Ranking

As you will note in your testing package, the ranking system consists of six colors of belts indicating level, and nine degrees of Black Belt. The final five degrees are based on: years of dedication, teaching loyalty, contributions, ability in the internal arts, ability to show a  precise demonstration of soft style fighting skills, community contributions, and--(if an instructor), the number of quality Black Belt students developed.

The "Black Belt Club" is the point where each student should strive to be. In an effort to ensure progress, testing is encouraged every month and done during the regular test weeks.  There are no testing fees for stripes. Stripe testing  is  done once a month during the regular class session.

Ranking at the beginner level is based on the student’s knowledge about the Wing Chun system, its history, performance of the basic techniques and forms, soft fighting techniques such as Chi Sau, Bridge Arm, Push Hand, theory of the fighting style (i.e. naming the five fighting principles of Wing Chun – center line, parallel, tan sau, counter step, and centering foot). Progressing to higher ranks involves fighting open style and includes the student’s use of all skills against one attacker, multiple attackers, Choy Li Fut training (long fist or hard style kung fu), Chi Kung crane style (self-healing arts), and Loi Kung (an extremely powerful form of Chi Kung which is rarely seen in the United States).

It is important to remember as you move forward into self-confidence, improved health, martial arts development, and peace of mind, that the road requires not only a strong body but a good heart and desire for self-improvement. If you decide to pursue this path, the most important steps are as follows:

Getting Started

         Get focused and determine what it is you want to accomplish.

Goal Setting

Set short and long-term goals. For example, one short-term goal might be to have the down punch or turning punch in correct form by the next class. Another short-term goal could be to pass the next test. One long-term goal might be to become a member of the Black Belt Club. This goal would require a minimum of three years on the average for a student who practices daily, attends 100% of classes, 100% of exam dates, 100% of the school’s special events, and participates in the school leadership programs which involve assisting other students in their growth and progress.

Understand the School’s Objective

It is my goal to develop good people by placing more attention on development of self-confidence, health improvement, muscle development, fighting skills and respect for others.  It is important to remember that the art of fighting is a very small piece compared to the oceans of wisdom and appreciation the entire art brings.

Believe in Yourself

Visualize yourself daily with the Black Belt around your waist, conducting your own classes.

Use of Skills

The true test of the student’s Black Belt ability is to make many uses of the skill base.  While it would be easier to use the same skills repetitively, by forcing yourself to develop more advanced techniques and slowing down when fighting lower ranks, you will utilize a greater percentage of your style. There is greater joy in conquering self.

Stripe Testing

Each student is required to assist in testing lower-ranked students for belt stripes. It is required that each student help encourage, develop and use leadership skills with lower-ranking students.

Black Belt Club

The Black Belt Club is exclusively for students who have earned their Black Belt or have achieved the level of Green Belt and therefore qualifies for the Black Belt Club. As a member of the Black Belt Club, a student is qualified for advanced training at the Black Belt level. The benefits are as follows:
 
 

Black Belt Club Privileges

Discount on all special events

Special weekly seminars for Black Belt members only

Lowest tuition rate with no yearly increases

Black Belt Club patch

Special uniform 

The Black Belt Club is a three-year program.

A student may become a member of the Black Belt Club through recommendation from a school instructor to the Chief Instructor or by qualifying through evaluation and testing by the Chief Instructor. To be recommended to become a member of the Black Belt Club, the student must achieve the Green Belt level and demonstrate the following:

Express a set goal towards achieving the Black Belt

Regular participation in belt examinations

Excellent attitude in kung fu, school or work, and at home

Demonstrate the qualities of Black Belt excellence in and out of the school

Demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm for kung fu classes

If the student is in school, must receive a good report card on conduct and attitude from parents and teachers

Support school functions

Excellent attendance in classes and an eagerness to make up any absences

Current with tuition payments

Full support of family members

Once the student has passed the Green Belt exam, an instructor will perform a Black Belt qualifying evaluation and test to determine if the student qualifies for advanced training.
 
 

Testing Information

Monthly stripe tests

Quarterly belt tests

Student must complete the following before qualifying to test:

Three stripe tests

Belt qualifying exam

All tests require 80% of possible score to pass