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 – Conduct 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 martial skills for the good of humanity.
Pass on the tradition – Preserve this Chinese art and rules of conduct.
Here’s a deeper interpretation of Ip Man’s Code of Conduct:
Remain disciplined – Conduct yourself ethically as a martial artist.
Adhere to a strict code of behavior. Always act in ways that reflect the honorable teachings of martial arts, showing integrity both in and out of the training environment.
Practice courtesy and righteousness – Serve the society and respect your elders.
Be polite and just in your actions. Contribute positively to your community and always show respect, especially to those who are older or more experienced, acknowledging the wisdom they bring.
Love your fellow students – Be united and avoid conflicts.
Build a sense of camaraderie and unity with your peers. Avoid unnecessary disputes, seeking harmony and understanding instead.
Limit your desires and pursuit of bodily pleasures – Preserve the proper spirit.
Exercise self-control and moderation, ensuring that you don’t get swayed by temptations. This helps in maintaining a pure and focused spirit, vital for martial arts training.
Train diligently – Maintain your skills.
Consistently practice and refine your martial arts techniques. Complacency can lead to skill deterioration, so it’s essential to stay committed and work hard.
Learn to develop spiritual tranquility – Abstain from arguments and fights.
Cultivate a calm and peaceful inner state. Martial arts isn’t just about physical prowess; it’s about mental strength too. Avoid getting involved in unnecessary altercations that disrupt this peace.
Participate in society – Be moderate and gentle in your manners.
Engage actively with your community, ensuring your actions and behaviors are always measured and kind. Represent the martial arts community well by being a role model.
Help the weak and the very young – Use martial skills for the good of humanity.
Utilize your skills to protect and assist those who are vulnerable or less capable. Your martial arts abilities should be a force for good, ensuring safety and justice.
Pass on the tradition – Preserve this Chinese art and rules of conduct.
Ensure the legacy of martial arts continues by teaching and sharing its values and techniques with future generations. This not only preserves the art form but ensures its guiding principles live on.