Promotion Exams

Requirements for Rank Novice to Black Sash

Ken Gullette
3/26/2014

This document is a guide for members of Internal Fighting Arts (and students of Sifu Ken
Gullette) on testing requirements for the levels of rank from the beginner to Black Sash.

Some members may want to study at their own pace – many are not interested in rank
at all. This can serve simply as a guide toward building skills in an orderly way. In Chen
Village, Taiji students start with Laojia Yilu. The Taiji section of this document (Green
Sash through Purple Sash) begins training in a different way, starting with basic skills and
building toward more advanced techniques and forms. Longer forms such as Laojia Yilu,
Laojia Erlu, the Chen Spear, and advanced Xingyi and Bagua material are part of our
Black Sash studies. Members do have access to all materials and can study what they
want at any time.
 Promotion Requirements - Novice Training (Level 1)
(To earn a White Sash)

Beginning students study the basics of Internal Strength, the foundation of the internal arts. All
three of the arts we study – Chen Tai Chi, Hsing-I Chuan and Baguazhang, are made up of
specific body mechanics that make “internal” arts different than “external” arts.

1. Answer the following auestions

A. What is the most important “energy” in the internal arts?
B. Name the six key skills needed for proper body mechanics.

2. Ground Path
A. Be prepared to explain and demonstrate any of the 25 ground path exercises as
requested by the instructor.

3. Peng Jin
Demonstrate peng jin and give a basic explanation of how it works with ground path.

4. Silk-Reeling Energy
A. Demonstrate any of the Silk-Reeling exercises as requested by the instructor.
B. Explain how the six key body mechanics are used in silk-reeling exercise movements.

5. Dan T’ien Rotation

Demonstrate and explain dan t’ien rotation in a silk-reeling exercise of your choice.

6. The Kua
Demonstrate opening and closing the kua in a different silk-reeling exercise of your
choice.

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 2

 Promotion Requirements - White Sash Training (Level 2)
(White sash to Yellow sash)
1. Answer the following questions:
A. What does “Hsing-I Chuan” mean when translated to English?
B. Translate “San Ti” into English.
C. Translate the following into English: Pi Chuan; Tsuan Chuan; Peng Chuan; Pao Chuan; Heng
Chuan.
D. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, what elements are related to each of the five fist postures?
E. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, what body organs are related to each of the five fist
postures?

2. Perform Pi Chuan beginning with San Ti.

3. Defend against attacks using Pi Chuan:

A. Reverse punch
B. Lunging punch
C. Front kick
D. Front kick and punch
E. Two-hand grab
F. Straight grab and punch
G. Cross grab

4. Perform Tsuan Chuan beginning with San Ti.

5. Defend against attacks using Tsuan Chuan:

A. Lunge punch
B. Reverse punch
C. Front kick
D. Front kick and punch
E. Straight wrist grab
F. Three punch attack

6. Perform Peng Chuan starting with San Ti.

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 3

Level 2 (White Sash to Yellow Sash) Requirements Page 2

7. Defend against attacks using Peng Chuan:

A. Lunge punch
B. Reverse punch
C. Front kick
D. Straight grab
E. Cross grab

8. Perform Pao Chuan starting with San Ti.

9. Defend against attacks using Pao Chuan:

A. Lunge punch
B. Lapel grab
C. Front kick and punch
D. Straight grab
E. Cross grab

10. Perform Heng Chuan starting with San Ti.

11. Defend against attacks using Heng Chuan:

A. Lunge punch
B. Reverse punch
C. Use as offensive technique with a feint
D. Front kick
E. Straight grab
F. Cross grab

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 4

 Promotion Requirements – Yellow Sash Training (Level 3)
(Yellow sash to Orange sash)
1. Answer the following questions about Kung fu:
A. Translate “Peng Chuan” into English. G. Translate “Heng Chuan” into English.
B. What element is related to Peng Chuan? H. What element is related to Heng Chuan?
C. What organs are related to Peng Chuan? I. What organs are related to Heng Chuan?
D. Translate “Pao Chuan” into English. J. Translate “Lien Huan Wu Hsing.”
E. What element is related to Peng Chuan? K. Describe the “3 connections” a American Tao
F. What organs are related to Peng Chuan? fighter achieves with an opponent.

