Pak Mei Kung Fu Ethics

Poem, by Pak Mei

This poem has been handed down by Pak Mei himself through the generations. My Sigung, Cheung Beng Fat, repeatedly forced my Sifu to recite and rewrite this poem, which defines for us a code of ethics. Note that the verses in Chinese are read from top to bottom, starting on the right hand side.

The english translation is as follows:

1.Respect your kung fu ancestors, before you can claim to respect your kung fu.

2.Learn to be righteous and temper your conduct, before you may learn kung fu.

3.If you know kung fu, you may not commit any illegal offenses.

4.The best kung fu practitioners never hit people, even for the slightest offenses.

5.If you encounter an evil person,

6.Even if you are offered thousands of pounds of gold, you may not teach them.

7.You may not even teach a close relative, if they are not morally decent.

8.You may teach a perfect stranger, as long as they are righteous and decent.

9.If you understand the essence of Pak Mei kung fu,

10.Even a stone is precious like gold.

I think this tradition started by Pak Mei speaks volumes about his concern for the misuse of his kung fu knowledge through subsequent generations. Rather than explain or discuss any derivative meaning, I would rather live in this spirit.

As a footnote for those who do not read Chinese, the page shown is read from the right to left, downwards along each line. There are seven words in each line, and the rhythm and cadence flow quite elegantly; this is completely lost in the English translation.