Wah Lum Tai Chi Members

THANK YOU FOR BEING A WAH LUM MEMBER!

IMPORTANT INFO TO KNOW:

  • First Day:
    • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to class to sign in at the front office, and warm up.
    • There is a key rack located by the bathrooms and on the left patio.
    • Extra uniforms and shoes can be purchased in the front office.  There is water, Gatorade, and quick snacks for sale.
  • Uniforms:
    • Uniforms may not be altered.
    • Full uniform must be worn to class, or you will not be permitted to participate in class. (Wah Lum issued: TC jacket, shoes, and pants comes with the registration. TC shirts are sold separately)
  • Photo / Video / Social Media:
    • You may not take photos during class.
    • You may post PHOTOS ONLY and TAG us at @wahlumtemple on Instagram or Facebook.
    • Any videos taken at the Wah Lum Temple are prohibited from being used on any public share sites, such as but not limited to, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, etc. without permission.
    • We also ask you refrain from video taping your forms and posting them online.
    • While we are happy with your enthusiasm, our forms are a part of the traditional Wah Lum system and we would like to keep the privacy of our style within the system.  Grandmaster Chan has worked hard to keep the system traditional and to ensure that students are only learning from certified Sifus
  • Testing Policy:
    • You will test once you have reached a certain level in the curriculum.
    • An instructor will inform you when you are ready to test and registration info will be sent by email.
  • Communications:
    • A weekly newsletter will be sent with important information on the school.  Please read them!  They are short and informative and let you know of any schedule changes.  Your information is never shared.
    • To join our secret members only Wah Lum Warrior FACEBOOK GROUP – please add us as a friend and request to join the group HERE. Get tips, advice, and secret kung fu moves are revealed to our members only!
  • Keep Us Updated:
    •  If at any time, you change any information, including emails, contact info, and bank account, please notify the office immediately so we can update our records.
  • Safety – Please be aware of the following areas at the Temple:
    • The plum flower poles and any garden area are strictly off limits.
    • Do not play/jump from the stage area located on the left patio.
    • Please wait on the porch for pick up as the parking lot is busy.
    • No plants or fruits on the property are to be disturbed or eaten.

 

TAI CHI MEMBER HANDBOOK

PRINTABLE: TAI CHI HANDBOOK

Welcome to Wah Lum and thank you for taking the first step to improve your health. The benefits of Tai Chi exercises will improve your well-being both mentally and physically. The style you will be learning is the 108 movements of the Yang style.

TRADITION

At Wah Lum, we emphasize the importance of learning tai chi within the framework of tradition and culture. Respect is a fundamental value in the Wah Lum system, and we demonstrate it in various ways.
Bowing– A gesture of respect towards instructors and fellow students.

Addressing Instructors– Using the proper titles for instructors shows honor and respect for heir role and experience.Below are some commonly used Chinese terms in our school.

  • Sigung: Grandmaster (Grandmaster Chan)
  • Simo: direct translation ‘sifu’s wife’ (Simo Suzy – is technically SiPo as the grandmasters’wife, but she prefers Simo)
  • Sifu: Instructor, teacher. At the Temple certified instructors are referred to as Sifus.
  • Si Hing: Older martial arts brother. Used when addressing assistant instructors.
  • Si Jye: Older martial arts sister. Used when addressing assistant instructors.
Count to 10 in Chinese: yat, yee, samm, sei, umm, luk, chut, baat, gau, sap
Bisan: to light incense out of respect for previous masters
Gau Jung: end of class
Wah Lum Martial Arts Altar– In Chinese culture, the martial arts altar is a place of respect, honoring the ancestors and masters who came before us. Bowing to the altar is a gesture of gratitude and discipline, thanking them for passing down their knowledge to future generations.
  • Right side: Jeen Jo, Jeen See, Jeen Gaau Do (Respect Grand Master, Respect Sifu, RespectTeachings)
  • Left side: Hok Yan, Hok Yi, Hok Kung Fu (Learn Kindness, Learn Fellowship, Learn Hard Work)
  • Middle: Foh Gee Do Jin (Upside Down Fire – Control)
  • Top: Wah Lum Pai (Wah Lum System)
Student Etiquette – To maintain standard and quality, students must only practice movements that have been taught by a Wah Lum instructor. Following­­­ new movements from other students is not permitted.

SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. All students must be in proper uniform to participate in class (WL issued: Tai Chi Jacket or T-shirt, pants, and shoes). Altering of uniforms is not permitted. Additional uniforms are available for purchase in the front office.
2. Arrive at least 5 minutes prior to classes.
3. Students must bow before entering and leaving the Temple (as a sign of respect).
4. Bowing is also a sign of respect to greet your instructors and one another.
5. Respect one another as family members. Treat all instructors (Sigung, Simo, Sifus) with respect, and all classmates as your brothers and sisters.
6. Students are not permitted to instruct or teach other students.
7. No eating or drinking in the Temple.
8. All personal belongings kept in the restrooms are at your own risk.
9. No leaning against the walls or mirrors.
10. Students must purchase their own personal weapons. Do not use other students’ weapons without permission.
11. All weapons must be stored in a safe place or in the weapons rack.
12. Keep tuition up to date.
13. Please help keep the school clean.
14. No profanity on property.

15. Students may not take photos during class. Any videos, photographs, or images taken atthe Wah Lum Temple are prohibited from being used on any public share sites, such as butnot limited to, facebook, youtube, etc. While we are happy with your enthusiasm, theseimages are a part of the traditional Wah Lum system and we would like to keep the privacy ofour style within the system. Grandmaster Chan has worked hard to keep the system traditional and to ensure that students are only learning from certified Sifus.

 

Key Reminders for Practicing Tai Chi

● Posture: Imagine a string gently pulling up from the top of your head, aligning your spine

and helping you stand tall yet relaxed. Let the rest of your body hang down naturally and

shoulders relaxed. Upper body is light and flexible, while feet are balanced, sturdy and

grounded.

● Deep breathing

● Relax shoulders and body

● Circular movements

● Waistline power

● Shifting of weight

● 60/40 stances

FAQ

  • What age should I start practicing tai chi?

Tai Chi is beneficial to everyone!  We encourage adolescents 14+ to start their training, as younger children may not yet mature enough to understand the benefits of tai chi.

  1. Is tai chi good for self defense?

Tai Chi is a martial art, and is an art form that has self defense movements within it.  We teach tai chi for health benefits first, and self defense secondary.

  • What do I do after I finish 108 Movements of Yang?

There are several weapons and other advanced tai chi forms in the curriculum for those who want to further their training.

  • I have just had surgery, can I practice tai chi

Yes, we encourage to do some form of exercise after surgery, and tai chi is one of the best exercise program for this. (always ask for doctor advice and recommendation before starting any exercise program)

  • I have back problems, and knee problems. Is this good for me?

Make sure you let the instructor know of your situation. Tai chi is not a fix all exercise, but it will help strengthen your body and legs, which might help with the pain. Always consult your medical professional on what’s best for your health.

  • I suffer from stress and anxiety, is this good for me?

One of the many benefits of tai chi is to relieve stress as we do breathing exercises to help the nervous system. Always consult your medical professional on what’s best for your health.

 

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