Tang Sou Dao is more than just a martial art; it is a way of life that instils discipline, respect, and self-improvement. Students are encouraged to follow the Seven Principles of Tang Sou Dao, which serve as a moral and ethical guide to their training and everyday lives.
One of the key aspects of progressing in Tang Sou Dao is regular attendance and punctuality. These values not only help students improve their martial arts skills but also reinforce the principles of loyalty, respect, responsibility, and self-discipline.
The Importance of Training Weekly and Consistently
Martial arts require regular practice to develop skill, strength, and confidence. Attending training weekly ensures that students build a strong foundation and continue to progress without setbacks.
How Regular Training Aligns with the Seven Principles
Show Loyalty to the Society of Which You Are a Member
Attending classes consistently demonstrates loyalty to Tang Sou Dao and the martial arts community. By training regularly, students honour their commitment to the society and contribute to its strength and unity.
Be Obedient to Your Parents and Elders
Discipline in martial arts reflects discipline in daily life. By attending training regularly and following the guidance of instructors and senior students, students show obedience and respect for their elders, learning valuable life lessons in the process.
Show Respect for Instructors and Senior Grades
Regular attendance and punctuality are signs of respect for instructors, who dedicate their time to teaching. A student who consistently attends class and arrives on time shows appreciation for their instructor’s efforts and respects their fellow students by maintaining a structured learning environment.
Exercise Self-Control at All Times
Self-control is key in martial arts. Attending training regularly helps students develop the discipline to push through challenges, remain focused, and improve both physically and mentally. Skipping training or arriving late often stems from a lack of self-discipline, which can slow progress.
Do Not Boast of Your Skills but Show Humility
Martial artists should let their skills speak through their dedication and hard work rather than words. Training regularly and on time ensures steady progress and improvement without the need to boast.
Take Responsibility for Your Actions
If a student misses a class, arrives late, or falls behind in training, they must take responsibility for catching up and improving. Being accountable for one’s progress and attendance is a key trait of a dedicated martial artist.
Share Your Knowledge with Others
Experienced students help newer students learn and grow. Attending classes regularly ensures that students can share their knowledge with others, reinforcing their own skills while contributing to the progress of their training partners.
The Downside of Dipping In and Out of Training
Some students train inconsistently, dipping in and out rather than committing to a structured schedule. This lack of commitment negatively affects their progress and goes against the principles of Tang Sou Dao.
Loss of Progress: Martial arts require steady development. Inconsistent training forces students to re-learn techniques rather than advance.
Disruptive for Others: A student who trains irregularly may struggle to keep up, affecting their training partners and disrupting lesson flow.
Lack of Respect for the Art: Martial arts demand discipline and dedication. Attending only when convenient does not demonstrate respect for the art, instructors, or fellow students.
Weakens Self-Discipline: A student who does not commit to regular training misses out on developing key character traits such as perseverance and self-control.
A dedicated martial artist honours their commitment to training, reinforcing the principles of responsibility, respect, and loyalty.
Respectfully Notifying Your Instructor of Any Absence or Illness
Tang Sou Dao is built on discipline, respect, and communication. If a student cannot attend a session due to illness, injury, or another commitment, they should notify their instructor in advance.
Why It’s Important to Inform Your Instructor
Respect for the Instructor’s Time – Instructors plan lessons based on student attendance. A sudden absence without notice can disrupt lesson plans.
Consideration for Training Partners – Many exercises require partners. Regular training and communication ensure everyone benefits from lessons without disruption.
Safety and Well-being – If a student has an injury or illness, informing the instructor allows for training modifications to prevent further harm.
Demonstrating Commitment – Taking responsibility for absences shows dedication to martial arts and respect for the Wu Kwan.
This aligns with Principle 6: Take Responsibility for Your Actions, as it encourages students to be accountable for their training and actions.
The Role of Punctuality in Martial Arts Training
Being on time is essential in martial arts. Arriving late can disrupt the class and hinder learning. Punctuality is a direct reflection of self-discipline, respect, and responsibility—all key values in Tang Sou Dao.
How Punctuality Aligns with the Seven Principles
Shows Respect for Instructors and Senior Grades – Arriving on time ensures students do not disrupt the instructor’s lesson or fellow students’ focus.
Demonstrates Self-Control – Being punctual requires planning and discipline, reinforcing mental focus.
Encourages Responsibility – A martial artist takes responsibility for their training and understands that punctuality is part of their commitment.
Consequences of Poor Punctuality
Missed Warm-ups and Increased Injury Risk – Warm-ups are crucial for preventing injuries. Arriving late can result in inadequate preparation.
Disrupts Class Structure – Late arrivals can interrupt focus and require instructors to repeat instructions, affecting lesson flow.
Reflects Poor Self-Discipline – Consistently arriving late may indicate a lack of organisation and respect for training.
Conclusion
Tang Sou Dao is more than a martial art; it is a system that teaches discipline, perseverance, and respect. Regular weekly training and punctuality are essential for progress, personal development, and upholding the values of the art.
By committing to consistent training, arriving on time, and communicating responsibly about absences or injuries, students demonstrate loyalty, respect, responsibility, and self-control, embodying the Seven Principles of Tang Sou Dao.
A true martial artist is defined not just by skill but by dedication, respect, and responsibility. Train regularly, be punctual, take responsibility for your journey, and embrace Tang Sou Dao with discipline and honour.
