Wu De / Martial Virtue in Martial Arts

In Chinese martial arts, before learning any technique, one must first learn Wu De / Martial Virtue, the moral cultivation of a martial artist. Martial arts are not for violence, but for self-protection and inner peace. Etiquette is the most direct expression of Wu De / Martial Virtue.

1. The Greeting: Baoquan Li

Baoquan Li / Fist-and-Palm Salute is the most classic and essential greeting etiquette in martial arts. It is not only a way of saying hello, but also a symbol of mutual respect among martial artists.

2. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform the Salute

Step 1: The Stance (zhanzi). Stand with your feet together, body upright, relaxed and natural.

Step 2: The Right Fist (youquan). Make a fist with your right hand, representing your martial power and combat capability.

Step 3: The Left Palm (zuoquan). Open your left palm, representing peace, friendship, and humility.

Step 4: The Connection (helong). Place the left palm over the right fist, bring both hands together lightly in front of the chest (roughly level with the chest), and bow your head slightly in salute.

3. The Hidden Meaning: Why the Left Palm Covers the Right Fist?

Baoquan Li / Fist-and-Palm Salute requires the left palm to fully cover the right fist. This symbolizes “Making friends through Martial Arts, peace above all.” It conveys a clear message to the other person: “My martial skills are always bound by reason and peace, and I will never abuse force.”

4. A Crucial Taboo: Never Reverse the Hands!

Important Taboo: Never Reverse the Hands! This is a very serious taboo of martial arts etiquette. If you place the right palm over the left fist, this gesture — known in traditional martial arts as the “inauspicious salute” or the “mourning fist” — is typically used only at funerals or when preparing for a fight to the death. In daily interaction and training, always keep “the left palm covering the right fist.”

5. Bowing to the Master and the Dojo

Respecting the Master and the Dojo: A Tribute to the Master and the Dojo. Besides Baoquan Li / Fist-and-Palm Salute, martial arts also include the bowing salute. Before and after training, we bow to the Master to thank them for their instruction, and we also bow to the training hall to thank the place that allows us to cultivate body and mind.

6. Respect in Action: The Martial Artist’s Promise

Etiquette is more than a movement; it is an inner attitude. Show respect to fellow practitioners and never bully the weak; hold training in reverence and never slack off. Remember: a true martial artist is a guardian who knows how to respect others.