Kung Fu Grading
Shaolin Temple Yunnan, International Shaolin Wushu Federation and International Meihua Quan Federation organise professional Kung Fu Grading.
Traditionally the Chinese martial arts of Kung Fu had no formal belt ranking system. The “black belt” was a result of wear and tear. In ancient times, a student in training would wear a white belt. Over months to years, this white belt would become dirty and increasingly dark. When a beginner mastered his art, his once pristine white belt would be black. Hence the black belt was reserved as a mark of a long-time student in honour of this tradition.
It is important to remember that rank and belts are not equivalent between different styles. The belt colours or several stripes used in various schools provide a focal point for the newer student as they have someone to ask if they are uncertain of a particular technique or application.
“If the only reason you want to do martial arts is to get a black belt to show off, save yourself and your teacher the time and effort and go and buy one. A certification is a worthless piece of paper if the paper is only your goal. If those are your only focus, you will miss the real value behind the martial art”.
Kung Fu Grading
Part of the Kung Fu learning path
When most people think about martial arts, they associate it with fighting or self-defence. Martial arts are about training to defend, but this physical training is only one part. Personal growth and development, learning to stay calm and centred in the “outside world”, and much more are also part of the learning.
Remember that the transition from first to second grade has less to do with the techniques than learning the methodology and procedures to think like a martial artist.
Embarking on the path of Kung Fu is about embarking on a journey.
There are minimum requirements to meet before presenting for the next grading. It is essential to realise that no two people follow the same path, and there will be different obstacles to overcome. Certain parts of the martial arts path may be longer for some than others. Even though we may have done the required number of classes, we need to be confident that we know the various elements for that level. The most crucial factor is simply asking Shifu for his opinion on your suitability to grade.
The gaining of each certification is an indicator that you have proven yourself ready to learn new material. It focuses on the journey and not the “end goal”. Then once you have achieved a black belt – you become an advanced beginner. The belt signifies his passage from the ranks of those still learning to those who’ve learned how to learn.
Question: How long should it take to become a master?
Answer: As long as it takes, no longer and rarely sooner. Success in Martial Arts is a journey, not a destination.
How do I take part in the professional grading?
Steps to follow when taking part in the grading
Complete the “Shaolin Temple Yunnan Grading Application” form
Make the required payment for the grading
Receive a “Confirmation email” for the payment
Prepare a video of the form or skill you wish to grade
Upload the video link as a reply to the “Confirmation email”
Shifu Shi Yanjun will review the video practice
Receive the “Certification of Achievement” electronically
Shaolin Temple Yunnan Grading Application
To join the grading, you must complete the Grading Application Form with the required details.
All the payments are final. If you fail the grading, there is no refund.
However, you can regrade and receive a discount of 35%.
How to prepare the video for grading
How to prepare the form
- Stand in the video frame in the middle.
- Bow to Shifu, who will be watching your practice, by placing your palms together in front of your chest.
- Say your full name, the style you will practice and the form’s name.
- Move to the location from where you will start the performance. Almost all forms will require you to practice towards the left side, so please make sure you have plenty of space to be in the frame.
- When finishing the form, move to the centre of the frame and bow in the same manner.
How to shoot the video
- Record the front and side views of the performance in a horizontal format
- No editing
- No adding background music
- Use a tripod for stabilisation of the frame
- Minimum video resolution 1280px by 720px
- Appropriate lighting so the performance is clear
- Clothing: Shaolin Uniform or any other Martial Arts uniform or athletic attire, and athletic or Feiyue shoes
How to upload the video for grading
Upload the video link as a reply to the “Confirmation email”
After you record your video practice, we strongly advise you to watch the video before you decide to upload it. You can upload the video when you are confident that your practice meets the required standard.
You can use Youtube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Wetransfer, or any cloud storage platform. Please make sure you allow us to watch the video. On Youtube, uploading ensure the video is not private but unpublished.
How long it will take to review my practice
It will take no more than 10 working days for the review to be completed.
Who will review my practice
The practice is reviewed and graded by Shifu Shi Yanjun, 1st Class Referee certified by the General Administration of Sports of China and 7 Duanwei from the Chinese Wushu Association.
What should I consider when performing the form?
The essential aspects of the forms include accuracy of the stances and techniques, correct flow of the form, speed of the movements, power projected, and body coordination( eyes and hands, hands and waist, waist and hips, hips and legs, legs and ankles), and Qi.
Who will issue my certification?
Shaolin Temple Yunnan and International Shaolin Wushu Federation issue the certifications. For Meihua Quan forms, the certifications are issued by Shaolin Temple Yunnan and International Meihua Quan Federation.
We wish you all the success in your grading and Kung Fu path.
Shaolin Temple Yunnan Grading Application
To join the grading, you must complete the Grading Application Form with the required details.
All the payments are final. If you fail the grading, there is no refund.
However, you can regrade and receive a discount of 35%.