Student Handbook
Revised November 2007
Intentionally Left Blank
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Table of Contents
Welcome from the Head Instructor / 4 Academic Calendar / 5 Contact Info / 6 Mission & Goals / 7 Expectations / 8 Testing / 9 Tuition & Attendance / 19 Wu De: Martial Ethics / 22 Facility / 26 Staff / 26 Kids’ Student Creed / 29 Shaolin Creed / 30 Black Sash Oath / 31
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Welcome from the Head Instructor
W
elcome to the Shaolin Kung Fu Studios. We are pleased that you have chosen
our institution and wish you success as you begin your journey into the world of Chinese martial arts. We want to make sure that you fully understand what is expected of you as a student, and what you can expect from the Shaolin Studios. This Student Handbook has been developed to serve as a reference during the time you are enrolled as a student. If policy or procedural changes occur, you will be notified and provided with the changes in writing. Your Student Handbook contains complete policies and procedures for many of the activities in which you will be participating. Students are expected to accept a certain degree of responsibility for their learning experience. As part of this responsibility, you must read and understand what
is contained in this handbook. Failure to read these policies and procedures does not exempt you from the responsibility of following them. This Handbook can serve as a tool while you are enrolled. For example, you may refer to it to better understand specific policies, to answer questions you may have about testing, or to find out about how the rank structure is set up. It is our hope that by having this information available in a Student Handbook, it will be easier for you to follow established procedures and to understand the reasons for their formulation. Please refer to your Student Handbook before asking questions of staff and faculty. If something is still unclear to you, feel free to ask a staff member to direct you to the person who can give you the information you need. The staff, faculty, and Board of Disciples welcome you to the Shaolin Kung Fu Studios! Ping An, Michael Evans, Shih Fu 4
Academic Calendar The Studio will be closed for the following Holidays: January 1– New Year’s Day February 14– Valentine’s Day May Memorial Day (closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) July 4– Independence Day September Labor Day (closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) November 11– Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving (closed Thursday through Sunday) December December 24 through January 1st Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day
Any other closings will be posted in advance and students will also be alerted in class.
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Contact Info Schools under the direction of Shih Jiao Moses Arocho:
Medford Kwoon Head Instructor: Shih Fu Mike Evans Phone: (631)205-1590 Email:
[email protected] 3661 Horseblock Rd. Suite J Medford, NY 11763 www.NotKarate.com http://skfs.proboards99.com/
Rocky Point Kwoon Head Instructor: Sigung Darren Fore Phone: (631) 821-4812
Ronkonkoma Kwoon Head Instructor : Sigung Gregg Zilb Phone: (631)471-7738 Email:
[email protected] Web: www.shaolinlohan.com
Myrtle Beach, SC Kwoon Head Instructor : Laoshih Fred Christie Phone: (834)294-5486 Email:
[email protected] Web: www.kungfu-sc.com.com
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Mission & Goals The mission of the Shaolin Kung Fu Studios is to continue the teaching tradition of over 1500 years of martial sciences, arts, and ethics, and to help students reach levels of Mastery which will allow them to achieve insight, self discovery, self perfection, and ultimately, enlightenment. The Shaolin Kung Fu Studios works towards this mission by: •
Providing the highest standard of martial education and training for all students;
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Training students to their full potential, whether physical or mental;
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Serving as a resource for high quality martial arts education for the community;
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Conducting historical research in the fields directly related to our studies;
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Exploring ways of integrating what is learned in class into everyday life in order to promote a more healthful lifestyle;
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Promoting the Chinese martial arts and Traditional Chinese Medicine to the public through the use of seminars, demonstrations, and charitable services;
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Providing a safe refuge for all those in need of help.
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Expectations What you can expect from the Shaolin Kung Fu Studios: •
A high quality comprehensive education in all aspects of the martial arts
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Competent, caring, experienced instructors
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A challenging yet reasonable training regimen
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A mixture of theoretical and practical learning
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Respect for you as an individual
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Confidentiality regarding your personal information
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An environment in which to grow personally, physically, mentally, and spiritually
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Opportunity to learn and practice a variety of martial techniques
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Lessons in philosophy, meditation, healing, ethics, physics, nutrition, and health
What we expect from our students: •
Understanding and acceptance of workload (including scheduled class time, home practice, and extracurricular studies)
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Adequate financial support to devote major time and energy to your studies (this includes not only paying tuition on time, but making sure the needs of your own family are not neglected)
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Adequate self-care (including personal hygiene, proper nutrition, equipment care, etc.)
