What else you may find on this site, besides the code of conduct below
- The home page, i.e. the entry to my Chen style taijiquan notepad
- Some web sources on Chen style taijiquan that you may find, or not, worthwhile
- Information on a few videos and streams on Chen style taijiquan
- Information on printed matter relating to Chen style taijiquan
- A beginner's glossary for quick reference on Chen style taijiquan
- Some Chinese characters from the glossary
- A reference chart on Chen style lineage in case you are looking for teachers
- A thank you for visiting my page
- A disclaimer so you won't sue me when you break a leg
This is a position in preparation for a powerful
Kick with right (or left) heel, as taken from
Chen Shi Taijiquan Tushuo (Illustrated
Explanation to Chen Family Taijiquan), 1933/1995: p.264, by Chen Xin.
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Code of conduct in Chen style taijiquan
I have found that martial art related websites rarely point to questions of ethics or conduct.
It is similar to what one encounters in average schools of martial arts where scant reference
is being made to goals of a higher order, and when, then mainly to dilute suspicions of
concerned parents. Certainly, with taijiquan, the powerful martial ability of which it takes
somewhat longer to develop than in other martial art systems, and the health benefits of which make
it more interesting for other peer groups than prospective juvenile (or adult) delinquents, I have never
heard of any problems. (In fact, some enthusiasts seem to rather limit their martial skills by
talking too much and neglecting practice.)
Nonetheless, in a world where a perceived increasing complexity of "globalization" seems to
disorientate individuals, where social exclusion has become an increasingly burning issue,
and money is overtly earned thriving on the exploitation of basic human instincts, it may be
worthwhile to pause and stop to think about codes of conduct, even if they are rooted in traditions
which may not reflect the realities of our modern times.
Hence, I invite you to take a look at the following elements of Chen style conduct. (I have not
taken note of these elements as being hyperactively disseminated in the Chen style system. Therefore,
I do not fear that reproducing these ideas risks turning this martial art a martial "belief" or
"religion".)
Excerpts from "The Song of Remembrance" of Chen Wangting
I sigh to think of those years, wearing armor with a lance in my hand. We swept away countless
enemies, several times in mortal danger. I was rewarded with honors, all to no avail.
(...)
When I am depressed I practice boxing routines, during my busy times I plow the fields. (...)
People say that I am foolish and that I am seedy, I hear this but I don't take it to heart. I
laugh at the people and nobles fussing about anxiously, not like me keeping in good spirits
and staying calm. I don't covet fame or profit. Having been involved in affairs, I understand
trickery. I understand the illusionary nature of life. (...)
Suppose there was a world where peace and health prevailed, tranquility and simplicity would be
commonplace. There would be no hatred and no want. I don't care that others look down on poverty,
I am not concerned about success or failure. If I am not already an immortal, then who is?
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"Requirements of Character" of the Chen Family Code of Ethics
- Propriety, dignity of bearing (duan)
- Fairness, impartiality (gong)
- Kindness, benevolence (ren)
- Nobility, broad mindedness (hao)
- Loyalty, faithfulness (zhong)
- Honesty, sincerety (cheng)
- Respect, esteem for one's teachers and elders (jing)
- Integrity, decency (zheng)
- Righteousness, what is right (yi)
- Bravery, ready to fight for a just cause (yong)
- Trustworthyness, good faith (xin)
- Morality, ethical conduct (de)
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The "Twenty Prohibitions" of the Chen Family Code of Ethics
- Do not rely on a position of authority to bully others.
- Do not defer to the strong out of fear or insult the weak.
- Do not fear for oneself, come to the aid of others in danger.
- Do not commit crimes.
- Do not rely on your gongfu skills to fight with others.
- Do not take advantage of a superior position to become arrogant.
- Do not sell your art on the street.
- Do not travel here and there to set up a clique.
- Do not wallow in luxury, or live a pauper's existence.
- Do not be prideful or self-satisfied.
- Do not get into arguments with a crazy or violent person.
- Do not contend with the ignorant.
- Do not be proud toward the poor or fawn on the rich.
- Do not hanker after ill-gotten gains.
- Do not have anything to do with drinking or prostitution.
- Do not refuse to pay any public or private obligations.
- Do not use public office for personal ends.
- Do not pursue the trappings of high office or a handsome salary.
- Do not betray your country or be a rotter.
- Do not slack off and waste your time by not practicing.
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All of the above has been taken from Chen Zhenglei's Chenjiagou Chen Style Taijiquan,
English translation, 1998, pp.4, 8-9. It is the only English source I know on this topic, and there is more
there than what has been quoted here.
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