General Conduct

1. Train Regularly. Determine now that success in your training is important to you, and set your schedule accordingly. Once set, do not deviate from your training schedule. And remember, nothing of value is mastered over night.
2. Follow through on any commitment you make, whether in training or in volunteering to help with kwoon activities. The kwoon is dependent of the efforts of students if it is to grow and flourish. Everything you offer to do is appreciated and does not go unnoticed. However, make sure that you DO what you say you will do. In Shaolin it is often said that the empty bucket makes the most noise. Some students wish to talk big about what they can do and what they will do, but there is little substance behind their words. Remember in life it is okay to say no, but not okay to say yes if you mean no.
3. If you make an error in judgment regarding Wu-de, recognize the error and correct it immediately. Every master before you made mistakes, but part of their mastery was showing the courage and humility to admit and correct their mistakes.
4. Understand the teacher/student relationship. If your teacher asks your opinion on a matter, give it freely. If not, Wu-de dictates that you accept your teacher’s instructions. Success in kung fu only comes from adherence to the oral transmissions and day-to-day instructions that your teacher offers you. Though tens of thousands of people around the world claim to be martial arts instructors, few people have had the dedication, discipline and proper character to become A.C.C.S. instructors in the true Shaolin tradition. Those who have reached sifu level should be respected for their wisdom and insight.  Realize that becoming a sifu is a commitment to a way of life. That commitment involves training and study, training and study. Therefore, a sifu has precious little time for other endeavors. When it comes to helping students with training or personal matters, a sifu will do anything and everything possible.
5. Carry your training into your daily life. Indeed, make your daily life your training ground. Be humble, kind, harmonious and non-confrontational in all of your dealings, and follow the Shaolin creed at all times.
6. Know that your toughest opponent is yourself! Do not become complacent, lazy or apathetic in your training. Do not sacrifice the development of your mind, body and spirit – ever!