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Personal and academic integrity in all matters
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Honesty to yourself, your fellow students, and your instructors
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Loyalty to the school, the system, and your instructors
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Dedication to your studies and diligence in your practice of what you have learned
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Acceptance of constructive criticism as a way to improve yourself and your technique
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Respect for all of those who came before you and for all of those who come after you. 8
Testing Requirements and Procedures •
Sash testing is held approximately every three months.
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Not every student will participate in every testing.
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Only the Head Instructor makes the decision of who will test based on the recommendations of the students’ personal instructor.
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No student will be allowed to skip sashes.
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Students who pass their test will receive their sash at a formal sash giving ceremony, usually held the following week.
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All fees for sash testing are to be paid at the sash ceremony. (See next page)
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Students must personally own any equipment that will be required for testing (i.e. weapons, sparring gear, etc.)
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Students will be in full uniform for testing (this includes uniform pants, uniform top, and sash if the student has one).
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Students who will be sparring during their test are required to have a full set of protective gear ( this includes, but is not limited to, foot gear, hand gear, head gear, mouthpiece, and groin cup).
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The sash test is based on 100 points with the minimum passing score being 80.
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Students who fail one or two sections, and who can still mathematically reach the required passing score, may be placed on probation pending completion of the failed sections.
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More than five points off of one section constitutes failure of that section.
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A student may also be failed for gross misconduct during the test ( i.e. lack of respect, loss of temper, etc.).
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Testing is not only about what the student knows, but also about how that information is presented under pressure. Remain relaxed, respectful, and never give up.
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Please note that the listed requirements represent the minimum that will be asked for.
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Test Fees The follow fees are to be paid only upon successful completion of the sash test at the appropriate point in the sash ceremony:
White Sash - $25 Yellow Sash - $35 High Yellow Sash - $45 Orange Sash - $50 Green Sash - $65 High Green Sash (Kids only) - $25 Purple Sash - $75 Red Sash - $100 Black Sash: Arrangements will be made upon approval for Black Sash testing. Note: Sash levels for Kids 6 and under are broken into two sections, therefore only pay half for each section (eg $12.50 for White Sash and $12.50 for White II). 10
Adult Equipment Requirements To test for the following sashes, you must own the equipment listed under each.
White Sash Uniform Training Shoes
Yellow Sash Sparring Gear
High Yellow Sash Staff
Orange Sash Butterfly Swords Broadsword
Green Sash Spear
Purple Sash No new equipment required.
Red Sash Pu Dao
Black Sash Chain Whip 11
Adult Sash Requirements White 10 pushups, 30 crunches, 30 seconds of horse stance, stances, walks, basics, Shaolin Stance Form, Student Creed.
Yellow Above Plus: 20 pushups, 45 crunches, 40 seconds of horse stance, ½ I Wor Kuen, ½ Embu, 6 Tenokens, 6 Niokens.
High Yellow Above Plus: 30 pushups, 55 crunches, 45 seconds of horse stance, I Wor Kuen, Embu, 12 Tenokens, 14 Niokens, 8 Self defense.
Orange Above Plus: 45 pushups, 65 crunches, 50 seconds of horse stance, Ti Shi Kuen, Shaolin Quan Shan-te, 15 Self defense, 15 minutes of sparring.
Green Above Plus: 65 pushups, 100 crunches, 90 seconds of horse stance, Written test, Lohan Stance Form, Shaolin Shi Ba Shou, Tong Bei Chuan, Shaolin Chu Sui, Shu De Dao, Shaolin Longstaff, 20 Self defense, 20 minutes of sparring with multiple opponents. 8 12
Purple Above Plus: 85 pushups, 150 crunches, 2 minutes of horse stance, Bot Bo, Ying Cheung, Longstaff Embu, Shaolin Arhat, 30 Self defense, 25 minutes of sparring with multiple opponents.
