"Wu De" 武德 ("Wu Teh") means "martial morality", "martial virtue" or "martial ethics", and is part of Chinese martial arts.
Most traditional martial arts schools have their own code of ethics (for example, Karate has "Dojo Kun"); some being universal to their system of martial arts, or being applicable to each school individually. These "martial virtues" are part of the self-development training and mental discipline of traditional martial arts.
These "Wu De" may include general etiquette rules for the school, such as "bow as you enter the Kwoon/Dojo/etc", "show respect for all your classmates", etc. Some Wu De also add detailed aesthetics toward martial morality and ethical behavior, such as "respect all life", "be empathetic & compassionate", "know how to heal with your Kung Fu as well as using Kung Fu to defend yourself", among others.
Below is our general Kwoon (training hall) rules, followed by a more detailed look at Wu De as passed down from my own Sifu. Please note that you might need to zoom in on the scanned photos of the detailed Wu De.
Most traditional martial arts schools have their own code of ethics (for example, Karate has "Dojo Kun"); some being universal to their system of martial arts, or being applicable to each school individually. These "martial virtues" are part of the self-development training and mental discipline of traditional martial arts.
These "Wu De" may include general etiquette rules for the school, such as "bow as you enter the Kwoon/Dojo/etc", "show respect for all your classmates", etc. Some Wu De also add detailed aesthetics toward martial morality and ethical behavior, such as "respect all life", "be empathetic & compassionate", "know how to heal with your Kung Fu as well as using Kung Fu to defend yourself", among others.
Below is our general Kwoon (training hall) rules, followed by a more detailed look at Wu De as passed down from my own Sifu. Please note that you might need to zoom in on the scanned photos of the detailed Wu De.
Seattle Wushu Center School Rules
1) Please salute (left palm covering right fist) upon entering or exiting the training area, or upon greeting an instructor.
2) Students shall address instructors by their proper titles...Sifu, Laoshi, Sisuk, Sihing,Coach, etc. Sifu or Laoshi or Sihing are usually addressed by title and last name. Assistant Coaches, Sisuks and student helpers by title and first name (“Coach John” or "Sisuk Tim")
3) If you are late for class, stand at the sidelines of the training area. waiting in a horse stance. Wait for the Instructor to greet you with a salute, then you return the salute with a “thank you” . Warm up quietly on your own then ask to join the class when you are ready. Students may not leave the training area during a class unless they have obtained permission to do so.
4) Please keep yourself, your uniforms, and shoes looking clean and presentable. This includes wearing deodorant, and washing your uniforms regularly.
5) Students shall not talk amongs themselves while an instructor is teaching, or while other students are performing. This disrupts the other students from learning. Students shall raise a hand to ask a question , and students shall speak one at a time.
6) Remit your tuition and dues fees on time.
7) Only certified instructors or authorized assistant instructors/Coaches/student assistants are permitted help other students. Certified instructors of 1st degree black belt and higher teach and correct forms/taolu/kata, however the head instructor may authorize lower ranked assistants to start students on the beginning of a form/taolu/kata.
8) Do your best in all classes that you attend.
9) There is to be no playing around before or after class. This means no running, shouting, or disruptive behavior. Instead, students shall warm up ,stretch out, or quietly socialize before their class begins.
10) Students shall not discriminate others inside or outside this school, based on race, creed, orientation, or physical reasons.
11) Dishonesty and theft are not allowed and will not be tolerated at this school. Such behavior is subject to expulsion from this Academy.
12) If a student has a problem with another student, they must bring it to the attention of one of the instructors, preferably the chief instructors, so that the problem may be resolved in a timely manner.
13) If a student cannot make it to class, or will be late, please call or text message Sifu Dejesus or email the school. Also notify the school if you will be on vacation or extended leave. If you have to leave class early, notify the instructor before class, and say goodbye to the instructor before your leave….do not just walk off the floor.
14) Students (ages 8 and above) shall assist in daily cleaning of the school. After class, students shall help straighten the locker rooms, sweep floors and outside areas, vacuum the carpets and mats, dust, clean training equipment, etc.
15) Students may not compete in tournaments, prize fights, etc. without first notifying the Chief Instructors.
16) No street shoes are allowed on the mats. Wrestling shoes, indoor soccer shoes, or other lightweight, no-scuff shoes can be purchased at stores and are permitted on the mats. Shoes may also be purchased from the school.
17) Please observe the uniform code. Be in full uniform for classes. Only black belts are permitted to wear black or red tops.
