Shaolin Wahnam Institute Virtual Kwoon

[Andrew]

Before defining what a Virtual Kwoon is, it is probably prudent to define what a Kwoon is. In many martial arts and other circles, the term Dojo is quite well known. How well it is understood, though, may be another matter.

In some respects, the Kwoon in Chinese martial arts culture is very similar to the Dojo in the Japanese martial tradition. This could prove a good starting point for those with some basic knowledge of the expectations placed on a student or visitor when entering a martial arts school’s training hall or facility.

And that, in fact, is the simplest definition of the Kwoon. It is the training hall / facility. It is where students go to learn from the Masters and teachers and to practice with their Brothers and Sisters (in the Kung Fu Family). And it is where guests and visitors have the opportunity to come into contact with those who teach and practice the Arts taught there.

In this modern age, the Internet has become possibly the most significant source of information (and, sadly, sometimes mis-information). For many of the Shaolin Wahnam students, it has also become (via this and our Grandmaster’s website) a key source of support, help and information for their continued practice. It is for these students that this site was originally developed.

Within the discussions that take place on this site, many skills, characteristics and achievements such as timing, spacing, mental clarity, sparring, decision making, humility, etc. can be tested and trained. Thus, this Discussion Forum is also an intrinsic part of the Shaolin Wahnam Kwoon (our training facility, our place of learning, our place of sharing). And, as this Kwoon extension is in the “virtual world” of the Internet, it is apt to call it our Virtual Kwoon.


One of the stated aims of the Shaolin Wahnam Institute is to make genuine information regarding the true Shaolin Arts publicly available regardless of alignment, or otherwise, with popular belief. With this in mind, our Grandmaster decided early on, to make this site available to the public and not limit it to students of Shaolin Wahnam.

What sometimes gets forgotten, though, is that this site is, was and will remain, an extension of the Shaolin Wahnam School --- our Virtual Kwoon.

Our Grandmaster presides over this Virtual Kwoon, just as he presides over our International Institute. It is due to his generosity, that our students, visitors and guests have this unprecedented opportunity to share and learn here in this virtual training hall.


As any student of the martial arts knows, there are certain standards and etiquette expected of visitors and guests in any Kwoon. Whilst our students are expected to accept and abide by the Ten Shaolin Laws, we do not imply such on our visitors and guests. Nevertheless, our visitors and guests are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner when entering and within our Virtual Kwoon. They are expected to present themselves, their writings and discussions in a respectful and, if possible, clear manner.

We have the honour of welcoming high level practitioners of other Arts within our Kwoon.

Showing respect towards Grandmasters, Masters and fellow members of this Virtual Kwoon is the least that can be expected of our honoured guests.

[Andrew]

To discuss this announcement, please use the appropriate thread.

[ANDRESLONDONO]

Sifu Andrew
Excellent explanation of what a Kwoon is
Good to clarify concepts and to be a part of it with all the respect and also with the honor of receiving from the masters and Sifus their knowledge
Thanks for your explanation