miss your classes. In earlier days, you would live with your teacher who would oversee every phase of your development. Today you only see your teacher for a short time each week, so it is important that you are consistent and on time to class if you are to make progress in the arts.

2. In the event you must miss several classes, notify your school's staff ahead of time if possible or let them know afterward why you missed class. In the case of private lessons or the disciples class, you must always notify your teacher ahead of time if you must miss class.

3. Do not miss class because of injuries or minor illness. You can make great progress sitting in a wheelchair and meditating if need be, so do not neglect the spiritual strength that can be derived from being in the company of your teacher and your hard-working kung fu brothers and sisters.

4. Always attend classes prepared. This means wearing your proper uniform (clean and in good repair), keeping nails cut short for safety, removing all watches and jewelry, wearing proper kung fu shoes or suitable sneakers, and maintaining good personal hygiene.

5. Do not miss special events such as lectures, demonstrations, retreats or other school events. If your teacher feels it is important enough for your school to participate, you should take advantage of the event and the learning experiences it will offer you.

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Payment

In Ohio in 1984, Great Grandmaster Chang Dung Sheng was presented with a large solid bar of gold by students of the Shuai Chiao association there. He scoffed at the gift and returned it, asking, "Is that all that my kung fu training is worth to you?"

A true kung fu teacher is not motivated by money or business matters, for he or she understands the impermanence and illusion of such mundane matters. Few things can compare with the treasures derived from cultivating your mind, body and spirit in the ancient traditions of Shaolin. However, Wu-de mandates that you pay your teacher for the gift of Shaolin bestowed upon you, whether in money or in service. At all A.C.C.S. schools we make every attempt to keep costs to students low, but we do have expenses that must be met. So please follow these few guidelines.

1. Never stop your training because you are short of money. Instead, work out a system of payment or service with your teacher. It is too easy to find reasons and "excuses" not to forge ahead and develop yourself - never let money become this excuse.

2. Try, whenever possible, to buy or order any kung fu clothing or supplies through your school. With student discounts you will usually spend less than you would through retail stores or mail order, and you are helping to support your kwoon.

3. Special Occasions: It is tradition to remember your teacher and Grandmaster on birthdays and Chinese New Year. The common practice is a red envelope donation collected amongst students, the contents of which usually get put right back into the school anyway. It is said in China, "If a student cares for the teacher, how then can a teacher not care for the student?"

General Conduct

1. Train Regularly. Determine now that success in your training is important to you, and set your schedule accordingly. Once set, do not deviate from your training schedule. And remember, nothing of value is mastered over night.

2. Follow through on any commitment you make, whether in training or in volunteering to help with kwoon activities. The kwoon is dependent of the efforts of students if it is to grow and flourish. Everything you offer to do is appreciated and does not go unnoticed. However, make sure that you DO what you say you will do. In Shaolin it is often said that the empty bucket makes the most noise. Some students wish to talk big about what they can do and what they will do, but there is little substance behind their words. Remember in life it is okay to say no, but not okay to say yes if you mean no.

3. If you make an error in judgment regarding Wu-de, recognize the error and correct it immediately. Every master before you made mistakes, but part of their mastery was showing the courage and humility to admit and correct their mistakes.

4. Understand the teacher/student relationship. If your teacher asks your opinion on a matter, give it freely. If not, Wu-de dictates that you accept your teacher's instructions. Success in kung fu only comes from adherence to the oral transmissions and day-to-day instructions that your teacher offers you. Though tens of thousands of people around the world claim to be martial arts instructors, few people have had the dedication, discipline and proper character to become A.C.C.S. instructors in the true Shaolin tradition. Those who have reached sifu level should be respected for their wisdom and insight.

Realize that becoming a sifu is a commitment to a way of life. That commitment involves training and study, training and study. Therefore, a sifu has precious little time for other endeavors. When it comes to helping students with training or personal matters, a sifu will do anything and everything possible. When it comes to socializing casually with students or participating in activities outside of the kwoon, your teacher will nearly always say thank you but no thank you.

5. Carry your training into your daily life. Indeed, make your daily life your training ground. Be humble, kind, harmonious and non-confrontational in all of your dealings, and follow the Shaolin creed at all times.

6. Know that your toughest opponent is yourself! Do not become complacent, lazy or apathetic in your training. Do not sacrifice the development of your mind, body and spirit - ever!

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