The use of proper greetings and 'family' titles in Kung Fu is very important, as they are a way of showing respect.
Upon entering the school the Sifu is always saluted first. After the Sifu, other masters who are present, the instructors and fellow students, are greeted in order of seniority.
Titles
The Tong Long is a family, where everyone looks after one another. The titles in the Tong Long Style are similar to the Traditional Cantonese Shaolin rankings.
Titles are irrespective of age, they are determined by the order in which members have joined the school.
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Junior Student (‘Younger brother/sister’ )
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Senior Student (‘Older brother/sister’)
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| Student from another school (‘Cousin male/female’) |
Sisuk
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Sigoo Mui
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| 1st Student under Master * |
Di Sihing
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| 2nd Student under Master * |
Yi Sihing
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| 3rd Student under Master * |
Sarm Sihing
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| 4th Student under Master * |
Sai Sihing
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Master (‘Father’/’Mother’)
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Grand Master (‘Grandfather’/’Grandmother’)
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Great Grandmaster
(‘Great Grandfather’/’Great Grandmother’)
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*The Disihing, who is the second in charge of the school, is not chosen by grade level, but selected personally by the Sifu for his overall qualities and loyalty. The Disihing looks after the best interest of the Sifu at all times.
Ranks:
The black sash is from the beginner level to Green, with coloured embroidered badges presented at the passing of each level.
At 'Disciple' level, the colour of the sashes changes, from blue to purple and brown. Upon entering the Master level a Red sash is presented. Refer to ‘The Tong Long Kung Fu Grading Colours’ for more details on ranks and sash colours.
'A good fighter gathers all the bits from the inner and the outer, the hard and the soft, and you come to a point in the end'.
(Si-gung Grand Master Henry Sue)
