Similar to other oriental-styled martial arts practitioners, we, at Risen Wushu 东昇武术, observe martial arts etiquette and decorum set out by the International Wushu Federation 国际武术联合会. The “Golden Rule Book”, also known as the Code of Martial Arts 武德守则, encompasses 10 Do’s 必守and 10 Don’ts 必戒 that are expected of all oriental-styled martial arts practitioners during their courses of practice.
10 Do’s 必守
1) To love one another and stay loyal to the home country – 热爱人民 精忠报国
2) To propagate martial arts while prioritizing virtues and morals – 弘扬武术 以德为先
3) To trust in science and technology to break new frontiers – 崇尚科学求实创新
4) To build health and be unrivalled in knowledge and physique – 强身健体 文武兼备
5) To abide by the regulations and be undaunted in chivalry – 遵纪守法 伸张正义
6) To respect one’s teacher and to nurture one’s student – 维护公德 尊师爱生
7) To be passionate in one’s career by working hard – 爱岗敬业 勤学苦练
8) To stay united with allies, be prudent and humble – 团结友爱 谦虚谨慎
9) To honour promises and be aligned in thoughts and actions – 诚实守信 知行统一
10) To dress appropriately and accord courtesy as required – 仪表端庄 礼貌待人
10 Don’ts 必戒
1) Do not insult the country and another’s character that may jeopardize the country’s security – 不准有辱国格人格，危害社会治安
2) Do not form clans, nor promote internal strife – 不准拉帮结派，搞宗派门户争斗
3) Do not spread fictitious science and dabble in superstitious activities – 不准宣传伪科学，搞封建迷信活动
4) Do not be involved in money laundering, nor profit from underserving benefits – 不准搞非法敛财，牟取暴利
5) Do not lust, gamble nor take drugs – 不准淫乱、赌博，参与毒品活动
6) Do not start fights and take advantage of the weak – 不准打架斗殴，恃强凌弱
7) Do not gossip nor distort the truth and break up unity – 不准拨弄事非，破坏团结
8) Do not breach societal ethics and focus on petty gains – 不准营私舞弊，唯利是图
9) Do not abuse alcohol and breed unnecessary troubles – 不准酗酒滋事，制造事端
10) Do not boast and dishonour words to another – 不准骄傲自大，出言不逊
The “Fist and Palm Salute 抱拳礼”, “Bowing Salute 鞠躬礼” and the “Weaponry Salute 持械礼” are some basic salutes that are commonly practiced by oriental-styled martial arts practitioners. These are witnessed in the everyday lives of the individuals through classes, competitions and performances. Elaborations on these salutes will provide further insight of how the Do’s 必守and Don’ts 必戒 of the Code of Martial Arts integrate with a practitioner’s behaviour.
Fist and Palm Salute 抱拳礼
This salute, as goes with its name, requires one to hold the right fist while having four fingers on the left pointed straight (thumb pointing inwards to the chest) with the palm pressing over the right fist. The hand stance is to be placed at chest level with arms in a comfortable and the practitioner will be required to stand upright with direct gaze towards the other party.
The extended fingers on the left hand represents the presence of moral, wits, physique and beauty 四育 in the practitioner while the thumb portrays him to be humble 不自大. On the other hand, the right fist signifies bravery and strength 勇武顽强. By having the left over the right, bravery and strength will be exerted with consideration. The overall salute intends to convey the unity of the oriental-styled martial arts community and the ability of practitioners to posses both knowledge and physique 文武兼备.
Bowing Salute 鞠躬礼
The bowing salute 鞠躬礼is one of the most practiced salutes in Asian communities. Therefore, it comes as no shock that oriental-styled martial arts practitioners see this salute as one of great significance. This salute requires one to first stand upright with both hands extended fully and placed on the sides with palms stuck close to his thighs. Next, the upper body will bend to an angle of around 15 degrees with downward facing heads.
In essence, the salute is used to accord respect to the other party in politeness, sincerity and modesty.
Weaponry Salute 持械礼
The weaponry salutes 持械礼are derived from the fist and palm salute 抱拳礼, but are further tailored to exude the uniqueness of each weapon. Popular weaponry salutes include the sabre hugging salute 抱刀礼, handheld sword salute持剑礼 and handheld spear/ stick salute 持枪(棍)礼. The salutes, as in the fist and palm salute 抱拳礼, are representations of unity as well as the strong mental and physical capabilities of oriental-styled martial arts practitioners.
The sabre hugging salute 抱刀礼 requires one to stand upright while holding the sabre with the left hand, resting on the left arm joined with the right (with four extended fingers with thumb tucked in) in a small ellipse brought near the chest. The sabre here will be pointed upwards with its base in contact with the right hand at chest level and the practitioner will maintain good, direct gaze with the other party. To follow, the handheld sword salute 持剑礼 requires one to hold the sword similarly to the sabre with the exception that the sword tip will be expected to be downward pointing.
On the other end, the handheld stick/ spear salute 持枪(棍)礼 will require the practitioner to hold the spear (stick) on his right (left) hand upright with the other hand clasped over the holding hand, in line with his standing posture. Arms will be positioned in a comfortable ellipse. The holding point on the weapon will be two thirds the length of its length from the bottom. In the case of the spear, the tip will face upwards.
In Singapore’s modern society, our wellness centre holds the code together with its associated etiquette and decorum in present context. With this, we mainly aim to spread our knowledge of the sport, together with the spirit of friendship, peace and unity to the community.
Sourced from: Guogeyi and Day Translations