The Seven Principles
There is more to practising Tang Sou Dao than simply being able to perform good techniques. Students are also members of society and as they are expected to behave themselves as befits martial artists within the training hall they are also expected to conduct themselves with honour and dignity in society. These principles are chosen to reflect the philosophy of our academy’s name, the Ren Yi Wu Kwan.
1. Show Loyalty to the society of which you are a member
2. Be obedient to your parents and elders
3. Show respect for instructors and senior grades
4. Exercise self control at all times
5. Do not boast of your skills but show humility
6. Take responsibility for your actions
7. Share your knowledge with others
Remember, every student, even the most experienced of instructors started as nervous beginners. I encourage you to take the first step on what may be a wonderful and fulfilling journey. It certainly has been for me so far!
Grandmaster Meng Kwong Loke
The Tang Sou Dao Emblem
Tang Sou Dao Hornchurch are part of the Tang Sou Dao Federation. For further information about the history and principles of Tang Sou Dao please visit the website www.tangsoudao.com
As a proud member of the Tang Sou Dao Federation, Tang Sou Dao Hornchurch embraces the rich symbolism of the Federation’s emblem. Three key colors hold special significance within Ren Yi Wu Kwan Tang Sou Dao, each reflecting the deeper Chinese principles upon which our art is founded. Understanding these colors offers insight into the philosophy and traditions that shape your martial journey.
Either click on the colour, or section on of the tabs to find out more about the emblem and its meanings.
The RED color is a vibrant hue associated with the Chinese concept of yang. It represents a strong desire for knowledge, symbolizing the drive for understanding, growth, and progress—core values within Tang Sou Dao Hornchurch and the Tang Sou Dao Federation.
The WHITE color symbolizes the beginner who enters Tang Sou Dao, part of the Ren Yi Wu Kwan tradition. It represents a state of being empty of knowledge yet full of eagerness to learn, embodying the untapped potential for growth and development that lies ahead.
The outer NAVY BLUE color is a cool hue worn by dan/duan grade instructors (with duan being the Chinese equivalent of dan). It signifies a maturity in grasping the techniques, principles, and applications of practice.
The BLUE color is associated with yin, the opposite of red/yang, and its presence within the emblem of Tang Sou Dao, a part of the Ren Yi Wu Kwan tradition, emphasizes the importance of balance. As all extremes are harmful, our approach to martial training is centered on achieving harmony and equilibrium.
You may also observe that the fist—representing the physical aspect of practice—is smaller than the Way, symbolizing that the Way encompasses and surrounds all things.
Interestingly, the fist embodies the yang principle, while the Way represents the yin principle. Once again, this balance reflects the harmony at the core of Tang Sou Dao and the Ren Yi Wu Kwan philosophy.
Moreover, the emblem features the Chinese characters 唐手道 (Tang Sou Dao), which directly translates to “The Way of the Tang Hand.” These characters represent the traditional roots and the profound cultural heritage of the martial art, grounding its philosophy in ancient wisdom while guiding modern practice.
