Kung Fu Discussion Group, Episode 8: Martial Ethics & The Code of the Xia

This episode is all about the Ethical aspect of practicing Martial Arts. The Triple Alliance of Volcano Hands Uncle Sickness, Metaphysical Polemarch YogaMidnight, & Human Calamity Maeko compare Martial Ethics & the Code of the Xia. “But Uncle,” you say, “I have no idea what any of that means!! I don’t own a Sickness Kung Fu Hoodie!” Allow me to explain. Today, students are taught a set of virtues influenced by Confucian social norms referred to as “武德/Wu De – Martial Ethics“. It consists of two sets of virtues: one outlining the etiquette for interacting with other Martial Artists, the other outlining a method of cultivating one’s character. In contrast, the wandering Heroes of Martial Arts fiction followed a different set of principles, known as the Code of the Xia. These are two very different sets of values, formed by two almost diametrically opposed viewpoints. Martial Ethics are intended to shape Martial Artists into well rounded members of society, while the Code of the Xia lays out a way of life built around individual expression. Which will you choose: fulfilling your duty to society, or walking your own path?