Red Above Plus: 100 pushups, 200 crunches, 3 minutes of horse stance, Chuan Yi, Gon Shu, Wind Staff, Open Hand Two-Man Set, 40 Self defense, 35 minutes of sparring with multiple opponents.
High Red Awarded to students in recognition of extraordinary dedication, diligence and loyalty to the system.
Students awarded the High Red sash are ad-
dressed as Si Hing (male) or Si Jie (female).
Black Sash Above plus: 125 pushups, 250 crunches, 4 minutes of horse stance, Internal Form, Creative Form, Pu Dao, Weapons Two-Man set, 50 Self defense, 45 minutes of sparring with multiple opponents .
Please note that these are the minimum requirements for each sash level. Each testing is based on the knowledge and ability of the students taking the test, and therefore various other techniques may be asked for by the instructor. 13
Sash Stripe Requirements Little Kids (6 & Under) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1st Half of Shaolin Stance Form Tenokens 1 - 3 1st Side of I Wor Kuen 1st Side of Embu Leadership — 4 H’s
White 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
2nd Half of Shaolin Stance Form Tenokens 1 - 6 1/2 of I Wor Kuen 1/2 of Embu Leadership — ABCD
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Tenokens 1 - 9 I Wor Kuen Sections 1 - 3 Embu Sections 1 - 3 Niokens 1 - 3 Leadership — Student Creed
Yellow 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Tenokens 1 - 12 All of I Wor Kuen All of Embu Nikoens 1-7 Leadership — Listening Skills
White
Yellow
High Yellow 1. Niokens 1 - 10 2. 1/4 Tiet Sin Kuen 3. 1/4 Shaolin Quan Shan-te 4. 4 Self Defense 5. Leadership — Home Practice
High Yellow 2 1. Niokens 1 - 14 2. 1/2 Tiet Sin Kuen 3. 1/2 Shaolin Quan Shan-te 4. 8 Self Defense 5. Leadership — Good Deeds
Orange 3/4 of Tiet Sin Kuen 3/4 of Shaolin Quan Shan-te 1/4 Shaolin Shi Ba Shou 1/4 Shaolin Shui Suey 12 Self Defense
Orange 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
All of Tiet Sin Kuen All of Shaolin Quan Shan-te 1/2 Shaolin Shi Ba Shou 1/2 Shaolin Shui Suey 15 Self Defense
3/4 of Shaolin Shi Ba Shou 3/4 of Shaolin Shui Suey 1/2 Tong Bei Chuan 20 Self Defense Leadership
Green 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
All of Shaolin Shi Ba Shou All of Shaolin Shui Suey All of Tong Bei Chuan 25 Self Defense Leadership
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Green 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
High Green 1. 1/2 of Lohan Stance Form 2. 1/2 of Shu De Dao 3. 1/2 of Shaolin Longstaff 4. 1/4 of Bot Bo 5. 3/4 of Bot Bo
High Green 2 1. All of Lohan Stance Form 2. All of Shui De Dao 3. All of Shaolin Longstaff 4. 1/2 of Bot Bo 5. All of Bot Bo
Purple and above follow adult curriculum
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Sash Stripe Requirements Big Kids (7—12) White 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Shaolin Stance Form 6 Tenokens 1/2 I Wor Kuen 1/2 Embu Leadership — 4 H’s & ABCD
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
12 Tenokens All of I Wor Kuen All of Embu 7 Niokens Leadership — Student Creed
Yellow
High Yellow 1. 14 Niokens 2. 1/2 Tiet Sin Kuen 3. 1/2 Shaolin Quan Shan-te 4. 8 Self Defense 5. Leadership — Wu De Orange 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
All of Tiet Sin Kuen All of Shaolin Quan Shan-te 1/2 Shaolin Shi Ba Shou 1/2 Shaolin Shui Suey 15 Self Defense
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
All of Shaolin Shi Ba Shou All of Shaolin Shui Suey Tong Bei Chuan 25 Self Defense Leadership
Green
High Green
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Lohan Stance Form Shu De Dao Shaolin Longstaff 1st Half of Bot Bo 2nd Half of Bot Bo
Purple and above follow adult curriculum 15
The Sash Ceremony Students who have passed their sash test will receive their new sash at a formal sash ceremony—usually held one week after the testing. Students are encouraged to invite friends and family to attend. Students who have not tested are also encouraged to attend, as the sash ceremony is one of the few places the instructors perform advanced material. The ceremony may be broken into two sections: the demonstration and the giving of the sashes. Once the ceremony begins, the narrator will welcome everybody and give a brief introduction speech.