2. Physical requirements:
A. 20 pushups B. 20 crunches C. 1-minute Horse Stance

3. Perform the following fist postures across the room and back including the San Ti
opening and closing:
A. Pi Chuan
B. Tsuan Chuan
C. Peng Chuan
D. Pao Chuan
E. Heng Chuan

4. Perform defense techniques using the Five Hsing-I fist postures against the following
attacks:
A. Lunge Punch
B. Reverse Punch
C. Straight Wrist Grab
D. Cross Wrist Grab
E. Straight grab and punch (Pi, Tsuan, Peng and Pao)
F. Lapel Grab (Pao and Heng)
G. Front snap kick
H. High roundhouse kick (Pao)

5. Perform Lien Huan Wu Hsing.

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 5

Level 3 (Yellow Sash to Orange Sash) Requirements

6. Receive and Return

A. Demonstrate all six tactics of Receive and Return.
B. Apply Receive and Return tactics against the following attacks:
1. Lunge Punch (3 times)
2. Reverse Punch (2 times)
3. Lunging front kick

7. Perform Hsing-I Chang Guan-dz (Hsing-I Staff form).

8. Staff Techniques
Demonstrate the Following Blocks:
A. High Outside Sweep (short grip)
B. Low Inside Sweep (short grip)
C. Low Outside Sweep (long grip)
D. Low Bar Block
E. Middle Block (short grip)
F. Middle Block (long grip)
G. Tap
H. Flick
I. High Inside Sweep (short grip)

9. Demonstrate the Following Strikes

A. High Outside Sweep (short grip)
B. High Outside Sweep (long grip)
C. Low Outside Sweep (short grip)
D. Low Outside Sweep (long grip)
E. Middle Bar Thrust
F. Short Downward Strike (short grip)
G. Short Upward Stroke (short grip)
H. Short Thrust
I. Long Upward Stroke
J. Long Thrust
K. Twisted Thrust

10. Demonstrate light sparring with staff.

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 6

 Promotion Requirements – Orange Sash Training (Level 4)
(Orange sash to Green sash)
This is an important milestone for students. It marks the completion of the basic
Hsing-I Chuan training. You’ll build on all of this during the Intermediate levels of training and
as you study Chen Tai Chi, your understanding of internal body mechanics will grow.

1. Answer The Following Questions

A. What is the Creative Cycle of the 5 Elements in Hsing-I Chuan?
B. What is the Destructive Cycle of the 5 Elements?

2. Physical Requirements
A. 25 Pushups
B. 25 Crunches
C. Horse Stance for 2 minutes

3. Perform Lien Huan Wu Hsing

4. Perform Bah Shih

5. Demonstrate Basic Self Defense:

A. 2-Hand Push F. Hammerlock
B. Strangle from Front G. Full Nelson
C. Strangle from Rear H. Bear Hug from Front
D. Headlock from Front I. Bear Hug from Rear
E. Headlock from Rear J. Hair Pull from Front and Rear

6. Perform each Hsing-I posture across the room and back, including San Ti opening and
conclusion.
A. Pi Chuan B. Tsuan Chuan C. Peng Chuan D. Pao Chuan E. Heng Chuan

7. Explain the element and internal organs related to each individual fist posture.

8. Pi Chuan Applications
A. Versus Lunge Punch E. Versus Front Kick
B. Versus Reverse Punch F. As Offensive Technique
C. Versus Straight Grab G. Versus 2-arm seize
D. Versus Cross Grab H. Versus Roundhouse Kick and Punch

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Level 4 (Orange Sash to Green Sash) Requirements Page 2

[Link] Chuan Applications

A. Versus Lunge Punch E. As Offensive Technique
B. Versus Reverse Punch F. As an Arm Lock versus Lunge Punch
C. Versus Straight Grab G. Versus Punch and Parry
D. Versus Cross Grab and Punch H. Versus front kick

10. Peng Chuan Applications

A. Versus Lunge Punch D. Versus Cross Grab
B. Versus Reverse Punch E. Deflecting Technique Vs. Punch
C. Versus Straight Grab F. Versus Front Kick

10. Pao Chuan Applications

A. Versus Lunge Punch E. Versus Front Kick and Punch
B. Versus Reverse Punch F. Versus Two Punches
C. Versus Straight Grab and Punch G. Versus Roundhouse Kick/Punch
D. Versus Lapel Grab

11. Heng Chuan Applications

A. Versus Lunge Punch
B. Versus Lunge Punch and Parry
C. As Offensive Technique Using Fake
D. As arm lock vs. punch/parry/punch
E. Versus front kick

12. Hsing-I Combination Techniques

A. Demonstrate a fighting sequence using two Hsing-I fist postures.
B. Demonstrate a fighting sequence using three Hsing-I fist postures.
C. Demonstrate a fighting sequence using four Hsing-I fist postures.
D. Demonstrate a fighting sequence using five Hsing-I fist postures.

