If you’re traveling to Hong Kong with the intention of visiting a martial arts school – a mou gwoon* – it’s best to be aware of a few rules of etiquette so as to enjoy the experience to the full, while avoiding any unintentional blunders. There is no official code, and customs vary from school to school. However, familiarizing yourself with local customs will help you avoid being perceived as a gweilo* – a foreigner – who is ill-advised or presumptuous.
Not all Hong Kong mou gwoon spontaneously open their doors to visitors. It’s not uncommon for people to be refused entry, even for a simple visit. Being accompanied by someone, or recommended by someone known to the school, is often the best way to make initial contact.
*mou gwoon (武館) is a term for a martial arts school. In this expression, mou (武) refers to “martial arts” and gwoon (館) – also found under the transcriptions kwoon or gun – means “establishment” or “school”. Literally: martial arts school.
*gweilo (鬼佬) is a Cantonese term that can literally be translated as “ghost man”, gwei (鬼) meaning “ghost” and lo (佬) “individual”. Originally, this word had a clearly pejorative connotation, used by locals to refer to foreigners, especially Westerners. Today, with changing attitudes, the term has become more neutral in many contexts – some Westerners in Hong Kong even use it with humor or self-mockery. However, it remains a term to be handled with care, as its acceptability is highly dependent on tone, context and interlocutors.
Don’t ring the doorbell unannounced! You have to prepare for a visit!
It’s also worth taking a broader look at Cantonese culture, in which mou gwoon are an integral part. Every good tourist guide devotes a chapter to this aspect, and many resources are easily accessible online (see below). Having a basic vocabulary in Cantonese is always an asset: it shows a sincere interest in the local culture. Learning to say hello, thank you or goodbye in the language of the country you’re visiting is often greatly appreciated by the locals.
https://www.cantoneseclass101.com/blog/2020/01/06/cantonese-etiquette/
Below are some informal rules drawn from my personal experience and from a recent post on the Hong Kong Martial Club’s social networks on the subject.
Generalities.
Generally speaking, humility and good manners are the order of the day. If you’re respectful, courteous and use common sense, your visit will go smoothly. If you’re visiting a martial arts school in Hong Kong, chances are you’re already a practitioner, perhaps even for many years. You may feel, or be considered, an expert in your own discipline – but this in no way justifies an arrogant attitude. Bear in mind that you’re not there to teach Kung Fu to the locals. A humble approach, without boasting, will always be better perceived.
Saying hello.
Saying hello is a basic principle, ingrained in education from an early age. It’s the first step in any interaction, and remains valid in the context of a martial arts school. It’s appropriate to greet the Sifu* (the school’s teacher), his assistants, the students present, and the wall of honor, which usually features the portrait of the style’s founding master(s).
While a handshake is the norm in the West, this is not always the case in Asia, where a slight inclination of the head – or even of the torso in a more formal context – is more common. Hong Kong occupies an intermediate position: a former British colony (from 1841 to 1997), its inhabitants have also adopted certain Western practices, including the handshake. It’s best to adapt to the situation and observe local customs.
It’s also a good idea to know a few basic words in the local language. Learning how to say hello and briefly introduce yourself is a sign of respect that will generally be much appreciated. Here are a few simple expressions to know when greeting and introducing yourself during your visit to a mou gwoon or more broadly to Hong Kong:
- Jou san (早晨) – Good morning.
- Nei hou (你好) – Hello (for the afternoon).
- Ngo giu [your first name] (我叫 [your first name]) – My name is [your first name].
- Ngo hai faat gwog yan (我係法國人) – I’m French.
These little phrases, however basic, show your respect and interest in the local culture, which is always appreciated.
Addressing the Sifu.
It’s important to know the Sifu’s name and to address him or her according to local custom. In Hong Kong, the correct formula is to place the family name before the title. For example, if the Sifu’s name is Mr. Wong, you should call him Wong Sifu – in other words: surname followed by Sifu.
This differs from the practice adopted in many Western countries, where we often say Sifu Wong (and more often Sifu + first name). This inversion is generally understood and tolerated, especially if you’re a Westerner and don’t speak Cantonese: locals are generally lenient.
On the other hand, avoid addressing a Sifu you don’t know simply as Sifu, without adding his or her name. This can be perceived as a lack of respect. In local tradition, the full term Si-Fu 師父, without a name, is used only when referring to one’s own teacher. Outside this framework, the family name should be added to mark distance and respect.
*The terms Sifu 師傅 and Si-Fu 師父 are both used in Cantonese to designate a martial arts teacher or master, but their usage differs according to context. Without going into linguistic detail in this short note, let’s just remember that :
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- Wong Sifu (or Sifu Wong) is the form used when addressing a Sifu that is not one’s own.
- Si-Fu 師父 (with no name attached) is reserved for your own teacher/master.
Although the two terms are pronounced identically in Cantonese, a distinction is often made in writing, particularly in the West, where we use Sifu (without a dash) for 師傅, and Si-Fu (with a dash) for 師父, to mark the difference. It’s also interesting to note that the word Sifu is commonly used in Hong Kong in contexts far beyond the martial arts – for example, to refer to a skilled craftsman, driver or experienced professional. I’ll come back to this in more detail in a future article.
Bring a gift.
It’s polite and respectful to bring a small gift on a first visit to a mou gwoon. Food is often an excellent choice: it can easily be shared between the Sifu, his assistants and the students, without creating favoritism. This kind of simple but meaningful attention is generally well received, and helps to establish a climate of trust and mutual respect.
Don’t behave like a tourist.
In general, it’s important not to do anything without being invited or without asking permission first. Walking freely around a school, touching equipment or taking photos and videos without permission is not a good idea. A mou gwoon is not a tourist attraction! Likewise, avoid sitting down uninvited, and make sure you speak in a low voice, so that your words are audible to all, to avoid any misunderstanding.
A martial arts school is not a tourist attraction!
Receiving with both hands.
In Asian culture, receiving an object with both hands, palms up, is a sign of respect and politeness. This practice generally applies to valuable objects, such as money or diplomas. Although little known to Westerners, this custom is particularly appreciated in mou gwoon. Think of this gesture when presented with a cup of tea, for example.
I remember dining in a Japanese restaurant in Aix-en-Provence, where I handed the chef some money in cash by presenting it with both hands, accompanied by a slight bow of the head. Despite the language barrier, his warm smile testified to the importance he attached to this small gesture of respect.
Be respectful.
When observing practitioners in action, be sure to adopt a respectful attitude, both in your behavior and in your words. Avoid body language that could be interpreted as disdain or contempt: don’t cross your arms in front of your chest, and don’t keep your hands in your pockets. It’s also a bad idea to make unsolicited comments. You may have a different technical approach or interpretation of what you see, but it’s best not to give advice if you haven’t been invited to do so. If you must, always do so with respect and humility, without being derogatory.
Stay humble in your practice.
Following on from the previous tip, avoid showing off your talents unless you’ve been invited to do so. It’s a bad idea to practice even a single form if you haven’t been explicitly asked to do so. If someone corrects you, accept the remark with gratitude, even if it differs from what you’re used to. Remember that, in this context, you’re not there to teach Kung Fu to the Chinese, but rather the other way round. In other words, make sure you have your “empty cup” before entering a mou gwoon.
These few tips lay the groundwork for a full mou gwoon experience. Depending on how close you get to your host, these informal rules can be relaxed over time. However, when you first approach your host, it’s best to adopt a respectful attitude. You have nothing to lose by doing so – on the contrary, you have everything to gain!