Students
receiving sashes will then be asked to line up for a dedication (similar to the one given at the beginning of every class). After the dedication, the students will be seated. At this point, the demonstration portion begins, if one is to be included. First, students who will be receiving sashes will demonstrate various techniques from the beginner and intermediate levels. Then the demo team, instructors, and head instructors will perform more advanced techniques. After the last performance, there will be a short intermission, during which the lights will be dimmed, and candles lit. Students receiving sashes will then line up in the lobby.
So begins the sash giving portion of the
ceremony. Each student will be called in turn to receive the new sash and certificate of rank. Once all students have received their new sashes, the most senior rank will give a concluding speech. All ceremony participants will then line up and give a closing dedication and courtesy. 16
How to Receive Your Sash •
Once the demonstration portion of the ceremony concludes, students will remove to the lobby and line up in sash order (lowest to highest)
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When your name is called and the gong sounded, stand with hands in a salute (right hand up, left hand under, with Hong Pao containing Sash test fee held in the open left palm), walk to the beginning of the aisle formed by your fellow students, making sure to give courtesy when entering the Kwoon.
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Walk forward until you are three paces from the Temple Guardians, where you will be challenged.
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Stop, come to attention, and give courtesy to the Temple Guardians.
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Once the Temple Guardians move out of the way, continue forward and enter the circle of candles.
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Once in the center, give full courtesy to the Black Sash in front of you, then kneel on both knees,
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Take Hong Pao between fingers, give salute, and place it before the incense burner. Place hands in lap in Universal Mudra. (Disciples Kowtow 3 times before placing Hong Pao)
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A short speech will be given, then you will be asked to stand and receive your sash.
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Accept your sash by giving full courtesy, taking the sash and certificate, then giving a salute (the sash and certificate will be lying in your left hand).
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Take two steps backward, then turn and walk back down the aisle, then back to your spot.
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Once back in your spot, kneel on both knees with your certificate on the floor in front of you and your new sash on top of it.
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Once all students have received their sashes, you will be asked to remove your old sash, fold it neatly (place it on top of your certificate, not on the floor), and put on your new sash.
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NOTE: Intermediate students will be challenged a second time by the Temple Guardians, at which time the student should announce, “I have earned my way through the Rite of Testing.” They will then be invited into the circle.
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NOTE: Students receiving Black Sashes will also be challenged twice by the Temple Guardians, however they may not claim the Rite of Testing, but will also be challenged by one of the presiding Black Sashes. They must then demonstrate their level of mental and spiritual development in a speech about the meaning of Shaolin. Only then will it be decided if they will be allowed passage.
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Sash Ranking
(from lowest to highest)
Under Sashes:
Black Sashes:
(Blue uniforms)
(Gray uniforms)
No Sash
Probationary Laoshih (Black Sash)
White Yellow
Junior Laoshih (Black with white piping)
High Yellow (Yellow with Orange piping)
Orange
Senior Laoshih (Black with yellow piping)
Green High Green (Green with Purple piping) For Children’s Classes Only
Purple
Sisuk (Black with gold piping)
Shihfu (Black with red piping)
Red Sigung Those few students who show
(Black with gray piping)
dedication above and beyond all others may be awarded the honorary title of Sihing (for males) or Si Jie (for females).
Si Tai Gung (Black with gold piping and gold dragon)
There is no rank or privilege associated with this title, only more responsibility. These students can be identified by their
Shih Jiao
gray pants with black piping, white tops,
(Gray sash with black stripes)
and red sash with black piping.