18) Students shall be notified when they are ready to test for their next ranks. Test fees are to be paid before or on the day of the test. If a student does not show up on test day, or does not remit their test fee, they forfeit their opportunity to test until the next scheduled test.
19) No gum, food, or candy is permitted on the training floor, unless there is a special occasion. Water bottles are allowed on the floor, as long as they are out of the way of the training area.
20) It is suggested that Students shall keep a notebook where they can store handouts, papers, and jot down notes techniques, drawings, etc. Your notebook is a valuable tool in your learning, and will be checked from time to time. (be sure to bring it to classes!).
21) Always practice modesty, respect and humility. Remember that we train for ourselves, not to compare ourselves with others.
22) Do not take corrections or constructive criticism personally. The instructors make corrections to aid you in your progress, not to make you “look bad”. When corrected, it is proper manners to say “Thank you” with a brief salute.
23. Most importantly, smile, laugh, and have fun learning!
Safety regulations
1) Sparring, tumbling or gymnastics are not allowed without an instructor present.
2) “Control” is to be practiced at all times during sparring or self defense drills. Malicious kicking or striking is not allowed, and is subject to disciplinary actions.
3) Students are to have appropriate protective gear: For sparring...head guard, gloves, foot pads, mouthguard, groin cup. For street self defense...mouthguard, groin cup, eye protection. Any other gear is optional to the students (chest protectors, shin or forearm guards, etc). protective gear may be ordered through the school. Always have you gear ready to put on when needed.
4) Students will not practice sparring or self defense techniques on anyone outside of this school without permission from the Chief instructors.
5) Do not talk, jump, tumble, kick, or practice techniques while an instructor is speaking.
6) If you have a question about any sparring or self defense technique, please ask! Asking questions is part of learning.
7) Students are not to handle a weapon without first being trained in the fundamentals of that weapon. Do not touch another students weapons without first obtaining their permission.
8) Students are not to practice movements they have not been taught to them.
9) The punching bags, tire dummies, kicking bags, and other training devices are not toys...no climbing or horseplay with the training equipment!
10) Be aware of your surroundings in class. Make sure you have enough room to do your techniques.
11) COVID safety: Face coverings must be worn upon arrival. All students will get a temperature screening. Keep the face covering on unless you are doing strenuous exercise which would make it difficult wear a mask. If you have a medical condition that doesn't allow you to wear a mask, please inform the teacher.
Dress code:
Students shall wear a uniform to each class
Wushu Classes:
Kids and Adults Kajukenbo Classes
(mighty mites, juniors, teens, adults):
Tai Chi Classes:
Tiny Tigers class:
1) Please salute (left palm covering right fist) upon entering or exiting the training area, or upon greeting an instructor.
2) Students shall address instructors by their proper titles...Sifu, Laoshi, Sisuk, Sihing,Coach, etc. Sifu or Laoshi or Sihing are usually addressed by title and last name. Assistant Coaches, Sisuks and student helpers by title and first name (“Coach John” or "Sisuk Tim")
3) If you are late for class, stand at the sidelines of the training area. waiting in a horse stance. Wait for the Instructor to greet you with a salute, then you return the salute with a “thank you” . Warm up quietly on your own then ask to join the class when you are ready. Students may not leave the training area during a class unless they have obtained permission to do so.
4) Please keep yourself, your uniforms, and shoes looking clean and presentable. This includes wearing deodorant, and washing your uniforms regularly.
5) Students shall not talk amongs themselves while an instructor is teaching, or while other students are performing. This disrupts the other students from learning. Students shall raise a hand to ask a question , and students shall speak one at a time.
6) Remit your tuition and dues fees on time.
7) Only certified instructors or authorized assistant instructors/Coaches/student assistants are permitted help other students. Certified instructors of 1st degree black belt and higher teach and correct forms/taolu/kata, however the head instructor may authorize lower ranked assistants to start students on the beginning of a form/taolu/kata.
8) Do your best in all classes that you attend.
9) There is to be no playing around before or after class. This means no running, shouting, or disruptive behavior. Instead, students shall warm up ,stretch out, or quietly socialize before their class begins.
10) Students shall not discriminate others inside or outside this school, based on race, creed, orientation, or physical reasons.
11) Dishonesty and theft are not allowed and will not be tolerated at this school. Such behavior is subject to expulsion from this Academy.
12) If a student has a problem with another student, they must bring it to the attention of one of the instructors, preferably the chief instructors, so that the problem may be resolved in a timely manner.
