Motto of Southern Dragon Style (LungYing) and interpretation of it

In traditional Chinese, the motto 克己讓人非我弱, 存心守道任他強 is recited by Dragon Form disciples. The southern Dragon Style LungYing (龍形拳).

The first line roughly translates to “Self-restrain is not weakness” or “Restrain yourself but don't let others be weak”.

The second line translates to “Keep the mind/ heart on the right path and keep it strong”.

The phrases are up for interpretation within the scope of that meaning, as no direct translation is possible. Together they may also be understood as:"Control yourself, let others do what they will. This does not mean you are weak. Control your heart, obey the principles of life. This does not mean others are strong".

- Philosophically:

The first phrase focuses, firstly, on the inside. It focuses on the understanding of humbleness and protecting oneself from vanity, not seeking praise or recognition. On the outside it urges to appreciate the other and avoid arrogance and any sense of superiority. To not underestimate the others. The second phrase urges to stay true to ones heart, in a Taoist sense, or a general one. When the heart is focused on a positive creative outcome within the will of the universe and in harmony with nature, that heart is a central point in the philosophy, it steers what abilities we have away from ignoble purposes and focuses us on a positive, honorable outcome. That heart needs to be strong, to see that it is possible to impose positive change and that one is not weak against the world.

The two phrases highlight a balance between humbleness and patience, and strong will and determination.

- Physically:

Now if we look at this from a martial arts perspective and the practice of Kung Fu, the phrases are also applicable, but differently interpretable. Restraining oneself means restraining the mind and body, avoiding dancing around the opponent in a confrontation, avoiding shows of assertion and power, and being able to keep one's face and demeanor unchanged regardless of what's in front, regardless of insult or provocation. Not weakening others can be interpreted as not underestimating the power of the opponent, avoid thinking “I am stronger because I know this and that” approach the opponent humbly, respectfully, strongly, and patiently. When you fight you do not fight with force, but you flow with the movement of your opponent, use their power and your own against them, and harmonize even in combat. See oneself in confidence and trusting on ones own ability. It is this balance that is difficult to master, the Ying and Yang, humbleness but confidence.

Keeping the heart on the right path and strengthening it reminds of multiple things, the physical laws of nature and the laws of Kung Fu, not to stray from the right path and correct way of the forms, and also not to overexert the body beyond of what the body can naturally withstand. It also reminds of the goal behind combat. It is never to hurt or impose any evil, it is to prevent it and protect others, to preserve harmony and protect humanity.

This is my humble understanding of these fundamental Dragon Kung Fu mottoes, and there is far more to be interpreted from them.