Ip Man’s Wing Chun Code of Conduct

Wing Chun Code of Conduct by Ip Man (aka Yip Man)

Ethics and behavior of a Wing Chun student was important to Ip Man (Yip Man). He wanted hsi Wing Chun students to strive to conduct themselves with character, ethics, morals and specific standards of behavior. Ip Man’s Wing Chun Code of Conduct did just that… it gave students clear rules of conduct.

Built upon traditional Confucian values, Ip Man wrote the Wing Chun Code of Conduct in Hong Kong in the 1950s. The rules of behavior in Ip Man’s Code focus upon maintaining harmony both within the Wing Chun school and society as whole.

Remain disciplined – Uphold yourself ethically as a martial artist.

Practice courtesy and righteousness – Serve the society and respect your elders.

Love your fellow students – Be united and avoid conflicts.

Limit your desires and pursuit of bodily pleasures – Preserve the proper spirit.

Train diligently – Maintain your skills.

Learn to develop spiritual tranquility – Abstain from arguments and fights.

Participate in society – Be moderate and gentle in your manners.

Help the weak and the very young – Use your martial skills for the good of humanity.

Pass on the tradition – Promote our art and its code of conduct.

---

So what do each of these points in Ip Man’s Code of Conduct really mean?  Let’s delve deeper into each of the points.

Wing Chun’s Code of Conduct (aka Yip Man’s Code)

…

Remain Disciplined: Uphold Yourself Ethically as a Martial Artist

To a martial artist, discipline is not just a guiding principle but instead its a way of life. The first point in Ip Man’s Code of Conduct, “Remain disciplined – Uphold yourself ethically as a martial artist,” is a fundamental tenet that forms the bedrock of all martial arts training. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to a strict code of behavior and always acting in ways that reflect the honorable teachings of martial arts, showcasing integrity both in and out of the training environment.

But discipline in martial arts extends far beyond the physical aspects of training. It’s about cultivating a mindset that prioritizes ethics, respect and self-control. What does it mean to “Remain Disciplined”? It means staying dedicated to a holistic approach to martial arts that encompasses mental, emotional, and moral dimensions.

The Essence of Discipline

At its core, discipline is about making a commitment to a set of values and principles that guide our actions. In martial arts, these values include respect, humility, perseverance and integrity. Adhering to these principles requires consistent effort and dedication. It means showing up for training even when it’s challenging, treating others with respect, and maintaining a humble attitude regardless of one’s skill level.

Discipline also involves self-control. This is particularly important in martial arts, where the techniques learned can be both  powerful and potentially dangerous. A disciplined martial artist understands the responsibility that comes with their skills and uses them only for self-defense and the protection of others, never for aggression or intimidation.

Ethical Conduct in and Out of the Martial Arts School

Conducting oneself ethically as a martial artist means living by the teachings of martial arts both in and out of the training environment. In the dojo, this translates to showing respect for instructors and peers, following the rules and protocols, and maintaining a positive and supportive attitude. It also means being honest about one’s abilities and progress, and always striving to improve oneself.

Outside the school, ethical conduct involves applying the principles of martial arts to everyday life. This includes treating others with kindness and respect, standing up for what is right, and being a role model in the community. A true martial artist embodies the virtues of their training in all aspects of their life, demonstrating that martial arts is not just about physical prowess but about building character.

The Role of Integrity

Integrity is a cornerstone of ethical conduct. For martial artists, integrity means being true to oneself and to the principles of martial arts. It involves honesty, fairness, and consistency in one’s actions. A martial artist with integrity does not seek shortcuts or engage in deceitful behavior. Instead, they earn their achievements through hard work and perseverance.

Integrity also means acknowledging one’s mistakes and learning from them. It is about taking responsibility for one’s actions and striving to make amends when necessary. This attitude fosters growth and development, both as a martial artist and as a person.

Remaining disciplined and conducting oneself ethically as a martial artist is a lifelong journey. It requires unwavering commitment, continuous self-reflection, and a deep respect for the teachings of martial arts. By adhering to this principle, martial artists can not only excel in their practice but also become better individuals, contributing positively to their communities and the world at large.

In the words of Ip Man, “Martial arts is not about fighting; it’s about building character.” Let us all strive to live by this principle, embracing discipline and ethical conduct as the true essence of our martial arts journey.

Practice Courtesy and Righteousness: Serve Society and Respect Your Elders

The second point in Ip Man’s Code of Conduct is “Practice courtesy and righteousness – Serve society and respect your elders.” This emphasizes the importance for students to be polite and just in their actions, contributing positively to their community, and always showing respect, especially to those who are older or more experienced.

