Mo Duk - Rules for Southern Shaolin Academy
In traditional martial arts there are certain "rules" for social interaction. These rules were set up directly by the monks and priests of the Shaolin and Wu Dang monasteries and were upheld by the leading masters of the various kung fu systems. According to these rules, the students would be chosen only if they were seen to be worthy of learning Kung Fu. The new students were first instructed by the advanced student, while the Sifu watched their behavior. Only when the new student passed this "examination" would he be accepted and personally instructed by the Sifu.
These rules are known as Mo Duk 武德 (= Canton Dialect "Martial Arts moral virtue"; mandarin Dialect "Wu De").
These moral principles are an inseparable link to the traditional Chinese martial arts.
- Follow the rules and show discipline
- Develop a sense of order and justice, respect your parents and your Sifu
- Be polite and kind to your fellow students, help and support them
- Keep a high moral character, avoid negative thoughts
- Be peaceful and patient, avoid unnecessary conflicts
- Be friendly and kind to all people
- All life is precious nor can any be replaced
- Protect the weak and support the peace with your martial arts skills
- Never forget from whom you have learned your kung fu
- Honor the founders and always remember your Sifu and his teachings
Other rules were written by the legendary Wong Fei Hung 黃飛鴻 the great Hung Gar Kuen Master. They were essential for the students that trained at Po Chi Lam.
Original note from Master Wong Fei Hung (around the year 1900)
Respect the founder, your teacher and his teachings.
First learn humanity and justice, and then learn kung fu.
After you learned kung fu, use it only for self-defense.
A true hero never oppresses other people.
If you meet a man who has no honor, don't teach him your art, even if he offers you 10.000 gold pieces. Even if he is related to you, don't teach him.
If this man is not related to you, but he is a man of honor and justice, so then you can teach him.
After you have completed the Hung Gar style even a useless stone will be a piece of gold for you.