13. Two-Man Hsing-I Exercises

A. Demonstrate #1 stationary and moving.
B. Demonstrate #2 stationary and moving.
C. Demonstrate #3 moving.

15. Strategies (demonstrate versus an opponent)

A. Receive and Return – Vs. Lunge Punch x3 / Vs. Reverse Punch x2 / Vs. front kick.
B. Lateral Return – Vs. Lunge Punch x3 / Vs. Reverse Punch x1 / Vs. Front Kick x2
C. Mutual Striking – Vs. Lunge Punch x4 / Vs. Reverse Punch x1

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Level 4 (Orange Sash to Green Sash) Requirements Page 3

[Link] Na (demonstrate chin na techniques)

A. Arm Bar Takedown (vs. lunge punch)
B. Escape from an Arm Bar
C. Arm Bar Elbow Break (vs. lunge punch)
D. Reverse Arm Bar (vs. push)
E. Two Hands Form a “V” (vs. overhead strike)
F. Bamboo Split (vs. punch)
G. Elbow Twist (vs. shoulder grab)
H. Outside Wrist Twist (vs. Push)
I. Escape from Outside Wrist Twist
J. Lapel Drop (Vs. lapel grab)
K. Backsweeping Wrist Lock (vs. behind-the-shoulder grab)
L. Half Moon (vs. cross grab and straight grab)

17. Knife Defenses (demonstrate defense vs. knife attacks)

A. Thrust
B. Roundhouse thrust
C. Overhead strike
D. Backhand slash
E. Hold Against Stomach
F. Hold Against Throat

18. Gun Defenses (demonstrate defense vs. gun attacks)

A. Against stomach
B. Upper back
C. Lower Back
D. Execution #1
E. Execution #2

22. Perform “Hsing-I Jen” form.

Upon completion of this test, it is the student’s responsibility to continue practicing all the skills
learned as he or she continues in the study of Chen Tai Chi. Only through continued practice,
repetition, and thoughtful study can a student truly make Hsing-I a part of them.

Making it through the Hsing-I level is cause for congratulations.

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 9

 Promotion Requirements – Green Sash Training (Level 5)
(Green sash to Blue sash)
1. Answer the following questions:
A. What is the translation for “Tai Chi Chuan?”
B. Where was Tai Chi created and why whom?
C. What is the One Principle and Three Techniques of Chen Tai Chi?
D. How would you describe the physical action of Silk Reeling exercises?
E. What is the translation for “Chi Kung?”
F. How can you use chi kung to ease stress in your daily life?

2. Chi Kung
Demonstrate the following:
A. Standing stake (Zhan Zhuang)
B. Demonstrate Reverse Breathing
C. Demonstrate and explain any 5 basic Chi Kung postures.

3. Tai Chi Chuan

A. Explain the One Principle and Three Techniques of Tai Chi. Perform the following silk-
reeling exercises:
1. Dan T’ien rotations
2. Single hand silk-reeling (both sides)
3. Single hand silk-reeling with stepping (both sides)
4. Double hand silk-reeling (both sides)
5. Double hand silk-reeling with stepping (both sides)

4. Tai Chi Chuan

A. Perform the Chen 19 form

5. Demonstrate fighting applications of the Chen 19 Form as requested by your instructor.

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Level 5 (Green Sash to Blue Sash) Requirements Page 2

6. Yield and Overcome Strategy

Demonstrate the strategy to defend against attacks:
A. Push against shoulder C. Arm bar
B. Wrist twist (2 ways) D. Grab arm and pull

7. Intermediate Chin Na
A. Demonstrate Chin Na defenses using the following techniques:
1. Elbow break against punch (either side)
2. Reverse Wrist Press (versus punch or push)
3. Child Worships the Buddha (versus lapel grab)
4. Reverse Pat the Bull (versus punch and versus clinch)
5. Upward Elbow Press (versus lapel grab and versus punch)
6. Forward Turning Elbow (versus punch and versus clinch)
7. Left Right Cross Elbow (versus two punches)

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 11

 Promotion Requirements – Blue Sash Training (Level 6)
(Blue sash to Purple sash)

1. Answer the following questions:

A. Who created the Chen 38 form?
B. What are the 8 main energies of Tai Chi? Extra credit – name 13 energies
C. Who are the “Four Tigers” or “Four Buddha’s Warriors” of the Chen Village?

2. Tai Chi Chuan

A. Demonstrate the complete Chen 38 Form

3. Chen 38 Fighting Applications

Demonstrate fighting applications from the Chen 38 as requested by the instructor.

