武德Wude (Pronounced “Wu Duh”) is the term for the character traits of the kung-fu practitioner. Often presented in single-word series, the traits are often memorized, recited and spoken about in the course of instruction. The term Wu 武 refers to “martial” as in Wushu 武術which is “Martial” and Shu 術which means “arts”. The term De 德 in Wude means “virtue”. is the same term used in the Tao De Ching 道德經or the “Book”經 (Ching) about the Way 道 (Tao) and its Virtue 德 (De).
At Authentic Kung-Fu Wude is taught in more of an experiential fashion rather than didactic. The conduct of training is done in such a way that students are challenged and learn to find, within themselves, the qualities necessary for a positive learning experience. The journey is supported by a caring community of fellow students and instructors. On the way students learn to quiet their minds, to focus through challenging training scenarios, to adapt to different circumstances as well as mastering the art being presented.
The goal in this aspect of our training is to produce the practitioner whose intellect and powers of observation are informed by their intuition. (See Philosophy section Yin/ Yang Taijitu) https://www.authentickungfu.com/philosophy-of-kung-fu/
I remember once, I had a young man as a student. He was with me for several years, achieving an advanced rank. One day he came to me and said, “Sifu, I am afraid I must stop training and pursue providing for my family more seriously”. I told him that I understood and I agreed with his priorities.
Years passed and I did not hear from him. One day, I received a phone call, and it was my former student. He asked, “Sifu, could I take you out for lunch”? I said, “Of course”.
He came to get me in an older model jeep and we went out. Afterwards he said, “Could we stop by where I work for a bit”? I said “certainly”.
We arrived at a large multi-level warehouse. As we entered people driving forklifts waved and my student waved back. It was a very large facility. As we walked, we entered a series of office areas and my student was greeted as we walked through. We went upstairs and arrived at a large office space with one wall completely composed of glass overlooking the warehouse section. A single desk was centered in the room. My student walked over, sat down behind the desk and said, “This is all mine. I own all of this. And I owe all of it to your training”.
I was surprised and speechless. He continued, “Kung-Fu taught me to analyze and to take calculated risks, to endure and work hard. I have this because of your training”.
He got up and we hugged. I told him, “You honor me beyond words”.
Our Wude is communicated through our training and community. It has always been so. However, I believe that now more explicit expressions are necessary. In the future, I will write about the Wude of our school. But ultimately our Wude evidences itself through the lives of our students.
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