Traditions and Agreements

These agreements were written and developed by Grandmaster Lee and capture the essence of how White Leopard students and schools approach training life.

Every system of school has some of its own traditions and rules. Some are general Chinese culture, and some are specific to the martial arts culture. Below are some of the traditions we strive for in our school. Work on them early to develop the character and discipline of a true martial artist.

• "Empty your cup". This is an expression that means to allow criticism and suggestions, and to never consider yourself completely knowledgeable regardless of time in training. We are only on a staircase that is very long and with no apparent end. Empty your cup means not to take criticism personally. Criticisms are suggestions or sharing to gain better refinement from outside eyes.
• Trust your teachers' judgement. Never ask to be taught more. Let the instructor decide when you are ready.
• Never move beyond what you have been taught. We are all anxious at times to grow, but there are reasons and methods for the way things are taught.  Many times, we may not agree, but it is important that you trust your instructors' judgement and methods. 
• Instructors are human. They make mistakes and human problems like everyone else.
• Treat your fellow students as brothers and sisters. By giving and helping them to be better, you will be helping yourself. Senior students stay humble and treat junior students as equals thus enabling you to have respect and position as senior students. Junior students are respectful of their seniors for the time, dedication and skills they have developed.
• Senior students, it is your responsibility and duty to understand and feel comfortable with these rules and traditions. Be able and willing to pass them on to those who will follow in your footsteps and look to you for guidance.
• Try to show up early for class to warm yourself up. There is limited time in class, so it is better to be prepared and allow for learning during class time.
• Always bow upon entering and exiting the school. This shows a sign of respect for the place you come to learn and for those who came before. Bow to your instructor before and after class, bow to upper belts who are helping you. It does not mean to "bow down" to another person, it is merely a sign of respect or gratitude. It's the martial arts version of a handshake or fist bump.
• Always try to wear your proper uniform and ensure that it is clean and you do not smell. If you do not have a school tee shirt, wear a plain colored one with no other designs on them. Wear your belt if you have one.
• When the instructor calls class to line, or asks the class to do something, please do so quickly and quietly.
• When lining up in class, all higher ranked students line up in front. This shows respect but also allows others to follow them as needed.
• When another class lines up to end the class and bow out, other students should move to the side of the room to clear the way for them to bow to the ancestor wall. Also, when bowing out, do not put anything between you and the instructors. Things like gear and test sheets should be placed behind you.
• Do not play with weapons that you have not been taught to use.
• Without being asked, clean the training area. When you see a need. At the very least, always clean up after yourself.
• Stay quiet while others are receiving instruction. It is important to not interfere with others’ learning opportunities. Watching while others are being taught is a great way to gain knowledge.
• There are two seats you should never sit in. One in the back by the ancestor wall, and one in front reserved for the instructor.
• Always address your teachers with their titles. 
• Always ask your teacher for permission/approval before visiting another school.
• Always strive for your best in all classes. Do not allow yourself to just follow or stand idle. Practice yourself, regardless of your grasp or ability of the technique. Tenacity is the ability to keep trying with or without an instructor watching.
• There is a no compete tradition among black belt level students and instructors. If you are a black belt and wish to open a school and teach on your own, you must do so outside a 30 mile radius of another school. 