The Essence of Courtesy

Courtesy is fundamental to any martial arts practice. We bow as a sign of respect, acknowledging our instructors and peers. By addressing them with respect, listening attentively, and showing humility, we create a supportive and harmonious training environment.

Outside the school, courtesy translates into everyday actions. Holding the door open, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ and treating everyone with kindness and respect are simple yet powerful ways to practice courtesy. These acts are not just about good manners but about recognizing the inherent value of each person we encounter.

Righteousness and Justice

Righteousness in martial arts means living with integrity and making ethical choices. It’s about standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. A martial artist practices righteousness by being honest, fair and just in all dealings. This includes defending those who cannot defend themselves and using our skills to protect, not to harm.

In our daily lives, righteousness can mean speaking out against injustice or supporting a friend in need. It’s about being a person of integrity, someone others can trust and rely on.

Serving Society

Martial arts is not just about self-defense; it’s about serving society. Service can mean different things.. from volunteering in our communities to mentoring younger practitioners. By giving back, we embody the true spirit of martial arts, which is to use our skills and knowledge for the greater good.

Serving society means recognizing the needs around us and taking action. It could be organizing community events, participating in charity work, or simply being a good neighbor.

Respect for Elders

Respecting your elders is a required part of martial arts. Instructors and senior practitioners have a wealth of knowledge and experience. By showing them respect, we honor their contributions and recognize the wisdom they’ve earned. This respect is shown through listening, learning and truly appreciating the guidance they provide.

Respect for elders also extends to our families and the communities we live in. It means means acknowledging their experiences, valuing their insights and caring for them.

Love your Fellow Students – Be United and Avoid Conflicts

In the Wing Chun family, loving your fellow students is what it means to be a community and a family. This bond we build is crucial for our growth, both as a martial artist and as a person.

Build a Sense of Camaraderie and Unity

When you walk into the school, you’re stepping into a sacred space where each of us comes to learn and grow. Your fellow students are here to support you, in the same way that you are here to support them. Building camaraderie isn’t just about being friendly; it’s about genuinely caring for each other’s progress. When your partner struggles, be there with encouragement and patience. When they succeed, share in their joy. This mutual support creates a strong, united community where everyone can succeed.

Avoid Unnecessary Disputes

Conflicts can arise, even in the best of families. But here’s the thing: it’s not the conflicts that define us, but how we handle them. In the school, as well as in life, we must try our best to avoid unnecessary disputes. Remember, we’re all here for the same reason—to learn, to grow, to become better versions of ourselves. When disagreements happen, seek first to understand rather than to be understood. Listen to your fellow students, try to see things from their perspective, and find common ground. The goal isn’t to win an argument; it’s to maintain the harmony and respect that make our community strong.

When we seek resolve our differences with empathy and respect, we come out stronger on the other side. This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations. It means engaging in them with a spirit of compassion and a desire to understand.

Seek Harmony and Understanding

Harmony is a key principle in Kung Fu. When we train, seek harmony in your movements. When you interact with your training partners, seek harmony in your words and actions.

Understand that everyone’s path is different. Some may advance quickly, while others take more time. Be patient. Be understanding. Recognize that we all have our strengths and weaknesses. By supporting each other, we create an environment where everyone can grow.

Limit Your Desires and Pursuit of Bodily Pleasures – Preserve the Proper Spirit

In martial arts, maintaining a clear and focused mind is just as crucial as physical training. Limiting your desires and pursuit of bodily pleasures is a call to exercise self-control and moderation. This discipline helps preserve the proper spirit essential for true mastery in martial arts.

Exercise Self-Control and Moderation

In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded by temptations and distractions. From indulgent foods, to alcohol and drugs and endless entertainment, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of bodily pleasures. But as martial artists, we must strive for something deeper. Exercise self-control and moderation in all aspects of your life. This doesn’t mean you have to live a life of complete austerity, but it does mean making mindful choices that support your goals and well-being.

Think about the discipline required in your training. The same principles apply to your daily habits. Too much indulgence can cloud your mind, slow your progress, and detract from the purity of your practice. By limiting your desires, you create space for clarity and focus. You become more in tune with your body and mind, which enhances your ability to train and grow.

Avoid Being Swayed by Temptations

Temptations are everywhere, and they can easily lead us astray. Whether it’s the lure of unhealthy foods, excessive screen time, or other distractions, it’s important to recognize these temptations and make conscious choices to avoid them. This is not about deprivation; it’s about prioritizing what truly matters.

When you feel tempted, remind yourself of your goals and the reasons why you practice martial arts. Remember the sense of accomplishment and peace you feel after a disciplined training session. These moments of clarity can help you stay on track and resist the pull of short-term pleasures that do not serve your long-term growth.