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Tuition & Attendance •
Your tuition pays for your membership in this organization, of which kung fu classes are one of the benefits, therefore students who miss classes during the month, go on vacation, etc., are still required to pay tuition for the full month.
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Students who lapse in payment of tuition, or who take an extended leave without freezing membership, will be required to re-register at the current tuition rate. (Further information on the freeze policy is available on page 20 of this handbook.)
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Students taking an extended leave of absence (i.e. vacation, illness, hardship, etc. ) must notify the school in advance to avoid having to re-register. (Further information on the freeze policy is available on page 20 of this handbook.)
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Tuition is due on or before the due date. Students who are more than 10 days late will be required to add a $7.50 late fee
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There are no contracts at the Shaolin Kung Fu Studios, however, we do require 30 days notice to terminate billing.
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Tuition collection is handled by Member Solutions, and may be paid by check, credit card, electronic funds transfer, or online.
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Regular attendance is mandatory: it is taken into account when a student is being considered for testing. Students who will not be able to attend their regularly scheduled classes are required to inform the school.
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Students who are injured are still encouraged to come watch class so that they will not fall behind.
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Students suffering from illness should use discretion regarding attendance; while we encourage you to at least come watch, please be aware of the nature of your illness, and if it is contagious, please consider the health of other students.
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Students arriving late for class may not enter the training floor until acknowledged by the instructor. The student will then wait in Attention Position for a break in the class to ask for permission to join.
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There are no make-up classes. Students who miss a class may come another night or attend another class for which they are eligible. 19
Membership Freeze Policy
The freeze policy is an affordable alternative to canceling your membership in the event that you need to suspend training for 30 to 90 days. Please read the freeze policy carefully. The freeze policy guarantees your spot and current sash level in our school. The policy also guarantees your current tuition and prevents you from having to pay a high cancellation fee. NOTE: In order to freeze your membership, you must request a Membership Freeze Notice from one of the staff and submit the form to Si Hing Dave prior to freezing the account.
Freeze Terms and Conditions: 1. Members may freeze their membership for any reason. Freeze periods are for 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. 2. All membership freezes require a completion of the membership freeze notice. We do not backdate membership freeze periods. 3. A member cannot freeze a month within which tuition has already processed. Due to our billing cycles - all membership freeze requests within 1 week of the billing date will start the next billed month. 4. The cost of freezing a membership is $25 per month per student. Once the student returns, the freeze rate will be credited to your in-house account to be used for testing, merchandise, and/ or special events. Freeze credit cannot be applied to tuition.* 5. All memberships that are frozen will automatically be reactivated at the end of the freeze period without prior notice to the member. *Freeze rate is non-refundable if you do not return on the agreed date. Failure to return may result in an additional cancellation fee to terminate the membership.
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Mandatory Attendance Policy: 1. As a student, you are required to attend 2 training classes each week. 2. If you miss a class you will get an attendance mark on your tracking card. 3. An attendance mark on your card makes you ineligible to test at a belt exam until you have the mark removed. To have your attendance mark removed you must meet the following attendance requirements: •
Miss 1 class= yellow sticker: must attend all classes for 2 weeks to have the mark removed.
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Miss 2 classes in 1 week= yellow sticker with black dot: must attend all classes for 3 weeks to have the mark removed.
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Miss entire week= red sticker: must attend all classes for 4 weeks to have the sticker removed.
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Miss more than one week= red sticker with black dot: inactive student must begin sash level all over again.
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Wu De: Martial Ethics As martial artists, and especially as descendants of Shaolin, we must strive to hold ourselves to a higher set of morals. This set of morals is called Wu De, or Martial Ethic. While the Wu De has been summed up in the Shaolin Creed, and further in the Black Sash Oath, presented here is a brief list of things that you will be expected to know and practice. Students who repeatedly fail to follow this code of ethics may suspended or expelled. You will notice that the subjects covered vary from bowing to eating. •
Always give courtesy when entering or exiting the Kwoon (training floor).
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Always ring the gong upon your first arrival to the school.
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Always give courtesy to a higher rank first.
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Always stand in attention position when being instructed, unless otherwise specified.
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Always respect the Teacher, in and out of the Kwoon.
