Chung Wah Student Vows

I. SELF-CONFIDENCE

I will have confidence in myself and my abilities. When the proper time comes for me to contribute, I will not give in to uncertainty. I will have confidence in those around me and give them my constant support and encouragement.

II. SELF-DISCIPLINE

The key ingredient for success in life is the discipline of mind and body. Setting goals and following them through with full commitment and dedication builds self-discipline. Whatever goal I set for myself, I will first get a mental image of what it is I want to achieve, then I will be determined and persistent enough to overcome all obstacles that might get in my way or prevent me from achieving my goal. Finally, I will train or study accordingly until that goal is attained.

III. SELF-DEVELOPMENT

I will develop myself to the maximum of my potential in all ways. I will develop a habit of lifelong learning and practice these principles in daily life.

IV. SELF-CONTROL

I will retain my composure and remain calm in stressful situations, regardless of the behaviour of others towards myself. I will not lash out verbally or physically for undue reason. It is my responsibility to control myself and to use my special skills properly. Beginners will mask emotions. Advanced practitioners will control and discipline emotions and actions through self-control. I will Act, not react.

V. MOTIVATION

I will become and remain highly goal-oriented throughout my life.

VI. HONESTY

My personal, business, academic, and family life will be conducted honestly, and will not accommodate lying, cheating or stealing.

VII. INTEGRITY

I will be sincere and forthright in my relationships with others and maintain a high level of moral principles in my daily living. I will not be manipulated or intimidated by power, corrupted by money, nor weakened by desire. I will demonstrate sincerity by carrying the Code outside the school and into all aspects of life. I will not be ‘two-faced’ or hypocritical.

VIII. HEALTH

I will protect our skills by avoiding harmful health practices such as smoking, drugs and excessive use of alcohol.

IX. COURAGE

I will develop courage by opposing influences that can cause failure and defeat mentally, physically and spiritually. I will stand up for the truth and justice. I will not display petty bravery by engaging in meaningless rivalry, foolish stunts or the intimidation of others.

X. CHARACTER

I will reflect honour and respect on the martial arts and our association by leading a clean and upstanding lifestyle. It is not through words, but my actions, that I will set a good example for others to follow.

XI. SERVICE

I will give unselfish service by helping and encouraging other students, participating in school projects and activities, and I will show pride in the school by maintaining a clean and orderly place to train and learn.

XII. COURTESY

I will extend proper manners and etiquette to those I meet.

XIII. OPTIMISM

I will always be in a positive frame of mind and convey this feeling to others.

XIV. ENCOURAGEMENT

I will be as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own accomplishments.

XV. OPEN-MINDEDNESS

I will maintain an attitude of open mindedness toward another person’s viewpoint while still holding fast to what I know to be true and honest.

XVI. NON-CRITICISM

If I have nothing positive to say about a person, I will say nothing.

XVII. FORGIVENESS

I will forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements in the future.

XVII. MERCY

I will always show mercy and compassion to all living things.

XVIII. BENEVOLENCE

I will look for the good in all people and make them feel worthwhile. I will show compassion to all living things and nature.

XIX. LOYALTY

I will be faithful, supportive, defend and be true to myself, my family, my gung fu school, my friends, and the way of the art.

XX. FAMILY DEDICATION

I will continually work at developing love, happiness and loyalty in my family and acknowledge that no other success can compensate for failure in the home.

XXI. ENDURANCE

I will persevere through all obstacles and challenges in life. I will not lose faith in myself or those I love through physical, mental and emotional hardship.

XXII. PATIENCE

I will not look down on those who have not reached my level of skill or understanding. I will use others as a positive inspiration while understanding that everyone progresses at different rates. I will be patient with myself and recognize that I am imperfect.

XXIII. HUMILITY

I will invest so much time towards the improvement of myself that I will find no time to criticize others. I will remain humble to continue my own growth.

XIV. RESPECT

I will show respect for the Chinese martial arts seniority ranking system and gung fu family structure, all members of the gung fu family, other martial artists, other human beings, respect for society, institutions, other nations, cultures and all aspects of life and nature.

XXV. RIGHTEOUSNESS/JUSTICE

I will use my gung fu to uphold justice, aspiring to the highest ideals of the martial artist.