The most common explanation of the symbolism of the salute is that the fist shows martial ability and the hand covers the fist to show civility. The modern Peoples' Republic of China definition states that the fist demonstrates that you are pledged to the cultivation of the martial arts, and are using martial arts to make friends. The open hand thumb is bent out of humility. Chinese people will point to themselves with their thumb instead of their index finger. A straightened thumb, like the western 'thumb up' gesture means 'I'm number one!' to Chinese. Therefore, the bent thumb implies that that you are not the best. Proper martial etiquette would demand that you remain humble and not show off. The four fingers symbolise uniting kung fu across the four directions.
There are two ways to salute�
Quick Bow
As this style has its origin of the Shaolin Temple, the right fist and left palm is used. The right hand is clenched in a fist. The left-hand thumb is bent, and the four fingers are closed and straight. The palm of the left hand is placed over the fist. Both fist and palm are about 20 to 30 centimetres from the chest, with both elbows. The hands are held at chest height. The feet start together but in Hung Fut the left-foot steps forward as the hands push forward. Other styles keep their feet together. The posture is erect and the eyes are focused on the person who is being saluted.
Many other styles traditionally salute using the opposite hands.
In 1986, the Peoples' Republic of China standardised the salute for Wushu Kung fu. This standard salute is basically the same as the salute used by Northern Shaolin and similar to the one described above.
You are required to bow�
� To your instructor�
� Before class;
� During class after receiving instructions, and
� At the end of class. This shows your respect for their teachings. Some halls (or Pai) have ancestral tablets. You should also salute when you enter and exit these gyms to show respect for the sacrifices that the grand masters made for the style. You should salute your teacher before he salutes you.
� To your classmates before and after partner practice, to show that you will work together to hone each other's skills.
� It can be used anywhere. By saluting it shows that you are switched on to a person's presence (martial artists are meant to be alert and hard to sneak up on!) and a salute compliments you as well as the person you acknowledge.
Like many other Chinese styles, (some having formal bows that are as long as forms) Hung Fut has its own formal salute. It can be used at special occasions such as tournaments, displays and functions, usually at the start of a form...
Feet together, fists on waist.
L cat stance.
R twisting stance, cross both of the arms over the chest, then double gate-strike to each side of the body. Look R then L.
L cat stance, R fist and L palm.
3 steps back, double back-fist.
Feet together, Fists on waist.
Note that the fists in all forms start on the waist, just below the umbilicus and also finish here. This is where the original store of energy that we are born with is stored, which is used in the form, and is returned here at the end.