********

 Sparring/Self Defense Training Guidelines

• Purchase protective gear that is adequately padded and in good shape. Head gear, mouthpieces, cups for men required. 
• Keep toenails and fingernails trimmed short.
• Always use good sportsmanship
• Be assertive and defensive at the same time
• Move in circular patterns mixed with in and out moves
• Throw 3 to give 5 techniques on a single attack or defense, follow up
•  Do not square your body off, stay sideways
•  Distance is key, must be close enough to make contact or far away enough to not get attacked
•  Be efficient and calm, do not wear yourself out unnecessarily or get overly emotional
•  Remember to change directions often, be evasive as well as direct
•  Try to be first one to score points, take control of points
•  Remember to block first, when getting attacked, then counter 
•  Guard the head and face
•  Practice containing the ego, don’t get offended or take it personally
•  Using too much power, joint locking or other aggressive moves shows a low level of ego containment. 
•  Practice hard and with intent but use the techniques with kindness and appreciation. 
•  Use 50% strength and use only as much pressure/power on your opponent as you are willing to accept back. 
•  Be open to constructive criticism and instruction from upper belts and teachers
•  Be courteous and humble. Approach with a smile. 
•  Use taught applications and techniques, no street fighting, movie or video stunts
•  No blind or out of control blows.
•  No attacking face, throat, spine, knees. Very light groin contact is ok. Side of head is ok.
•  STOP and BREAK when told to and acknowledge each other’s points made.
•  Spinning techniques must be sighted, collected and controlled. Throws or sweeps must control the opponent’s fall.
•  Do not use wrestling, double grabbing, or other strong-arm type techniques. 

********

How the MJLH Kung Fu Player moves:

·       Moves like a wave

·       Jumps like an ape

·       Stands upright like a pine tree

·       Turns and rotates like a wheel

·       Falls like a leaf

·       Soars like an eagle

·       Leaps like a cat

·       Lands like a crane

·       Is still and immovable like a mountain

·       Stops and freezes like a rooster

·       Bends like a bow

·       Punches heavy like the weight of iron

·       Changes direction like a gust of wind

·       Evades like a mongoose

·       Hands that are fast like a shooting star

·       Eyes sharp and bright like a bolt of lightning

·       Waist that slithers like a snake

·       Stances like the feet glued to the floor

·       Spirit that is high and sharp with enthusiasm
 

********

Coordination Powers of MJLH:

• Hands and feet are the ends or tips of the technique
• Elbows and knees are the middle of the technique
• Shoulders and hips are the root of the technique
• Coordination with the Upper limbs: starts at the tips, middle follows and root chases.
• Coordination with the Lower limbs: starts at the root, throwing the middle and end at the tips.
• Hand coordinates with the elbow, which coordinates with the shoulder
• Foot coordinates with knee, which coordinates with hips
• Upper and Lower limbs work together with the waist as a medium
• Eye coordinates with the heart, which coordinates with the mind, which together equal chi
• Chi coordinates with strength.
  

********

Ten Fundamentals of Tai Chi

These fundamentals are adapted from Tin Chan Lee’s book, The Wu Style of Tai Chi Chuan. It is important to apply these principles in your Tai Chi practice.

1. Upper psychic and lower psychic centers. The upper is made as light as possible and lower is made heavy. The result of the movement in the mind and correct body position is harmonious relaxation. When there is harmony, the chi will sink to the lower mind center thus creating the balance of physical strength and a relaxed body.

2. Do not use physical strength. If physical strength is used, it will not allow the chi to flow. Chi will only flow when the body is relaxed and the mind is in control. The mind directs the chi.

3. Sink the Chest. The chest is not expanded or pushed forward; the back is slightly curved. If the chest is expanded, the Chi will rise. If the back is too straight, the Chi will not sink down. If the Chi rises and is unable to sink down, then the center of balance will rise.

4. Lower the shoulders and elbows. If the shoulders and elbows are not relaxed, the Chi will not sink, and the center of balance will rise.

5. Spine and sacrum must be straight. All movement originates from the pivoting of the sacrum. If the movements are not from the sacrum, the Chi will not circulate harmoniously.

6. Harmonize the Three Outer Harmonies. These three alignments are called the Outer Harmonies: The shoulders are in line with the hips; the knees are in line with the elbows; the top of the head is in line with the base of the spine. This alignment creates harmony between the upper and lower body.

7. Harmonize the Three Inner Harmonies. These are the inner harmonies: The life fluid is harmony with the life spirit; the life spirit is in harmony with the circulating breath; the circulating breath is in harmony with the life fluid. The inner and outer harmonies are synchronized and are in rhythmic flow.

