Originally Posted by
Giuseppe_S
i actually have a quick question, why do some kung fu schools have a grading system i.e belts or sashes and some other kung fu schools dont have a grading system, i was wondering if anyone could help me out with this question.
regards.
Giuseppe
Most old school TCM kwoons will not have belts/sashes. These will typically not have many kids classes. They are more about teaching the art rather than worrying about awarding someone. You pretty much determine hierchy by the material each student knows. A Sil Lum school I went to when I was in Jr High did not have a belting system. There were no kids class. I was maybe one of 3-5 "kids" that was grouped with adults. You basically got new material whenever the sifu felt you mastered your currently material. I recall doing stances, block and basic punches/kicks for 3 months before I even learned my first aplication for it. Then another month before I learned my first fist set. These would probably be learned within 2 months of being a white belt with other schools that have a belting system.
More commercialized school have the outlook that you must give someone small rewards in order to keep students. Westerners need to have something tangible to show achievement. So majority of the kwoons will have a belting system. It is also a way to breakdown material to be taught and be able to have a curriculum/syllabus. Somewhat goal setting for the student and can also be an organizational teaching tool for the instructor.
I am always for no belting system and letting material and skill talk for you. However, having been an instructor and owner of a school in the past. I can understand keeping a large student body to keep food on the table and bills paid. Typically, your white to blue(intermediate level) belt students are going to be your revolving door students. After that, people for the most part start to get it that it is not all about the belt.
Heck even I sometimes get frustrated and have to remind myself.
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