STAGE 1: – White Sash, Blue Sash, Yellow Sash, Orange Sash and Green Sash
o Progression through the ranks at this stage is determined by the continuous assessment of each child throughout each term. Meret Badges are awarded as each child they shows determination, commitment to learning and improve their skill as a result of their efforts.
o Once the relevant merets have been awarded for the grade the child will understand and be able to perform all the criteria for a particular sash. Use of the grade practice sheet and evidence of their practice at home will be signed off by parents, or in the case of a child who trains multiple time per week the instructor will sign off as they display their skills and knowledge at class..
o The child will be invited to test at the next available grading. The purpose of awarding the merits on the way to earning the sash, is firstly to acknowledge their hard work and progression throughout their training, secondly to be sure that the stress is removed from any grading period as they will be confident they know and can perform the requirements for the level and thirdly to teach our members the value of hard work and how to set short and long term goals. NOTE: The merits equate to a 60% score and the sash grading pass score is 70%!
o The Green Sash grading is a cumulative grading which includes all previous Sash requirements plus new material. On completion of this grade a student will graduate from Stage 1 of their training.
STAGE 2: – Purple and Red Sash
o Elements from Yang’s Martial Arts Association’s senior program are incorporated into the Kung Fu 4 Kids training at this Stage.
o Members are invited to test for any further grades from this stage onwards.
o Green Sash holders have the option of joining YMAA International.
o Purple and Red Sash Holders (as long as they are YMAA International members) can test for parts or all of their 1st Shaolin Stripe with Master Yang during his annual visit to Ireland.
STAGE 3: – Brown Sash, Black Tip and Black Sash
o A “Path to Black Sash” Plan is created in conjunction with the student and their parents to help them achieve their goals during this stage.
o At this stage the student must be a member of YMAA International and will be expected to train along with the Adult Shaolin students on a regular basis.
o He/She must hold the rank of 1st Shaolin Stripe.
o Members are invited to test for their grades at this stage.
o YMAA International members can test for his/her 2nd Shaolin Stripe with Master Yang during his annual visit to Ireland.
o On the awarding of the 2nd Shaolin stripe, an agreed date (between Instructor, Student and Parents) is set for the Final and Ultimate test. Once the date has been agreed the student will be invited to test for their Black Sash!