8. The body must manifest both yin and yang aspects. The forward movements are in harmony with the backward movements; the movements to the right are in harmony with the movements to the left; the movements of the hands are in harmony with the movements of the feet; the upper body is harmony with the lower body.

9.  Each movement blends with the next. Create elastic like movements in an unbroken sequence. Each movement blends with the next. The body is in continuous motion with no stopping. All motion is rotating and circular.

10. Tranquility and movement are harmonized into one. Within movement, seek tranquility. When tranquility is found, it must be harmonized with movement. This is Tai Chi mediation.

********

What is Qi (Chi)

Compiled by Dr. Martin Eisele, L.Ac

Qi, is a balance of Yin and Yang and is the energy of life. It manifests on both spiritual and physical levels. It is in constant movement. Qi is cultivated through a combination of meditation and breathing, which is the essence of Qigong. Qi flows through the organs and the twelve main and eight extra channels in sequence and in time with the hours of the day. Qi can move freely and in the right direction during health. In sickness it can be deficient. It can sink downward. It can stagnate or it can be “rebellious” and flow the wrong way. Qigong practice supports qi my making it plentiful and helping it flow freely and in the right direction. Qigong also focuses on breathing which engages the lungs and brings in qi and helps transform qi into a useable form. Qi comes in several forms and derives from various sources.

Original Qi (Yuan Qi) –is the source of life derived from our parents. It is stored between the kidneys and the Ming Men (arch of back). It supports the functions of all the organs and the development of energy throughout the body. Some argue that each person is given a certain amount of Yuan Qi for life, and it cannot be added to but only supported through right living. Others say that certain types of Qigong can add to the original amount. Either way, it is important not to deplete yourself unnecessarily. Exercise, nutrition, meditation, Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong can help preserve Yuan Qi.

Food Qi (Gu Qi) – This is the form of qi that we get from nourishment. Proper and balanced eating provides a source for sustaining life. The food we eat is transformed by the stomach and spleen into a usable form. The Gu Qi then is transported upward to the lungs and heart and blood respectively.

Air Qi (Qing Qi) – This is the qi of the air we breathe, which enters the lungs. Proper breathing and clean air help support the body by bringing this qi inward.

Gathering Qi (Zong Qi) – The formation of Zong Qi through the combining of food and air creates the first “usable” form of qi in the body. It functions to nourish the heart and lungs, supports functions of the respiration and the heart in the circulatory system. It is also the qi of speech and the voice. Zong Qi collects in the middle of the chest and is supported by breathing exercises.

True Qi (Zhen Qi)- Zhen Qi is the final form of qi that is created in the chest with the help of the lungs and in combination with Food and Gathering qi. From there, it circulates in the acupuncture channels and through the organs. True Qi comes in two forms: (1) Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi) – This qi nourishes the internal organs and the who body. It also flows with blood in the vessels as well as with acupuncture channels. This is the qi that acupuncture stimulates.  (2) Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) – This qi protects the body from external attacks of pathogens such as cold, wind, heat, damp, dryness or germs. It flows between the skin and the muscles. It nourishes the skin, controls the pores and helps regulate body temperature.

********

The Value of Competition

By Grandmaster Johnny KM Lee

Competition will improve your strength of mind, build higher self-esteem and give a sense of control both physically and mentally. Keep in mind that you must avoid negative attitudes in your daily practice and in life as well as when you compete. If you have a closed mind and are not a positive thinker, it spells DEFEAT right away. 

There is not a guarantee you will place first or even at all. The guarantee lies in having the experience of competing which gives you a guideline for developing and focusing on your weak and strong points.

What are some other benefits of competing?  Competition makes you strive for more perfection in your forms and more precision in your body movements. It helps you develop a keener sense of yourself. As you drill on techniques, they become more fluid and natural and at the same time, you develop more strength, endurance, flexibility and stamina.

There are many benefits for the teacher also. Instructors enjoy watching their students grow in the style and practice what they have been taught. It is stimulating and encouraging to the instructor at the same time, and it brings recognition to our styles. So, the true meaning of competition is to improve yourself to your greatest potential.