Wu Xing Wing Chun and the diplomas

In western countries, there are no legal orders whose task it is to ratify diplomas and membership, despite being an important professional discipline. This necessary responsability then falls on the shoulders of the master himself, or the leaders of a federation. It is thus that que qualities of loyalty, fidelity and integrity take all their meaning.

An association such as Wu Xing Wing Chun Kung Fu is an example of misplaced pride and the egocentrism of young people. They operated as small, independent schools under an international federation and decided, whether for profit or power, to secede from this federation and keep their franchise schools to themselves.

Because of this choice, the title of instructor and all rights associated are automatically revoked by the international Orthodox Shaolin Wing Chun School. Having failed to complete their professional training, lacking the necessary knowledge and without an official diploma from a recognized federation, these individuals cannot take on the full responsibilities of an instructor and cannot guarantee a safe practice for their students. Let us not forget that Kung Fu is considered a dangerous discipline through its study of combat techniques and other specific training that can lead to life-long injury when taught incorrectly. Knowledge of the human body and the science of healthcare of an advanced level is mandatory to reach higher levels of the practice of martial arts. Meanwhile, it is known that certain practitioners will choose to falsify documents in order to appropriate these titles for themselves and claim independence from any federation, despite their incomplete training.

It is imperative for new students to look for the diploma of the head instructor of a school – it is the only guarantee of their level and of the quality of the teaching one would receive in their school.

The honorific diploma

The honorific diploma is reserved for disciples having shown an unerring loyalty to their school and master. Throughout the many ups and downs of life, these disciples have shown that their devotion is unfailing and has been recognized by the master and the other disciples of the school.

In academia, Honoris Causa diplomas are given to personnalities who have been known to have a great influence in their domain. In England, some celebrities are even given knighthoods for their involvement in the great domains of art, science and social causes.

The great qualities of humanism, courage, intelligence, loyalty and perseverence are the basis for the honorific diploma in martial arts.

The professional diploma

The professional diploma is given to those instructors who have proven their technical level, the quality of their classes and their ongoing personal development. Since the status of master isn't necessary to receive this diploma, the professional diploma implies only limited powers established by higher instances of the federation. It reminds the recipient of his or her place within the hierarchy of the federation and their role towards their students.

In a society of laws and regulations, a professional diploma is necessary to assume the role of a practicionner of a restricted discipline. Professional orders, such as the college of medicine, the Canadian bar association, the order of engineers, and many more, require a diploma by a recognized university in order to attain membership. This guarantees the clients of such orders of the competence of the person they are dealing with.

Every student in these domains must pay for their studies and diploma, as well as partake in several internships (remunerated or not), pass very difficult tests and despite everything, wait until they have their diploma in hand before being able to practice in their field – or face dire legal consequences.

An individual that has a law degree but isn't a ratified member of the Canadian bar association is not a lawyer.

The mandate

Transcript:

"SHAOLIN FATSAN

By order of the venerable Yuen Tcheong, head Grand Master of the temple, I hereby order, in his presence, the excellent disciple:

Nam Anh Phan Bao Thach

9^th degree Red Belt

to represent me and act in my stead in order to greatly spread our religious philosophy and the beautiful science of martial arts from our school in Viêt Nam and across the world; in respect of the discipline and veneration of the great chivalrous spirit of our ancestors.

I have the honor of communicating this official letter, which was delivered in accordance with the rites and traditionnal ceremonies, to all martial arts school.

SHAOLIN FATSAN WING-CHUN SCHOOL

DIAMOND TEMPLE – TAMO FACULTY

Made in Vietnam, Fall 1983

Seal of Grand Master Yuen – Ming

Before witness, I, Lan Huong Nguyen-Mai, residing at 8010 Cr. Salomon, Brossard, P.Q., do attest that this traduction is conform to the original that I have read and translated.

(Seals and signatures of the translator and the Commisionner for Oaths)"

Transcript:

"ORTHODOX BAI MEI SCHOOL

We attest that

NAM ANH PHAN BAO THACH

acquired from our institution the mastery of the techniques of the Orthodox Bai Mei school. It is with joy and satisfaction that we grant our wise disciple the authorization to teach our techniques outside our own precinct.

Thus, we solemnly invite all our superiors and co-disciples to support him in his quest to glorify and spread the martial arts teachings of our school.

Made in 1986

By Lu Diêu Hang

Heir and Grand Master of the 6^th generation

Orthodox Bai Mei school of Viêt Nam

Seal of Grand Master Lu Ping Woon on the left"

Transcript:

CERTIFICATE

I, the undersigned, Nguyen Duy Hai, also known as Ho Hai Long (The ocean’s dragon), identity card #00934191 delivered on the 28^th of August 1969 in the 5^th district of Saigon, Master Consultant of the Vietnam Martial Arts Department, Head Grand Master of  the Chun Chan-Chi-Tao (The Way of Zen and Chi) School of Wing Chun, hereby certifies that :

Mr Nam Anh Phan Bao  Thach, my high level disciple, cinnabar belt 7^th degree of perfection, has the competence, the experience and the knowledge required in the martial sciences to promote the martial arts in all its guises at the national level, in accordance with our line of conduct, our internal discipline, while respecting the honor code of the Martial Way.

The present document is drawn up and delivered to the person concerned with all rights and privileges pertaining hereto.

Written in Saigon on the 10^th of January 1972

Seal and signature of the Grand Master Ho Hai Long

English translation from French by Eric Athlan.

The French translation of the Vietnamese Original was carried out by Me Nguyen Trong Vinh, Montreal Bar, on July 11 1989.

---

A third category of diplomas is given to those disciples of have received a very specific mandate to carry out in the name of their federation. Contrary to the honorific diploma, this mandate confers the necessary powers and authority to the individual in order to allow them to carry out their specific tasks.

The nature of the mandate is clearly specified on the diploma given by the high instances of the federation so that there is no doubt that they are supported in their mission and benefit from the full trust and cooperation of the schools' leaders in the accomplishment of their task. A Grand Master, or even a Master, can be mandated for example to preserve traditions, to open a new school or even to spread their teachings.

A mandate is usually also professional diploma.

Written by Nam Hy
Red Belt 4th Degree
Disciple and Heir of 7th generation of Shaolin Wing chun Nam Anh Kung fu
Montreal, March 23, 2016