This article explores the ceremonial practices and oaths that reflect our deep connection to the school’s traditions and values. The included texts demonstrate respect for ancestors, gratitude, and the pursuit of excellence.
Ceremonial Recitation
This ceremonial recitation, performed before each meal, serves as a profound expression of gratitude and respect within our martial arts school. By honoring Confucius and our ancestors, we acknowledge the deep cultural roots that shape our values and discipline. The ritual also emphasizes gratitude towards the natural world, our country, family, coaches, teachers, chefs, and peers, recognizing their vital contributions to our growth and well-being. Through this practice, we cultivate a spirit of humility and interconnectedness, reminding ourselves of the broader community and traditions that sustain us.
| Chinese Text | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 孔子 | Kǒngzǐ | Confucius |
| 中华优秀传统文化祭祖仪式现在开始 | Zhōnghuá yōuxiù chuántǒng wénhuà jìzǔ yíshì xiànzài kāishǐ | The ceremony of worshiping ancestors in excellent Chinese culture begins now. |
| 礼（男 左手在前 女 右手在前） | Lǐ (nán zuǒshǒu zài qián nǚ yòushǒu zài qián) | Ritual (men: left hand in front, women: right hand in front) |
| 愿以此饮食 供养一切圣贤 供养列祖列宗 供养一切大众 祈愿一切大众成圣成贤 | Yuàn yǐ cǐ yǐnshí gòngyǎng yīqiè shèngxián gòngyǎng lièzǔ lièzōng gòngyǎng yīqiè dàzhòng qíyuàn yīqiè dàzhòng chéng shèng chéng xián | May this food nourish all sages, ancestors, and all people, wishing everyone to become sages. |
| 向至圣先师孔子 行 三揖礼 | Xiàng zhìshèng xiānshī Kǒngzǐ xíng sān yī lǐ | Pay respects to the great sage Confucius with three bows. |
| 高揖 一拜 起 高揖 再拜 起 高揖 三拜 起 | Gāo yī yī bài qǐ gāo yī zài bài qǐ gāo yī sān bài qǐ | High bow, bow once, rise, high bow, bow again, rise, high bow, bow thrice, rise. |
| 礼成 餐前感恩词 | Lǐ chéng cān qián gǎn’ēn cí | Ceremony complete, words of gratitude before the meal |
| 感恩天地滋养万物 | Gǎn’ēn tiāndì zīyǎng wànwù | Grateful for heaven and earth nourishing all things |
| 感恩祖国强大护佑 | Gǎn’ēn zǔguó qiángdà hùyòu | Grateful for the protection of a strong motherland |
| 感恩父母养育之恩 | Gǎn’ēn fùmǔ yǎngyù zhī ēn | Grateful for the nurturing of parents |
| 感恩教练辛苦栽培 | Gǎn’ēn jiàoliàn xīnkǔ zāipéi | Grateful for the hard work of coaches |
| 感恩老师辛辛教导 | Gǎn’ēn lǎoshī xīnxīn jiàodǎo | Grateful for the diligent teaching of teachers |
| 感恩厨师辛勤劳作 | Gǎn’ēn chúshī xīnqín láozuò | Grateful for the hard work of chefs |
| 感恩同学关心帮助 | Gǎn’ēn tóngxué guānxīn bāngzhù | Grateful for the care and help of classmates |
| 感恩所有付出的人 | Gǎn’ēn suǒyǒu fùchū de rén | Grateful for everyone who contributes |
| 礼成 请大家止语用餐 | Lǐ chéng qǐng dàjiā zhǐ yǔ yòngcān | Ceremony complete, please eat in silence |
Oath of Commitment
This oath serves as a powerful declaration of commitment and dedication for each disciple of Yanchen School. By reciting it, students pledge to uphold the teachings of their masters, embody the spirit of Yanchen School, and engage in diligent study and rigorous training. The oath emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong fighting spirit, pursuing excellence, and striving for continuous self-improvement. It inspires pride in belonging to Yanchen Shifu and fosters a sense of responsibility to bring honor to the school. The commitment to overcoming challenges with faith, diligence, and confidence is a testament to the disciples’ determination to achieve greatness and create miracles through hard work. This oath encapsulates the essence of Shifu’s values and the unwavering drive to succeed.
| Chinese Text | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 宣誓词 | Xuānshì cí | School Oath |
| 作为延晨弟子我庄严宣誓： | Zuòwéi yánchén dìzǐ wǒ zhuāngyán xuānshì: | As a disciple of Yanchen Shifu, I solemnly swear: |
| 谨记恩师教诲，发扬延晨精神，勤学苦练，斗志昂扬，追求卓越，自强不息，今天我为延晨自豪，明天延晨为我骄傲，爱我延晨，登攀向上，荣耀延晨，当仁不让，用信念战胜困难，用勤奋战胜懒惰，用自信创造奇迹，用拼搏铸就辉煌，我行，我能行，我一定行，延晨加油！ | Jǐnjì ēnshī jiàohuì, fāyáng yánchén jīngshén, qínxué kǔ liàn, dòuzhì ángyáng, zhuīqiú zhuóyuè, zìqiáng bù xī, jīntiān wǒ wèi yánchén zìháo, míngtiān yánchén wèi wǒ jiāo’ào, ài wǒ yánchén, dēngpān xiàng shàng, róngyào yánchén, dāng rén bù ràng, yòng xìnniàn zhànshèng kùnnán, yòng qínfèn zhànshèng lǎnduò, yòng zìxìn chuàngzào qíjī, yòng pīnbó zhùjiù huīhuáng, wǒ xíng, wǒ néng xíng, wǒ yīdìng xíng, yánchén jiāyóu! | Remember the teachings of the master, promote the spirit of Yanchen, study diligently, train hard, be full of fighting spirit, pursue excellence, strive for self-improvement, today I am proud of Yanchen, tomorrow Yanchen will be proud of me, love my Yanchen, climb upwards, glory to Yanchen, take responsibility, overcome difficulties with faith, overcome laziness with diligence, create miracles with confidence, achieve greatness through hard work, I can do it, I will do it, Yanchen go! |
School Motto
The school motto emphasizes the importance of dedicated study and hard training. It encourages focusing on one martial arts style to preserve and enhance the rich heritage of Chinese martial arts. Students are encouraged to strengthen their bodies and minds, strive for excellence, serve their country, and uphold justice.
| Chinese Text | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 校训 | Xiàoxùn | School Motto |
| 认真学，刻苦练，物质门派，习归一宗，以继承发扬中华武术瑰宝为己任。意志强身，习气励志，百尺竿头精尽，报效祖国，匡扶正义！ | Rènzhēn xué, kèkǔ liàn, wùzhì ménpài, xí guī yī zōng, yǐ jìchéng fāyáng zhōnghuá wǔshù guībǎo wéi jǐrèn. Yìzhì qiáng shēn, xíqì lìzhì, bǎi chǐ gān tóu jīng jìn, bàoxiào zǔguó, kuāng fú zhèngyì! | Study earnestly, train hard, focus on one school, with the mission to inherit and promote the treasures of Chinese martial arts. Strengthen the body with willpower, inspire with habits, strive for excellence, serve the motherland, uphold justice! |