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Always respect yourself and your fellow students, both in and out of the Kwoon.
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Always wear a complete uniform, with sash, to every class. (only a school t-shirt will be allowed during the summer months)
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Always give students training with weapons the right of way.
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Always give 100%.
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Always call for courtesy to a Black Sash upon his/her first arrival and final departure.
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Always think of the good of the school over the good of the individual.
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Always uphold righteousness.
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Always obey the Laws of men and heaven.
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Never use foul language in the Kwoon.
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Never bring food into the Kwoon. This includes gum!
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Never wear street shoes in the Kwoon, and never wear your training shoes outside.
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Never wear jewelry in class. 22
Wu De continued… •
Never strike a fellow student harder than you would like to be struck.
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Never be dishonest.
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Never steal or damage another person’s property. (this includes “borrowing” without permission.)
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Never physically or verbally abuse another living being.
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Never use what you learn in class for anything other than self defense or self perfection.
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Never sit before a senior rank.
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Never begin eating before a senior rank.
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Never put down another style, system, school, or practitioner.
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Never teach what you have learned to others without the explicit permission of the Head Instructor.
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Loyalty to your Teacher is a very sacred part of the Shaolin tradition. Training at another school without the express permission of the head instructor is not allowed.
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Love fellow students as brothers and sisters.
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Treat teachers of other disciplines (including those areas of study outside the martial arts) with the same respect you would treat your own Teacher.
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Help those in need, whether it be a junior student, or a hungry child.
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Most importantly, honor the memory of the Masters of the past, honor the reality of the Masters of the Present, and honor the dream of the Masters of tomorrow…
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The 3-Strikes Rule We have created the 3-Strikes Rule to help measure the effort and attitude of our students. These rules are meant to maintain certain standards that we believe contribute to the overall atmosphere of our school. If a student does not meet these standards, then the rules will be enforced. This will help us eliminate unnecessary distractions that prevent other students from learning and training. Unacceptable and distracting behavior, inconsistent attendance, and negative unreported comments are considered behaviors that can weaken our school’s positive atmosphere. To maintain our Quality Guarantee, we will enforce the 3-Strikes Rule when necessary. The following standards are included in the 3-Strikes Rule along with the necessary procedures of enforcement: Unacceptable and distracting behavior – If a student displays a poor attitude or distracting behavior, it affects the entire class. Inconsistent attendance – If a student becomes inconsistent in attendance, it slows down the entire class and takes the attention away from the hard-working and consistent student’s. (See the mandatory attendance policy on –age 21 for more details) Negative unreported comments – If a student, or a family member, talks negatively about another student (or family member), staff, instructor, or any other person or situation related to the school without reporting it to our management first, it is considered unfair and inappropriate; and decreases the school’s (and its members) overall moral. Any violation of the Martial Ethic (Wu De) - This includes both those tenets set forth beginning on page 22 of this handbook and those taught in class.
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Procedures of enforcement for the 3-Strikes Rule: First time someone violates the 3-Strikes Rule, a verbal warning is given and a permanent mark is made on his or her tracking card. The second time someone violates the 3-Strikes Rule a student (parent if student is under 18) conference is scheduled and a second permanent mark is made on the student’s tracking card. The third time someone violates the 3-Strikes Rule a final student (parent if the student is under 18) conference is scheduled and the student is forced to take a leave of absence with a term length from 4-weeks to one year depending on the severity of the violation.
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Facility Each of the schools is independently owned and operated, and has it’s own class schedule. While official school events take precedence, the schools are available for individuals to use for their own events and classes, as long as the material covered is not against the mission and goals of the school. Please contact the individual school to discuss your needs. Contact information for each school may be found on page six (6) of this handbook.