13) If a student cannot make it to class, or will be late, please call or text message Sifu Dejesus or email the school. Also notify the school if you will be on vacation or extended leave. If you have to leave class early, notify the instructor before class, and say goodbye to the instructor before your leave….do not just walk off the floor.
14) Students (ages 8 and above) shall assist in daily cleaning of the school. After class, students shall help straighten the locker rooms, sweep floors and outside areas, vacuum the carpets and mats, dust, clean training equipment, etc.
15) Students may not compete in tournaments, prize fights, etc. without first notifying the Chief Instructors.
16) No street shoes are allowed on the mats. Wrestling shoes, indoor soccer shoes, or other lightweight, no-scuff shoes can be purchased at stores and are permitted on the mats. Shoes may also be purchased from the school.
17) Please observe the uniform code. Be in full uniform for classes. Only black belts are permitted to wear black or red tops.
18) Students shall be notified when they are ready to test for their next ranks. Test fees are to be paid before or on the day of the test. If a student does not show up on test day, or does not remit their test fee, they forfeit their opportunity to test until the next scheduled test.
19) No gum, food, or candy is permitted on the training floor, unless there is a special occasion. Water bottles are allowed on the floor, as long as they are out of the way of the training area.
20) It is suggested that Students shall keep a notebook where they can store handouts, papers, and jot down notes techniques, drawings, etc. Your notebook is a valuable tool in your learning, and will be checked from time to time. (be sure to bring it to classes!).
21) Always practice modesty, respect and humility. Remember that we train for ourselves, not to compare ourselves with others.
22) Do not take corrections or constructive criticism personally. The instructors make corrections to aid you in your progress, not to make you “look bad”. When corrected, it is proper manners to say “Thank you” with a brief salute.
23. Most importantly, smile, laugh, and have fun learning!
Safety regulations
1) Sparring, tumbling or gymnastics are not allowed without an instructor present.
2) “Control” is to be practiced at all times during sparring or self defense drills. Malicious kicking or striking is not allowed, and is subject to disciplinary actions.
3) Students are to have appropriate protective gear: For sparring...head guard, gloves, foot pads, mouthguard, groin cup. For street self defense...mouthguard, groin cup, eye protection. Any other gear is optional to the students (chest protectors, shin or forearm guards, etc). protective gear may be ordered through the school. Always have you gear ready to put on when needed.
4) Students will not practice sparring or self defense techniques on anyone outside of this school without permission from the Chief instructors.
5) Do not talk, jump, tumble, kick, or practice techniques while an instructor is speaking.
6) If you have a question about any sparring or self defense technique, please ask! Asking questions is part of learning.
7) Students are not to handle a weapon without first being trained in the fundamentals of that weapon. Do not touch another students weapons without first obtaining their permission.
8) Students are not to practice movements they have not been taught to them.
9) The punching bags, tire dummies, kicking bags, and other training devices are not toys...no climbing or horseplay with the training equipment!
10) Be aware of your surroundings in class. Make sure you have enough room to do your techniques.
11) COVID safety: Face coverings must be worn upon arrival. All students will get a temperature screening. Keep the face covering on unless you are doing strenuous exercise which would make it difficult wear a mask. If you have a medical condition that doesn't allow you to wear a mask, please inform the teacher.
Dress code:
Students shall wear a uniform to each class
Wushu Classes:
- Plain white or red self bought-shirt with purchased school patch, or official school logo shirt
- Black sweatpants, karate pants, or Kung Fu pants
- Proper footwear: Wrestling shoes, martial arts shoes, indoor soccer shoes, or light sneakers. These shoes are to be used ONLY for classes. No street shoes are allowed onto the training areas.
Kids and Adults Kajukenbo Classes
(mighty mites, juniors, teens, adults):
- Plain white or red self bought t-shirt with purchased school patch, or official school logo shirt or Red Gi top.
- Black sweatpants, karate pants, or Kung Fu pants
- Proper footwear: Wrestling shoes, martial arts shoes, indoor soccer shoes, or light sneakers. These shoes are to be used ONLY for classes. No street shoes are allowed onto the training areas.
- Rank Belt or sash
Tai Chi Classes:
- Plain white or red self bought-shirt with purchased school patch, or official school logo shirt. Silk uniforms are for those that choose to perform demonstrations or participate in Tai Chi tournaments.
- Black sweatpants, karate pants, or Kung Fu pants
- Proper footwear: Wrestling shoes, martial arts shoes, indoor soccer shoes, or light sneakers. These shoes are to be used ONLY for classes. No street shoes are allowed onto the training areas.
Tiny Tigers class:
- Tiny tiger karate uniform. Light soled shoes if desired.