The Program
What you will learn; Self Discipline, Confidence, Awareness, Self Reliance, Respect, Courtesy, Humility, and Benevolence.
How will you learn: Through practice, observation, sweat, fun, and hard work.
What will you know; How to defend yourself using strikes, blocks, kicks, throws, takedowns, control techniques and commonly found weapons like brooms, flashlights, and any other improvised weapons at your immediate disposal.
Who will teach you; A senior instructor with both military and civilian teaching experience who has over 20 years of martial arts background.
I. Respect
The most important aspect of studying Chaun Fa for students and instructor alike is the need to develop and understand the need for respect. Without an attitude of respect, the hardest training is a waste of time. We are studying an ancient art whose rules and methods have been proven over and over again.
1. Teachers and Instructors are always addressed as “Mr. _______.”
2. When an instructor enters the training area, the senior student in belt rank will call the class to attention with the commands; Standing Set, One bow to Mr.____. At this time all students will formally bow to the instructor entering the training area.
3. Students have no opinions when it comes to training in Kenpo. Never argue with the instructor and always show respect for the instructions given.
4. Whenever training is in progress, this area is considered a place of learning and as such deserves respect. Students will bow before entering and upon leaving the training area at all times.
5. There is to be no horseplay, loud talking, cursing, or fighting in the training area.
6. Never ask a teacher or other student to spar with you. Sparring is strictly assigned by the teacher.
7. Never ask the teacher if you can test or when you can test.
II. Belt
Your first belt, the white belt signifies your innocence or ignorance in the area of training in which you are participating. The white belt comes as part of your uniform. All other color belts are earned through a series of testing and are awarded by the Chuan Fa Association and Mr. Fitch or one of his representatives.
1. Your teacher will show you how to tie your belt. Absolutely no one is allowed to touch your belt except you and your teacher.
2. Always put on, re-tie, or remove your belt in a kneeling position facing the east.
3. Never wear your belt off the floor or out of the training area.
4. Never wash your belt. When you are not wearing it in the studio, keep it folded and put away.
5. Do not come to class without your belt.
III. Attire
1. Always wear proper clothing for class. Until you get a uniform (Karate Gi) gym clothes should be worn. Clothing should be clean and in good shape.
2. No shoes are allowed on the training room floor.
3. No jewelry is allowed (including hairpins and watches)
4. Fingernails and toenails should be kept trimmed and short at all times.
IV. Behavior
1. Behavior should be ruled by an attitude of respect toward those who are training you. Karate is an individual art and to deny any of its rules and followers respect is to cheat yourself.
2. Never teach without the permission of the chief instructor. Do not allow another student to teach you forms above your rank. To do so means to be ineligible for promotion for one year as is the person who taught you.
V. Colored Belt Responsibilities
1. White belts - Responsible for keeping floor of the training center clean at all times.
2. Orange and purple belts - responsible for the general cleanliness of the training area. Make sure any trash is picked up and cups and soda cans are discarded properly.
3. Blue and Green belts - Keep surrounding observation area clean and picked up as well as rest rooms. Greet any new guests or visitors and answer any questions. If you need further help find the instructor in training and introduce them so that he may be of more assistance.
4. Brown belts - Responsible for signing up new students and filling out all paper work. Also responsible in making sure all other colored belts fulfill their obligations to the training area.
VI. Sparring Equipment
Sparring equipment can be purchased through the association and all equipment that is to be used in class must be pre-approved by an association instructor.
1. Mouth piece
2. Hand protection
3. Foot and Shin protection
4. Groin Protection (male and female) required
5. Chest protection (female students) optional
To learn more about this art we would suggest reading; The Bodhisattva Warrior