4. Push Hands
Demonstrate the first two patterns of Chen Push Hands with a partner.

5. Chin-Na
Demonstrate the following Intermediate Chin-Na techniques with a partner:
A. Winding Arm/Pat the Bull vs. Straight Punch
B. Outside Wrist Twist vs. Punch
C. Lapel Drop vs. Lapel Grab
D. Reverse Wrist Press vs. Punch
E. Upward Elbow Press vs. Punch
F. Forward Turning Elbow vs. Clinch or Lapel Grab

6. Demonstrate freestyle Chin-Na sparring in a match with a partner.

See next page for single stick requirements

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Level 6 (Blue Sash to Purple Sash) Requirements Page 2

7. Demonstrate Single Stick Techniques

A. The 5 Numbered Strikes
B. Long Range Defense against strikes 1 thru 5
C. Medium Range defense against strikes 1 thru 5

8. Single Stick Drills with a Partner

-- Small Loop Right
-- Small Loop Left
-- Wo-tik vs. #1 and #2 strikes
-- Angle Redondo vs. #3 strike

9. Demonstrate Single Stick Blocks and Counters

-- Inside sweep vs. #1 strike
-- High wing vs. #1 strike
-- Shield vs. #2
-- Low wing vs. #3
-- Outside sweep vs. #4
-- Wo-tik vs. #5

10. Demonstrate Single Stick Disarms

-- Snake vs. Attacks 1 thru 5
-- Vine vs. Attacks 1 thru 5
-- Strip vs. Attacks 1 thru 5

11. Demonstrate Single Stick Chokes/Takedowns

-- Arm lever vs. #1
-- Arm lever. Vs. #1 and left punch
-- Arm and neck lever vs. #1
-- Neck lever vs. left punch
-- Arm bar vs. #1
-- Choke vs. #1

12. Close-Range Single Stick Fighting

-- Using trapping drill as a start, do 5 different follow up techniques for close-range fighting.

13. Single Stick Sparring with a Partner

A 2- minute round of sparring with an opponent. Must wear safety goggles, head gear and hand
protectors. Judged on spirit, technique, and strategy.

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 13

 Promotion Requirements – Purple Sash Training (Level 7)
(Purple Sash to Brown Sash I)

1. Answer The Following Questions

A. What is the “energy” of the Chen Broadsword form (how is it to be performed)?
B. Name three top Chen family masters and their responsibilities with the art?
C. What is the common element that is found in both Chen Tai Chi and Bagua?

2. Chi Kung
A. Demonstrate 5 solo chi kung exercises and explain each one as if teaching it.
B. Demonstrate the Eight Pieces of Brocade

3. Perform the Chen 19 form

4. Perform the Chen 38 form

5. Demonstrate the Chen Straight Sword form

6. Demonstrate straight sword fighting techniques and counters against attacks:

A. versus thrust to chest
B. versus thrust to face
C. versus thrust to lower leg
D. as an entry to attack an opponent
E. versus a sweeping cut to the side

7. Demonstrate and discuss 8 techniques of Ko Shang Hai with a partner.

8. Perform the Chen Broadsword form

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Level 7 Requirements (Purple Sash to Brown Sash I) Page 2

8. Demonstrate broadsword fighting techniques and counters against attacks:

A. as an entry to attack an opponent
B. versus a thrust to the chest
C. versus a thrust by an opponent’s staff
D. versus a thrust to the abdomen
E. versus a thrust to the face
F. versus a sweep or thrust to the lower legs

9. Demonstrate the Five Patterns of Chen Push Hands with a partner

10. Strategies (demonstrate versus an opponent)

A. Receive and Return – Vs. Lunge Punch x3 / Vs. Reverse Punch x2 / Vs. front kick.
B. Lateral Return – Vs. Lunge Punch x3 / Vs. Reverse Punch x1 / Vs. Front Kick x2
C. Mutual Striking – Vs. Lunge Punch x4 / Vs. Reverse Punch x1
D. Yield & Overcome – Vs. Shoulder Push / Vs. Arm Bar / Vs. Wrist twist

11. Demonstrate freestyle sparring using only Hsing-I Chuan as defense

12. Demonstrate freestyle sparring using only Tai Chi Chuan as defense

13. Demonstrate freestyle sparring using only Chin-Na techniques as defense

14. Demonstrate freestyle sparring with single sticks

At this point in your training, you have learned the basics of Hsing-I Chuan and Chen Tai Chi
Chuan. From here, you go to the Brown Sash levels. You’ll have a brown sash with one black
stripe for each of the three levels. You’ll learn the basics of Cheng Baguazhang while you’re a
brown sash.