Staff
Shih Jiao Moses Arocho Head of System
Sigung Darren Fore Rocky Point
Sigung Gregg Zilb Ronkonkoma
Sifu Nestor Colon Puerto Rico
Shih Fu Mike Evans Medford
Laoshih Fred Christie Myrtle Beach, NC
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Shihfu Michael A Evans, DD LMT Shihfu has been teaching the art of Shaolin Lohan since 1995, and, in addition to his rankings in various other arts, holds the equivalent of a 5th degree Black Sash in the in the Shaolin Lohan System. He is a
student and disciple of Shih Jiao Moses Arocho, the current head of the system, and continues his studies of both the physical and esoteric applications of the knowledge held within the system under Shih Jiao Moses. With training and licensure in massage therapy, Shihfu is able to bring his
knowledge of the western sciences and eastern philosophies to every class to ensure the best and safest results for each student. Shihfu was inducted into the Just For Champions Hall of Fame in 2003 as Instructor of the Year. He was also inducted into the Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2004 for outstanding contribution to the martial arts. As Head Instructor of the Shaolin Kung Fu Studios, Shih Fu Mike is responsible
for all aspects of the curriculum, including instructor continuing education and certification, student progress, and quality assurance.
David Weber A descendant of the Thai aristocracy,
David immi-
grated to the US in 1969. He has been studying various forms of martial arts and meditation techniques since the age of twelve. David began studying Shaolin Kung Fu in 2003 under Shih Fu Mike, and was honored with becoming Shih Fu's first Disci-
ple. He is one of only a very few students within the system to whom Discipleship has been granted before the attainment of Black Sash.
David is married to another Thai and the proud father of two. Together he and his wife bring a unique understanding of Asian culture to our school. He is a U.S. Army veteran, Freemason, voracious reader of esoteric subjects, an air traffic control radio operator, and a practicing Buddhist.
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Andrea Lachar Andrea began studying the martial arts when she was only six years old, but found her home with Shaolin Kung Fu Studios in early 2005. After graduating college, she fell in love with the idea of doing Kung Fu for a living, so she decided that she was going to truly live the lifestyle of a martial artist. Andrea began taking extra classes, private lessons, and learning
the ways of the martial arts business. Since then she has earned her CPR and First Aid certifications, Instructor Certification and has taken on the role of head instructor of the children’s program; all while finding the time to represent Shaolin Kung Fu Studios in the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce and the Patchogue Rotary.
Andrea graduated from Suffolk County Community College with an Associates Degree in English Literature, and from Hofstra University in December 2006 with a Bachelors of Arts in Classical Studies. Andrea is also an accomplished musician, playing both flute and bassoon for various local universities and is intrigued by the knowledge that both eastern and western esoteric studies has to offer.
Shihfu Mike with his training brother Sisuk William Towers, Sihing Dave, and Sijie Andrea
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Kids’ Classes Only •
I will develop myself in a positive Manner, and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health;
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I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others;
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I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively to help myself and my fellow man;
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I will never be abusive or offensive;
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This is a Black Sash school: We are dedicated! We are motivated! We are on a quest to be the best! YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!
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With pride I face a thousand waves, My blood is hot like the red sun, My courage is as strong as iron, My bones are refined as steel. My vision is outreaching And I strive to strengthen myself; For I am Shaolin, and like My brothers and sisters before me I will develop myself in a positive way. I will let nothing stand in the way Of being a person of peace and strength. I will be a pillar of power for myself and The people that need it around me. I will never stray from the vision. For I am Shaolin and Shaolin is me and we are FAMILY! 30
Black Sash Oath I, practice the Ten Shaolin Laws:
, in all sincerity pledge to uphold and
Required to respect the Master, honour the Moral Way, and love fellow Disciples as brothers and sisters. Required to train the Shaolin arts diligently, and as a prerequisite, to be physically and mentally healthy. Required to be filial to parents, be respectful to the elderly, and protective of the young. Required to uphold righteousness, and to be both wise and courageous. Forbidden to be ungrateful and unscrupulous, ignoring the Laws of man and heaven. Forbidden to rape, molest, do evil, steal, rob, abduct, or cheat. Forbidden to associate with wicked people: forbidden to do any sorts of wickedness. Forbidden to abuse power, be it official or physical; forbidden to oppress the good and bully the kind. Obliged to be humane, compassionate and spread love, and to realize everlasting peace and happiness for all people. Obliged to be chivalrous and generous, to nurture talents and pass on the Shaolin arts to deserving Disciples.
Sign
W itness
Date
W itness 31