Maintain a Pure and Focused Spirit

A pure and focused spirit is vital for martial arts training. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in your practice, to be present in each moment, and to connect deeply with the essence of the art. Maintaining this purity requires constant vigilance and effort.

Siu Nim Tao and other mindfulness practices can be powerful tools to help maintain a focused spirit. Taking time each day to center yourself, to clear your mind of distractions and to connect with your inner self can strengthen your resolve and enhance your training. These practices help you cultivate a sense of inner peace and stability, which is reflected in your martial arts practice.

Train Diligently – Maintain Your Skills

One of the cornerstones of martial arts is the commitment to continuous improvement. That’s why training diligently and maintaining your skills is so essential. Complacency can lead to the deterioration of your abilities, so it’s crucial to stay consistent.

Consistent Practice

In Wing Chun, consistency is key…. especially in your home practice. It’s not enough to train sporadically or only when it’s convenient. To truly excel, you must practice regularly, making your training a priority in your everyday life.

Consider your training sessions both in class and at home as an investment in yourself. Each session adds to your investment, strengthening your skills and deepening your understanding. Missing a session or allowing long gaps between training can mess up your progress. It’s like sharpening a blade—if you don’t do it regularly, the blade will become dull and ineffective. Your skills need constant honing to stay sharp and effective.

Refine Your Movements and Develop Yourself 

Training diligently isn’t just about repetition; it’s about mindful practice and continuous refinement. Pay attention to the details of your movements. Analyze them, seek feedback from your sifu, and always look for ways to improve. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re good enough, but a true martial artist never stops developing.

Its about the basics. At the end of the day, the most advanced practitioners return to the basics over and over again. Never underestimate the power of the fundamentals. How good you are at the basics is how advanced you are.

Avoiding Complacency

Complacency is a subtle yet powerful adversary. It can creep in when you feel comfortable with your progress or when external pressures make consistent training challenging. To combat complacency, set clear goals for your training. Whether it’s mastering a new form, improving your sparring skills, or increasing your endurance, having specific objectives keeps you motivated and focused.

Stay Committed and Work Hard

Maintaining your skills requires a deep sense of commitment and hard work. It’s not about perfection, but about perseverance. Understand that progress is often gradual and sometimes imperceptible. Trust in the process and stay dedicated to your training regimen. Remember, the path of a martial artist is a lifelong journey.

Learn to Develop Spiritual Tranquility – Abstain from Arguments and Fights

Martial arts is a journey of both body and mind. One of the core principles we must embrace as martial artists is to develop spiritual tranquility and avoid unnecessary arguments and fights. This principle teaches us that true strength lies not only in physical prowess but in mental and spiritual calm.

Cultivate a Calm and Peaceful Inner State

When you step into the school, you’re not just training your body; you’re training your mind. Developing spiritual tranquility is about finding a sense of inner peace that goes beyond the physical moves. It’s about calming the mind, focusing your thoughts, and creating a serene inner state that can handle the challenges of both training and life.

In order to cultivate tranquility, practice Siu Nim Tao and mindfulness everyday. Take a few moments each day to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and center your thoughts. This practice helps you become more aware of your emotions and reactions, allowing you to approach each situation more calmly and focused.

Martial Arts: More Than Physical Prowess

Martial arts isn’t just about being able to fight; it’s about mental strength and discipline. The true essence of martial arts lies in mastering yourself. Physical skills are important, but they are only one-third of the equation. Mental and spiritual strength are equally important.

When you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, it’s your mental strength that helps you push through barriers. It’s the calm, centered mindset that allows you to learn from your mistakes and continue improving. That’s why mental fortitude is what sets apart a true martial artist.

Avoid Unnecessary Altercations

One of the most important aspects of maintaining spiritual tranquility is to avoid unnecessary arguments and fights. It’s easy to get drawn into conflicts, especially when emotions run high. But as martial artists, we must strive to rise above these situations.

Avoiding altercations doesn’t mean avoiding conflict altogether. It means choosing your battles wisely and knowing when to walk away. Not every argument or fight is worth engaging in. Many times, it’s better to let go and maintain your inner peace. This doesn’t make you weak; it shows true strength and self-control.

Participate in Society – Be Moderate and Gentle in Your Manners

Participating in society and being moderate and gentle in our manners is meant to remind us that we are not just practitioners of martial arts but ambassadors of its values. This principle emphasizes the importance of engaging actively with our community, ensuring our actions are measured and kind, and representing the martial arts community with a deep sense of integrity.

Engage Actively with Your Community

Being a martial artist is also about how you carry yourself and what you do. Engage actively with your community. This means being involved, lending a hand, and contributing positively wherever you can.

