In the Chinese martial arts community, most schools have a 'family hierarchy', where everyone is referred to in a family title, Big Brother, little brother, Uncle, Aunt, etc.

What I want to bring up is the responsibility of the Seniors or 'Big Brothers & Sisters'. For ease of use I'm only going to refer to 'Big Brother' and 'little Brother'.

We all look to the person that's been at the school (Kwoon) the longest as the 'Big Brother'. But we never look behind us. Funny thing is, as soon as someone new joins your school (Kwoon), you become the 'Big Brother' to that student.

In a society where, 'Me first', 'I only look out for #1', and 'entertain me'. The Chinese martial arts community, frowns on that. While you do have a responsibility to your own training and studies, you are also to show concern and compassion for your younger brothers. You need to be concerned with their development as much as your own. I think the Golden rule works so well here, ' Do onto others as you would have done onto you.' If you expect your Sifu to teach you, show that you have the same heart, and help others to learn. As he corrects you, share that knowledge and correct others.

There is only one (or more) person(s) that has the formal title of 'Sifu' but when you translate it as 'teacher', we are all teachers to the little brothers in our family. By showing what you know, you give a little of yourself, and you also re-learn what you know.

Wing Chun is an amazing system. From the outside, it looks simple and would take no time to learn. But to learn it well, you need a eye for detail. It's in the little things that make the most difference. So, if only one set of eyes are watching, 30 people, something will get missed. But if 30 sets of eyes are watching (because the little brother may not know), nothing will get missed. This is so critical if you want to have good Gung Fu.

Because we all will be Big Brothers to someone, that puts a greater level of responsibility on us all to train diligently, pay attention, work towards perfection and be an example to our little brothers. While this gives us a great sense of accomplishment, it also makes sure that we share correctly too.

Until Next Time.

Keep Training, Keep Praying, Keep thinking.

Chuck O'Neill is an evangelical Christian and martial artist. Over his 12 years of experience in martial arts he as had formal martial arts training in Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and Kosho Ryu Kenpo Karate. He also has had training in elements of Western Boxing, grappling, Tai Chi, and Wushu. He is currently learning Wing Chun from Sifu Nelson Chan of the Christian Wushu Fellowship, located in Toronto, Ontario.

The opinions of this article are solely those of the writer and are not the expressed opinions of the Christian Wushu Fellowship. Copyright 2005 Charles G. O'Neill

To read other articles by Chuck O'Neill check out "Modern Martial Artist"