This page provides general information about rules, conduct, training traits and aspects that all members of NLPS Martial Arts should know. More detailed information is provided during normal classes. This information is intended as a reference only.

Uniforms: NLPS Martial Arts uses traditional Kung Fu Uniform during the Praying Mantis and Tai Chi classes (optional) with colored sashes to signify rank.  A traditional Karate Uniform known as a "Gi" along with colored belts are used for the Shorin-Ryu Karate class. Uniforms are required for both comfort while training, and to give the student a sense of belonging to the group.

Rank: In history, many Kung Fu Schools did not use colored belts or sashes to determine rank. Ranking in Kung Fu styles is fairly young if compared to other arts. If we were using a traditional Kung Fu Uniform, we would use a colored sash (satin or silk) to determine rank. Because we are in a Karate Uniform, we are using colored belts that are intended to be used with such uniforms. Rank / Belts are used as both a tool for the Instructor to gauge a student in a glance, and as representation of what the individual has learned and accomplished. Rank's are not the same in every school. The general rule of thumb is the darker the color of the belt or sash, the higher the rank (black being the highest). Our rank is as follows:

White = New Beginner / Purity, represents the emptiness of the student in his/her knowledge of the style.

Yellow = Upper Beginner / Sun, represents the beginning of a students understanding. It is the ending of his/her emptiness and the beginning of his/her application. The student is fitting in to his/her training and glowing as bright as the Sun.

Green = Lower Intermediate / Earth, represents the students well planted knowledge and training. The roots are growing strong and sinking deeper. This is the time a student is made strong by challenging his/her abilities.

Purple = Upper Intermediate / New Day, represents the deep understanding and aged experience of a student. Using his/her knowledge from the past to perfect techniques of today. Student begins to challenge him/herself daily and is forced to reflect on his/her foundation and roots in order to grow and strengthen.

Red = Lower Advance / Blood (Warriors Rank), known as the "Blood belt". It is the beginning of advance training. It is designed to test a students inner warrior. Which means his/her courage, dedication, and discipline. Skill and ability are extremely high and fierce as the student prepares to advance and be known as an expert.

Black = Upper Advance / The Culmination of Knowledge. This is a mix of all the colors. The student combines all the knowledge and experience that has been passed to him/her. This is the declaration of the students expertise. Worn with pride, it represent every drop of sweat, tears, and blood that has been shed. The student becomes the art and it is carried deep in the heart.

Bow translated in Chinese to "Kow Tow": This is an act of respect. It is done when ever you enter or exit a martial arts school, enter or exit the exercise floor, start or end class, the start or end of working with a classmate/opponent, when you are called by your Instructor or when you are approached by you Instructor or any Black Belt to include visitors. In short, when in doubt just bow.

There are different ways to bow and your actions/body position during a bow sends many messages to the person you are facing. Example: Your feet should always be together, separated feet mean disrespect. You should always look at the person as you bow, the only exception is when bowing directly to your Instructor (optional). Looking down while you bow exposes the back of your neck. The inside meaning of showing your neck to your Instructor/Master is acknowledging that he/she is superior in the arts and could take your head off. This ritual (looking down) is not done for anyone else, not even visiting Black Belts with higher skills. It is intended as the highest level of respect for your TEACHER only.

Focus: When learning a technique, form, etc. it is important that the student focus. This can be done by visualizing mentally what is being said or done. Visualizing will increase your memory of the movement and help you understand the technique in it's entirety. Understanding the techniques will allow you to relax more, which leads to more natural movement and mastery.

Speed: Speed is one of the last traits you will gain in any given movement. Speed is caused by sudden pressure changes in the body (like an explosive burst). In order to speed up any technique, first you must be comfortable and natural with it. If you are not, you will notice that your accuracy will be off. Relax in the movements and use explosive power coordinated with the body movements to build speed. Making movements natural will allow you to move faster in them. Practice, practice, practice!!!

Coordination: When executing techniques, the placement of every body part is important and will affect the movement, balance, and speed. Every technique in the martial arts requires some degree of coordination. The first step to good coordination is understanding your technique.

Power: Most people think that muscle mass reflects the power of an individual. This is not true by any means. Power comes from many different areas. Although doubling your muscle mass may, in fact, double your power. Doubling your speed will quadruple you power. Speed is one of the major keys to power. Coordinated with muscle, movement, and mind, you can reach power levels that you never imagined. You can not just train one area to be your strongest in any technique.

Courage: Do not confuse the word courage with not being afraid. The true definition of courage is doing what is right in the presence of fear, regardless of the outcome or risk. Fear is a natural emotion that should be embraced. It heightens our awareness, reflexes, and survival instinct. A courageous person will commit and work hard for what must be done. A coward will always look for the easiest and most self-serving way to do anything. A brave courageous person is like a strong tree whose roots are buried deep in his/her beliefs.

Desire: Desire is the urge inside of us to improve or be the best. Desire is needed in order to move through the rank structure in the martial arts. Desire tends to make our sacrifice seem smaller and makes achieving our goals easier.

Dedication: Dedication is what will help us keep going when we run into tough spots. Without dedication, we may be discouraged the first time we can't do something. Everything in martial arts can be learned. Many things require the student to practice over and over again (repetition). With repetition comes another obstacle: getting bored. Dedication will help you deal with the boring parts and keep your eye on the goal. Dedication and desire go hand in hand. One without the other results in failure.

Discipline: Discipline is very similar to dedication in that they both require constant effort. Discipline in a behavioral aspect is to maintain control of your emotions and efforts. To control emotions is to stop them from controlling your actions. The act of walking away when we are angry is difficult because it requires discipline not to do what our first instinct may be.

Humility: The path to humility is complete self-honesty. Knowing your current limits and areas of your life that require improvement will help you to see that you are no better or worse than anyone else. This is not to say that you cannot be proud of who you are or what you have accomplished. But, when your pride seems to elevate you above all others (in your mind) then it becomes arrogance. An arrogant mind places itself above wisdom and truth.

These are but a few of the traits/aspects that need to be developed and maintained by a practitioner. You must be honest and truthful to yourself and set aside your ego. Ego does nothing but cloud our judgment and blind us from what is real. Take your time and be patient. You will improve and meet every goal as long as you stay focused and work hard.

Student Creed

I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health.

I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.

I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and my fellow man and never to be abusive or offensive.

Five Tenets of Martial Arts

COURTESY - Behavior that demonstrates consideration, cooperation, and generosity

INTEGRITY - Honesty, trustworthiness, and incorruptibility.

PERSEVERANCE - Determination, steadfastness, persisting in spite of difficulties.

SELF-CONTROL - Exercising restraint over one's impulses, self-discipline.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT - Unconquerable courage, a "yes I can" attitude.