When you engage with your community, you bring the values of martial arts into everyday life. Your presence can inspire others and show them the benefits of a disciplined, respectful, and kind lifestyle. Remember, your actions can have a ripple effect, positively influencing those around you.

Be Moderate and Gentle in Your Manners

Moderation and gentleness are key traits of a true martial artist. These qualities reflect a balanced and harmonious approach to life. Being moderate means avoiding extremes in behavior and actions. It’s about finding a balanced way to navigate the world, maintaining calm and composure in all situations.

Gentleness, on the other hand, is about kindness and compassion. It’s about treating others with respect and understanding, even in challenging situations. As martial artists, our training teaches us control and precision. Apply these principles to your interactions with others. Be patient, listen actively, and respond with kindness.

Help the Weak and the Very Young – Use Martial Skills for the Good of Humanity

Yet another profound principle in Ip Man’s Code of Conduct is to help the weak and the very young. Here, Ip Man reminds us that our martial skills are not just for self-defense or personal achievement but are meant to be a force for good in the world.

Utilize Your Skills to Protect and Assist

As martial artists, we train to become strong, skilled, and confident. But with this power comes the responsibility to use it wisely and benevolently. Your skills should be a shield for those who cannot protect themselves, a means to ensure safety and justice in your community.

Think of your training as a way to empower others. When you see someone in need, whether it’s a child being bullied or an elderly person needing assistance, step in and help. Your intervention can make a significant difference in their lives. It’s not just about physical protection; it’s about offering support, guidance, and compassion.

Be a Force for Good

Martial arts is rooted in the philosophy of using one’s abilities for the greater good. It’s about standing up for what’s right and being a beacon of hope and strength for those around you. This principle urges us to extend our skills into the broader community, where we can make a real impact.

Consider volunteering your time to teach self-defense classes, particularly to those who are most vulnerable, like women and children. Share the knowledge and confidence that martial arts has given you. By doing so, you empower others to stand up for themselves and build a safer, more just community.

Ensure Safety and Justice

The essence of martial arts is not aggression but protection and justice. Your skills are tools to maintain peace and order. Use them to defuse situations, protect the innocent, and uphold justice.

Stay vigilant in your surroundings and be ready to step in if you witness injustice or harm. Your presence and actions can deter potential threats and bring a sense of security to those around you. Remember, the goal is to create a safe and just environment where everyone can thrive.

Pass on the Tradition – Preserve our Art and its Code of Conduct

The final principle in Ip Man’s Code of Conduct speaks to the heart of what it means to be a martial artist: passing on the tradition. It is our responsibility to ensure the legacy of martial arts continues by teaching and sharing its values and techniques with future generations. This act not only preserves the art form but also ensures its guiding principles live on.

Ensure the Legacy Continues

Martial arts is not just about personal growth; it’s about contributing to something greater than ourselves. The techniques, philosophies, and values that have been passed down through generations must be preserved and shared. As martial artists, we are custodians of this rich heritage.

Teaching is one of the most powerful ways to ensure the legacy continues. Whether you are an instructor or a senior student, take every opportunity to share your knowledge with others. Teaching reinforces your own understanding and skills, while also inspiring and empowering others to begin their journey. Each student you mentor becomes a part of the lineage, a link in the chain that connects the past to the future.

Share the Values and Techniques

Martial arts is more than just physical techniques; it’s a way of life. The values embedded in martial arts—respect, discipline, humility, and integrity—are just as important as the physical skills. When you teach, emphasize these values. Show your students that martial arts is about developing both the body and the mind.

Encourage your students to practice these values in their daily lives. Lead by example, demonstrating how martial arts principles can guide one’s actions both inside and outside the dojo. By doing so, you instill a sense of purpose and direction that goes beyond mere physical training.

Preserve the Art

The techniques of martial arts have been refined over centuries. It’s crucial to preserve their authenticity while allowing for individual expression and adaptation. Teach the traditional forms and techniques with precision, ensuring that your students understand their historical context and practical applications.

At the same time, encourage creativity and personal growth. Allow your students to explore and adapt techniques to their own unique styles and circumstances. This balance of tradition and innovation keeps the art form alive and relevant in a changing world.

Ensure Guiding Principles Live On

The principles of martial arts are timeless, guiding us toward a path of self-improvement, respect, and harmony. As you pass on the tradition, make sure these principles are at the forefront. Discuss their importance, share stories of past masters who embodied these values and demonstrate how they apply in modern contexts.

By embedding these principles in your teaching, you ensure they become a living part of each student’s practice. This not only preserves the essence of martial arts but also enriches the lives of those who embrace its teachings.