In traditional Chinese culture, “Learning courtesy comes before learning art, and learning morality comes before learning martial arts,” so the first lesson in learning Tai Chi and Qigong is not to learn movement directly, but to learn Martial Arts etiquette.
The Chinese salute (Palm Hold Fist), also known as the Tai Chi/Kung Fu/Qigong/Wushu Salute, is the most commonly used salute for martial artists' rituals. It originates from the traditional etiquette of the Chinese Han people dating back to the Zhou Dynasty more than 3,000 years ago.
The palm-fist salute - right fist and left palm - has a long traditional and cultural history and is used to show respect, gratitude and honor to yourself and others. It is not a hierarchical characteristic, but a way to show equality between people.
In the old days, the bow had a practical application. Martial artists were always very cautious in the old days. Since many grappling techniques began with a handshake, shaking hands was considered either too threatening or an invitation to fight. Fighters tried to be wary of surprise attacks and avoid contact with unscrupulous people.
One hand holds a fist and the other clenches a fist. Both of these
The fists are closed in front of the chest. The fists are closed with four fingers and the thumbs are slightly bent.
There are two types of "palm-fist" salutes for the martial artist:
1. Palm on the left and fist on the right;
2. Fist on the left and palm on the right.
The left palm represents humility, especially when the thumb is in. According to one interpretation, the Salutation is said to represent the Five Continents and the Four Oceans, meaning that the whole world is one family or friends without judgment.
If your left hand is clenched into a fist, it is called "Unlucky Salute" . It is used only at funerals to express condolences, but can also be used to disrespect someone or even to fight to the death. In ancient times, women would give the "Unlucky Salute". This was known as (Wanfu Salute). With the development of the modern world and the spread of gender equality, both genders now use the correct fist (right fist, left palm).
Another interpretation of the Chinese Greeting is that the five fingers of the right fist represent the five lakes, because there are only five main lakes in ancient Chinese geography. The four straight fingers of the left hand represent the four seas (East, West, South and North). Again, the essence is: "All men are brothers."
According to another interpretation, the open left palm is the Sun (Yang) and the closed right fist is the Moon (Yin). The greeting is the balance between the two.
The salute is highly symbolic. The fist shows fighting ability - The school and its students pledge to develop martial arts in a friendly atmosphere. The open hand with the thumb bent in humility.
When the left hand closes and cups the right fist, it shows self-control, discipline and humility. It is a sign of assurance that the ultimate goal of martial arts is to stop or avoid a fight.
Feet together and posture upright. Eyes focused on the person being greeted. Attitude of participant and instructor is mutual respect.
This form of greeting, which continues to be used in combat sports and training today, has been replaced by shaking hands in daily life due to the influence of globalization.