Kung Fu School Structure

The structure of a mo kwoon (place of martial training) is very much like a family. This has its roots back in the days of imperial China when a particular style of kung fu was typically only taught to members of the family that invented it (e.g. the Chow family). Only recently has this trend been broken with kung fu now being taught to any who are interested. Nevertheless, the traditional family-oriented nature of kung fu titles remains the same (even though these people may not necessarily be related).

Below is a list of family titles and how they relate to a kung fu school. It is hoped this information will give you a greater understanding of these titles when you next hear them. Next to some are listed examples of who would have this as their title in the Australian School of Kung Fu and Tai Chi.

• Si-jo. This is the person who founded the kung fu style you are learning, e.g. Chow Ah-Nam.

The following are as related to your Grandfather/Grandmother:

• Si-tai gung. Great Grandfather. This is a very senior practitioner/grandmaster of the kung fu style, e.g. Ip Chee Keung..
• Si-gung. Grandfather. In general, this is anyone who taught your Si-fu, or is above your Si-fu in rank, e.g. Nat Yuen.
• Si-sook gung. Grandfather's younger brother. Someone higher than your Si-fu in rank but not as high as a Si-gung, e.g. Dr H H Tan.

The following are as related to your Father/Mother:

• Si-fu. Father. This is the most senior instructor within the school who is teaching you in some way, e.g. Dennis Sue-Tin, Guy Sue-Tin.
• Si-mo. Mother.
• Si-bak. Father's older brother.
• Si-bak mo. Father's older brother's wife.
• Si-gu ma. Father's older sister.
• Si-gu cheung. Father's older/younger sister's husband.
• Si-sook. Father's younger brother. In general, a senior instructor that has trained for a very long time under your Si-fu, e.g. anyone with a 5th to 7th degree red belt.
• Si-sook mo. Father's younger brother's wife.
• Si-gu ji. Father's younger sister.

The following are as related to you:

• Dai si-hing. Your oldest brother. In general, an instructor that teaches you directly, and has trained for a long time under your Si-fu, e.g. anyone with a red belt up to and including 4th degree red belt.
• Dai si-ji. Your oldest sister.
• Si-hing. Your older brother. In general, a senior student of the school who may assist with teaching, e.g. anyone currently learning Sarm Gung Bik Kiul, Sarm Bo Pai Tarn, or Bo Sim Sau.
• Si-ji. Your older sister.
• Si-dai. Your younger brother. In general, this refers to a non-senior student of the school.
• Si-mui. Your younger sister.
• Tong si-hing. Your older male cousins (on your father's side).
• Tong si-ji. Your older female cousins (on your father's side).
• Tong si-dai. Your younger male cousins (on your father's side).
• Tong si-ji. Your younger female cousins (on your father's side).
• Bil si-go. Your older male cousins (on your mother's side).
• Bil si-ji. Your older female cousins (on your mother's side).
• Bil si-dai. Your younger male cousins (on your mother's side).
• Bil si-ji. Your younger female cousins (on your mother's side).

Note that the word si means "trade" or "by trade". This is usually replaced with ah when addressing your blood family.

Here are a few special titles that only a Si-fu or above may use:

• To dai. Your students (when addressing them).
• Dai ji. Your students (when referring your students to someone else).
• Yap suk dai ji. Your close students/disciples.

This list is by no means complete but hopefully has broadened your understanding a little :)