Traditional Tenets

The martial arts has a long, rich history, none more so than Kung Fu. Over two thousand years old, Kung Fu is the first and oldest martial art, the original. Every other martial art can trace its origins back to Kung Fu.

The definition of martial arts today has been diluted and altered from what it once was. The ability to fight was never the primary goal of a martial artist. Peace, acceptance and empathy are a few of the virtues we strive to instil in all of our students, through martial arts.

The goal of the blue stripe, or Traditional Tenets, is not only to embrace the rich culture and traditions of Chinese martial arts, but to help teach sensitivity to those around you. Something that is rare to see now a days is a Kung Fu school who teaches and performs Lion and Dragon dances. These dances have survived for so long because they help practitioners develop empathy and connection to others. You cannot successfully perform either dance without building a bond with your fellow dancers and drummers. You must listen to the subtleties of the drum while remaining in tune with your partner in the lion, or fellow dancers in the dragon. 

Additionally, the physical benefits of dancing are obvious. Completing a dance requires both strength and endurance, both of which will increase naturally though the practice of Lion and Dragon dancing. Practitioners will develop coordination and, as previously mentioned, sensitivity. When a student becomes sensitive to the emotional and physical state of others they also develop foresight and control, two major components of self defence.

 Something I’ve noticed- students don’t quite buy into the concept of Lion or Dragon dancing until they experience it. I’m not talking just a few unicorn steps during class. I’m talking the full dress, choreographed and rehearsed dance performed for an audience of peers and family. That’s when I’ve heard students say, “Wow. That was amazing.”.

Khona Rybak