Promotions
All students begin their training at Mandarin Kung Fu as white sashes. A student never needs to compete for a promotion to further his knowledge. He receives new material as he progresses in his art. We do not have rank qualifications for our forms (katas) or drills. Therefore, a student who doesn't compete for promotions will not be held back from learning a form beyond his rank. He can learn everything in our system as his progress permits, but will not receive rank certification unless he tests for it.
How Promotions Work
The following is how our promotion system works: (1) a student will be required to know & properly perform certain techniques and forms for each sash; (2) sparring using Mandarin Kung Fu techniques must be demonstrated. The depth and intensity level increase proportionately with each higher rank.
Adult Promotions
We offer 3 promotion days per year for adults.
Youth Promotions
There are no 8 year old black belts in our school!
We offer 2 promotions per year for youths after 1 year of training: A youth cannot become a black sash until 16 years of age. The student must display exceptional skills and be able to compete on a par in all categories with adults. A youth who competes in every promotion and passes each one will receive his black sash in 8.5 years. He will be considered a junior black sash until he reaches the age of 18. We have only promoted two 16 year old students to the rank of Black Sash since 1974.
Little Dragon Promotions
We do not offer promotions for Little Dragons. Promotions can begin at age 8 when the student can enter Youth classes. The 1 year minimum requirement will be waived if the student has spent sufficient time in Little Dragons Classes
Promotion Degrees and Rates
We do not charge any fees to test for promotions. There is no charge to advance to a higher degree, nor is there any charge if a student does not pass. There is a charge for the sash & certificate with every sash color change.
| Rank Change | Testing Fee | Passed |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd White to 2nd White | no charge | no charge |
| 2nd White to 1st White | no charge | no charge |
| 1st White to 3rd Yellow | no charge | $30 for sash |
| 3rd Yellow to 2nd Yellow | no charge | no charge |
| 2nd Yellow to 1st Yellow | no charge | no charge |
| 1st Yellow to 3rd Green | no charge | $40 for sash |
| 3rd Green to 2nd Green | no charge | no charge |
| 2nd Green to 1st Green | no charge | no charge |
| 1st Green to 3rd Blue | no charge | $50 for sash |
| 3rd Blue to 2nd Blue | no charge | no charge |
| 2nd Blue to 1st Blue | no charge | no charge |
| 1st Blue to 3rd Brown | no charge | $75 for sash |
| 3rd Brown to 2nd Brown | no charge | no charge |
| 2nd Brown to 1st Brown | no charge | no charge |
| 1st Brown to Black 1st | no charge | $100 for sash |
The total cost for all promotions to reach the level
of Black Sash is $295.
Sashes are awarded the evening of promotion. There are no hidden promotion costs such as mandatory tournaments or seminars.
Declaration
A black sash earned at Mandarin Kung Fu can be worn with pride and dignity. The time & effort it took to earn, guarantees it is deserved.
Sifu Norman Mandarino