These are some basic principles of training in the Martial Way of Wu Shen Pai which bear on the ability to successfully learn the art and grow in our system. 

CONCENTRATION

“By making the mind void of thoughts one can gain a natural meditative state.”

Concentration has two distinct meanings.  First, it pertains to “paying attention” as it is essential to be constantly aware of the limits within which you practice.  Injuries in the Kwoon most often occur when students fail to pay attention to their instructions or neglect to stay within the prescribed limitations of the exercise.  Everything has a limit.  Joints, for instance, when placed in the proper angle can be broken with the pressure of a single finger.  Thus, training in techniques that are potentially dangerous, demand that one “think hard” about what is being done consistently.

The second meaning of concentration is a state of consciousness that may be characterized as a heightened receptivity to learning.  Concentration is also related to maintaining calm mind; as the ancient masters taught, “with a calm mind, one is free from hesitation.”  This calm mind is often characterized as being like water.  “calm, but reflecting all that is seen.”

PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE

“If one’s mind is made up to learn then there will be success.”

Nothing can be learned without patience while endurance is part of the price one must be willing to pay to gain the knowledge of an ancient art within a traditional framework.  Nothing of value is worth learning if there is no sacrifice.  Summers are hot, winters are cold; that is the natural condition of mankind.  Knowledge will come only to those who have the patience to sacrifice, to endure the pain and recognize the humility of their ignorance.  Only a few will prove worthy to the challenge.

SINCERITY IN PRACTICE

“If one does not practice regularly, then do not face the enemy.”

Train hard, train regularly, train intelligently. Make no excuses.  Perfection of technique requires deeply ingrained habits, and a mental attitude of thoroughness.  Exercises, no matter how many times they are repeated, are a waste of time if they are done incorrectly.  The time you spend in the Kwoon is precious in comparison to the time spent on the outside. The perfection of technique requires that they become second nature and reflexive.  If you have to “think” of your response, it is already to late. Perfection in the martial arts is like a jewel. It is merely a rough stone until polished. If it is not polished, no one will know its inner beauty. Training is the same.

SPEED

“Judge the chance and take the opportunity. Take the first opportunity and be quicker.”

Every technique requires speed.  There are counter-defenses to all known offenses.  Therefore techniques must be performed with the greatest speed and efficiency.

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

“The Inner Force is concealed until it is released.”

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the martial arts to master is to learn how to conserve energy and to relax while under stress. Qi cannot be released if the body is stricken with inner tension and fear.  Tension is also the greatest consumer of energy, even when the body is not in motion. One can become exhausted simply by being tense.  When you are calm, you are free from hesitation.  These are essential elements of conserving energy.  Of course, we must not overexert ourselves while training either. When the body is fatigued, errors are committed and constant repetition only makes bad habits permanent.  “Fatique is a poor instructor.”   It is also said that “Relaxation is the intermission between strikes.”

RESPECT AND OBEDIENCE

“All things in nature work according to rules. Mankind is one with nature.”

In every martial art there are aspects which make it dangerous. To assume the responsibility of placing a dangerous weapon in the hands of a stranger, literally to make a dangerous weapon out of the body, is a sobering experience.  One of the most essential tests of character is whether the student is humble enough to subordinate their own personal ego to the rules of the Kwoon and respect the gravity of their new power. The martial arts are not a store-bought item that you are entitled to because you pay for the lessons.  The burden is too great, the reflection is larger than the individual. All Wu Shen Pai schools operate according to a code of ethics which includes respect and obedience.

VANITY

“Large egos are carried by small minds.”

It is easy to be vain towards those who know less.  But the Wu Shen Pai practitioner must realize how little one really knows.  There are over 4,000 techniques in Wu Shen Pai.  Assuming a student learned a new technique every day, it would still take 10 years to master them. Such a study course is not likely, but it is to illustrate that when a fish is in a cup, the cup seems to be the whole world.  We are only a microcosm in an infinite universe.