The use of proper greetings and ‘family’ titles in Kung Fu is very important, as they are a way of showing respect. Respect is a core fundamental principle of our school and cannot be underestimated.
Upon entering and leaving the school the Sifu is always saluted first. After the Sifu, other masters who are present, the instructors and fellow students, are greeted in order of seniority.
Here are some basic rules that will keep you on track:
When you see >
Sijo or your Sifu – You lower yourself on one knee and look to the ground as you salute with hands above your head.
Masters – You stand strongly with your head bowed looking at the ground and hand at your nose height.
Senior students – You stand strongly with your head up and looking at the face of your Si hing and your hands at your chest height.
Junior students – You acknowledge their salute with a nod of appreciation and/or a salute of friendship.
Your salute is a key way to show you value and respect what is being taught. Use you salute to show gratitude as well as respect. A lot can be said about the person and his/her salute or lack of it.
Titles
The Henry Sue Circular Tong Long style is the product of almost 60 years of the Chinese Kung Fu Academy family, where everyone looks after one another. The titles in our Style are similar to the many Cantonese traditional rankings. Titles are irrespective of age, they are determined by the order in which members have joined the school.
| Male | Female | |
| Junior Student (‘Younger brother/sister’ ) | Sidai | Simui |
| Senior Student (‘Older brother/sister’) | Sihing | Sijei |
| Student from another school who is a younger brother to your Sifu (‘Cousin male/female’) | Sisuk | Sigu Mui |
| Student from another school who is a older brother to your Sifu (‘Cousin male/female’) | Sibuk | |
| 1st Student under the Grandmaster of the style* | Dai Sihing | |
| 2nd Student under the Grandmaster of the style * | Yi Sihing | |
| 3rd Student under the Grandmaster of the style* | Sarm Sihing | |
| 4th Student under the Grandmaster of the style * | Sai Sihing | |
| Master (‘Father’/’Mother’) | Sifu | Simo |
| Grand Master (‘Grandfather’/’Grandmother’) | Si Gung | Sipo |
| Founder of the Style | Sijo |
It is important to ALWAYS use the correct titles both inside and outside the training times. Your Sifu and your Sihings are always going to remain your Sifu and your Sihings – not just during class. It is considered disrespectful to refer to any senior member by their first name whether in their presence or not. If in doubt about a seniors title please feel free to ask an instructor what the correct title is.
*Only a Dai sihing, is the appointed senior student in each branch school,. This honorary title is not chosen based upon grade level, but selected personally by the Sifu for his overall qualities and loyalty. The Dai sihing looks after the best interest of the Sifu at all times and has authority to decide on matters relating to the school in accordance with his/her Sifu’s wishes.
