I thought it important to discuss some concepts and etiquette for our guests.
While it’s true that Grandmaster Wong is one of the highest level Grandmasters of the Shaolin Arts alive today, above all, relax!
While we will extend our best efforts toward organizing the best possible visit, rest assured that Grandmaster is a kind and compassionate guest. You would never think to shake his hand (a Shaolin salute is customary), but if someone does, Grandmaster will not be offended. But please don’t let it happen!
The following is a list of Shaolin Wahnam conduct compiled by three senior Sifus from our school.
Reminder – Notes on conduct during Grandmaster Wong’s visit
- Please be punctual for each session of the course (be ready 5 minutes before the course at the latest)
- Please stand up when Grandmaster Wong enters or leaves the room. If you know the Shaolin salute, it’s a great time to use it.
- Please do not touch Grandmaster Wong in any way unless you are practicing Kung Fu! That means no handshakes, hugs, pats on the back, etc.
- When seated, it’s considered best etiquete to sit up straight with good posture and both feet on the floor. Crossing your legs and especially stretching your legs outward is considered disrespectful.
- If you need to leave the room (toilet, etc.) please let the organizers know beforehand.
- Please turn off all mobile phones before the course begins.
- Don’t worry unduly about your conduct. If you mean well and yet unknowingly act in a way that could be construed as disrespectful, Grandmaster Wong will surely be understanding. Above all, we treat Grandmaster Wong with a traditional level of respect because we recognize his high attainment in the Shaolin Arts that came as a result of many years of diligent practice. We are grateful because Grandmaster Wong so freely shares what was never shared with the general public in the past.
- It may sound odd, but know that observing the respectful practices above actually increases our openness to receiving Chi Kung teachings. For example, sitting upright opens the chest which naturally allows the student to be more open to the teaching.
Kung Fu Family
As there is often much confusion surrounding how one should address fellow members of the Shaolin Wahnam family, the table below should help you decide how to address those family members you meet.
- If unsure of the person’s seniority, err on the side of safety and use the more senior of the possible titles (e.g. Sipak instead of Sisook). Seniority (age) is the date of entry in the school and not date of birth.
- On the other hand, don’t worry too much about the use of titles with the exception of:
- It is important to address Grandmaster Wong and your own Sifu correctly.
- For anyone who first learned Chi Kung from Sifu Anthony, the correct way to address Grandmaster Wong is Sigung.
- Sifu Anthony is best address as Sifu.
English Title
Sifu: Your first Chi Kung or Kung Fu teacher
Simu: Your Sifu’s wife
Sing-San: Your Sifu’s husband
Sigung: Your teacher’s teacher (This is the correct address from Grandmaster Wong for everyone who first learned from Sifu Anthony
Sitaigung: Your Sigung’s teacher (ie. The title you use for Grandmaster Wong’s teachers)
Sipak: Your Sifu’s older brother
Sikuma: Your Sifu’s older brother
Sisook: Your Sifu’s younger brother (such as Sifu Michael Agar, from Australia, who will be in Sitka)
Sikujie: Your Sifu’s younger sister
Siheng: Your older brother (a man who learned Chi Kung before you from Sifu Anthony)
Sije: Your older sister (a woman who learned Chi Kung after you)
Sidai: Your younger brother (a man who learned Chi Kung after you)
Simui: Your younger sister (a woman who learned Chi Kung after you)
For a complete list of proper titles you can refer to the SWI forum here for a list compiled by Sifu Michael Chow: Click Here To Access.
