My journey with Wu Ji Quan has been profoundly influenced by the teachings and experiences of my teacher, Grandmaster Chee Kim Thong, during the last decade of his life. His guidance has instilled in me the ethical values of Buddhism that are central to Wu Ji Quan: Communal practice and play, joy, sharing, compassion, and spiritual self-development. In a world often characterized by competition and individualism, Wu Ji Quan offers a path to a deeper connection with ourselves and our environment.
As early as the 5th to 6th century, Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism in China, recognized the importance of physical and mental exercises and integrated them into the teachings of the Shaolin tradition. He taught the monks of the Shaolin Monastery special exercises to improve their physical and mental health. These exercises formed the foundation for the later development of Wu Ji Quan and other martial arts in the Shaolin Monastery.
The Ethical Values of Wu Ji Quan
The ethical values of Wu Ji Quan are closely linked to the teachings of Buddhism. Communal practice and play foster a sense of community and belonging. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we grow not only individually but also collectively. Compassion and spiritual self-development are central elements of this practice, helping us lead more fulfilling and harmonious lives.
In contrast to many traditional Kung Fu and martial arts schools as well in the grading Systems of Buddhist and Daoist schools and monastic traditions that often have hierarchical structures with rankings and belt systems, Wu Ji Quan coming from ancient Chinese Folk Tradition although further developed under monastic shelter and practiced by monks in Shaolin, focuses on inner development, open Sharing and community. While these systems can be motivating, they also promote competition and hierarchies that are seen as detrimental in Wu Ji Quan.
Social and Deep Ecological Dimensions
Wu Ji Quan also has social and deep ecological dimensions with roots in prehistoric times. From my personal research, the cornerstones of the Wu Ji Quan movement forms, particularly their applications in martial arts and healing, but also spirituality, have their roots in prehistoric shamanic tribal cultures and their rites. When asked how old Wu Ji Quan is, Master Chee Kim Thong replied that it dates back to a time when people were almost naked and had to protect themselves from the elemental forces of nature, wild animals and predatory attacks. But Wu Ji Quan’s main approach is about cultivating life energy in harmony with the elemental forces of nature but as well getting enough power to survive and being more résilient in a fast changing world. This connection to nature and to fellow humans is essential for understanding and practicing Wu Ji Quan. It is an art that strengthens not only the individual but also the community.
Negative Aspects and Their Impacts
Unfortunately, negative aspects such as envy, jealousy, excessive greed, and unfair competition especially in groups and schools will disrupt any Chi Flow and harmony immediately. As well it can undermine the basic ethical values of the lineage and masters.These negative emotions and behaviors hinder the cultivation of life force, Chi, and prevent the flourishing of the art. These types of conflicts often arise randomly due to a failure to respect personal boundaries, because there is no adequate separation between personal levels and the matter at hand, the shared art, and they quickly become mixed up. It is also very important to show appreciation and respect to the teachers of this art from whom you have learned. When we respect and appreciate each other and resolve conflicts more peacefully as best as we can. Wu Ji Quan can fully unfold its positive effects on the body and health.