I wonder where hanging out in an opium den in a blue fog fits into Ip Man's code of conduct.
While that is a plausible explanation, and not one that I would criticize, it doesn't seem to hold up to the history involved. His addiction was claimed to be over many years beyond his later years cancer, and also could very easily be the cause of the throat cancer from consistent smoking seeing medical statistics of ENT cancer.
But it is an explanation that more cult-like followers would easily embrace...
Y'know what I find interesting about this post? You presume that I followed my Sifu blindly or something? That we didn't debate, share ideals and even argue bitterly about values, ethics and such like!!??
If you would only try to reassess what you have pre-judged about my personal history with my teacher, you may find that I'm not as blind as you imagine.
I just happen to be the only student of his, like ever, to reveal such things. That's all. And I do so with his full support now, unlike before when we first promoted his methods back in 1994. It was only after 1997 that he decidied to go public really.
Besides, there are no 'alleged' things here. I am giving you 'facts'. I speak as truthfully as I'm able here (most of the time!! lol!) and yet I still feel that you hold that against me for some reason?
Nevermind. We all have our ways to train and teach Martial Arts. Each to their own and all that jazz...
Ti Fei
詠春國術
Some good posts and opinions here and it is quite interesting to hear people compare this simple list to dogma of a Religion. I mean, c'mon guys!! If anything it is just something that has been passed by Ip Man that he considered important. Now you can think about that for as much or as little time as you like, the fact is it happened.
I find comfort in knowing that out of all the Kuit that exists, among all the variations of technical ability and personal interprestaion of Wing Chun that exist, THIS piece is universal to ALL of Ip Mans eldest and closest students.
If, for whatever reason, you have no desire to know it or couldn't care less for such things then that's your choice. I'm only offering an opinion, and that is I find this specific code is generally what I have witnessed among the Wing Chun practitioners I have met in the UK. They all have good virtues and want to help eachother improve. I only wish this would be more apparent here, but we can't have everything eh?!
And if you can't be bothered with something like this, you will have no time for a Curriculum like this http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/...14&postcount=1
I guess I fit into that minority of people who like the language and culture of China, well the Cantonese Martial Artist at least lol!!!
Last edited by LoneTiger108; 02-29-2012 at 05:08 AM.
Ti Fei
詠春國術
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Having different sayings in a poetic form is common in Chinese martial culture.
Without a context meanings can be misunderstood.
The ten commandments is a tribal code- not mine!!
joy
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Pointless sarcasm. Ip Man had his flaws.
Members of a relatively well to do class of Chinese people were drawn into opium houses and culture ---negative effects of western imperialism- the opium wars and the required selling of opium...the Brits shipped it from my hometown Calcutta to Canton regularly. Not just IM but YKS and others.
US Tobacco companies even now do quite a job selling tobacco in Asia--sans the attempt at restrictions in the US.
I don't engage in pointless sarcasm about lineage ancestors in non IM lineages or other IM lineages..
Thus, I also enjoy Coleridge's poetry without dwelling on his personal habits.
joy chaudhuri
Am I right in saying that Joy is the only person here who has this Code of Conduct presented in his hall? Who else?
Anyone use a picture of Ip Man, or your Sifu and ancestry?
Just intrigued because I don't see much evidence here of direct connection to the Wing Chun family, and I know there are some here!
Ti Fei
詠春國術
Very true Joy, but it is nice to hear all the same.
I think I was among the first foreigners to have a copy of my Sigungs picture lol!! But it does hang in my own studio. My Sifu too has his set-up at home but not in his club because he doesn't own the hall (according to him that wouldn't be right!)
It would be nice to hear from others that share the respect in this way...
Ti Fei
詠春國術