Chinese Martial Arts Hei Long Shou Shu Kung Fu

"When you teach someone, both teacher and student benefit"
教学相长 (jiàoxué-xiāngzhǎng)
The idiom 教学相长 (jiào xué xiāng zhǎng) translates to "teaching and learning promote each other." It originates from the Xue Ji (学记), an ancient text in the Liji (礼记, Book of Rites), a classical Confucian work. In this context, the phrase describes the mutually beneficial relationship between teacher and student, where both parties grow through the process of teaching and learning.

This timeless saying comes from the Qing Dynasty scholar 颜元 (Yán Yuán, 1635–1704), a noted educator and reformer whose views on health were refreshingly practical. The phrase literally means: "There's nothing better for nurturing the body than habitual movement." It reminds us that while rest, food, and medicine all play their roles, the foundation of good health is regular, mindful activity.

Yan Yuan's philosophy emerged during a period of scholarly introspection in late imperial China. Unlike many of his contemporaries who emphasized book learning over bodily discipline, Yan Yuan saw physical cultivation as equally vital. He urged his students not only to read Confucian classics but also to engage in physical practices such as Taijiquan and traditional martial arts. For him, movement was not just a matter of staying fit—it was a moral practice, reinforcing discipline, focus, and inner balance. His teachings on the importance of movement influenced many scholars and practitioners, establishing a long-lasting legacy in the promotion of health through exercise in Chinese society.

The idea of nurturing life through movement (Yangsheng) is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. Daoist and Confucian texts alike promote regular, moderate activity as a way to harmonize the body's internal rhythms with the natural world. Whether through walking, breathing exercises, or gentle Qigong routines, the principle is the same: stagnation leads to decline; movement brings vitality.

In a world where sedentary habits are increasingly the norm, this simple but profound idiom offers enduring wisdom. You don't need a gym membership or a strict regimen—just the daily habit of moving with awareness. As Yan Yuan might say: "Let movement become your medicine".

Great training with our Grand Master Da Shifu McNabney at Manchester KOA. We have had some great times at this camp site. Thank you Da Shifu for your leadership and mentorship. Looking forward to our next training session.

Wishing All the great Moms out there a Happy Mother's Day !

Gathering of the Hei Long Black Belts

Happy International Tiger Day! 🧡 Here are five facts you may not know about these iconic big cats:

1. Tigers are the largest big cats in the world. A male Siberian tiger can weigh over 600 lbs!

2. Tigers are excellent swimmers. They can easily cross rivers and lakes 5 miles wide.

3. Tigers are considered an umbrella species: protecting them also safeguards the countless other species that share their habitat.

4. Tigers’ closest relatives are lions. In fact, without fur, it’s hard to tell them apart!

5. The illegal wildlife trade is threatening the big cats’ survival. Nearly every part of a tiger has been used in traditional medicine, from bones to whiskers.

We're working to reduce demand for tiger products through public awareness campaigns and by supporting a global shift toward wildlife-free traditional medicine. Let’s keep tigers around for generations to come! 🐯