During your brown sash levels, you must continue to practice all the techniques and forms in the
Primary and Intermediate Levels. You’ll need to know all of this material instantly on your test
for black sash. Upon completion of this test, it is the student’s responsibility to continue
practicing all the skills learned as he or she continues in the study of Baguazhang. Only through
continued practice, repetition, and thoughtful study can a student truly make Hsing-I and Chen
Tai Chi a part of them.

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 15

 Promotion Requirements – Brown I Training (Level 8)
(Brown Sash I to Brown Sash II)

1. General Questions
A. Who created Baguazhang and when did he create it?
B. How did Cheng style develop?
C. What is a Bagua fighter noted for?

2. Physical Requirements
A. 50 pushups
B. 50 crunches
C. Hold horse stance for 6 minutes

3. Forms
Perform any form from the first 7 levels upon request by the instructor.

4. Bagua Footwork
Demonstrate the following footwork:
A. Circle walking using “mud walking” stepping
B. Circle walking with normal stepping.
C. Jump step
D. Full step with jump
E. Yin-Yang circle walking
F. Four-circle walking.
G. Demonstrate the ground path in the “dragon posture” while walking the circle.

5. The Eight Mother Palms

Demonstrate the palm and a fighting application for each:
A. Upward palm (yang chang)
B. Downward palm (fu chang)
C. Shooting palm (shu chang)
D. Embracing palm (pao chang)
E. Splitting palm (pi chang)
F. Seizing palm (liao chang)
G. Rising palm (tiao chang)
H. Drilling palm (lo-shuan chang)

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 16

Level 8 Requirements (Brown Sash I to Brown Sash II) Page 2

6. Tea Serving Exercises

A. Demonstrate six tea serving exercises
B. Demonstrate one fighting application for each tea serving exercise

7. Bagua Pole Exercises (moving pole)

A. Demonstrate all eight moving pole exercises.
B. Demonstrate fighting applications for each pole exercise.

8. Demonstrate Breakfalls
A. Demonstrate forward shoulder roll
B. Demonstrate backward shoulder roll
C. Demonstrate back fall
D. Demonstrate sitting back fall
E. Demonstrate sitting side fall
F. Demonstrate standing side fall

9. Gripping and off-balancing

A. Demonstrate gripping positions against a standing partner
B. Demonstrate off-balancing in four directions

10. Throws and Takedowns

Demonstrate foot and leg throws:
A. Outside foot sweep
B. Inside foot sweep
C. Foot hook
D. Coiled snake sweep
E. Reverse Coiled Snake Sweep
F. One Leg Back Trip
G. Side Stamp Sweep
H. Stop Kick Sweep

11. Demonstrate hand and arm throws:

A. Arm bar takedown
B. Arm bar trip
C. Outside wrist twist
D. Inside spinning top
E. Outside spinning top

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Level 8 Requirements (Brown Sash I to Brown Sash II) Page 3

(Hand and Arm Throws Continued)

F. Whistling throw
G. Tiger Mouth throw
H. Wing Block Tiger Mouth throw
I. Circle Hand throw
J. Neck Hooking Throw
K. Elbow throw

12. Chin Na
Demonstrate the following chin na techniques :
A. Winding arm vs. lunge punch
B. Crane In Flight Turns North vs. lunge punch
C. Coiled Snake Strikes At The Weasel vs. lunge punch
D. Cross Winds
E. Reverse Standing Hold vs. front kick
F. Wrist Twist Hold and neck break vs. lunge punch
G. Head Turning

13. Chi Kung

Demonstrate the Yi Jing Ching Fist set.

14. Bagua Forms

Demonstrate the “8 Basic Palms” form of Cheng-style bagua.

15. Fighting Strategies

Demonstrate “Join and Unite” against the following attacks:
A. Roundhouse punch (haymaker)
B. Roundhouse kick
C. Against a punch to chest
D. Against a punch to face

Internal Fighting Arts Promotion Guidelines [Link] Page 18

 Promotion Requirements – Brown II Training (Level 9)
(Brown Sash II to Brown Sash III)

1. General Questions
A. What is the relationship between the 8 trigrams and stepping in Bagua?
B. What is your favorite color?

2. Physical Requirements
A. 50 pushups
B. 50 crunches
C. Hold horse stance for 6 minutes

3. Forms
Perform any form from the first 8 levels upon request by the instructor.

4. Chi Kung
Demonstrate and explain the Yi Jing Ching Palm Set – slowly.

5. Bagua 8 Main Palms Form

Demonstrate the form with an emphasis on body mechanics and continuous movement.

6. Fighting Applications of the 8 Main Palms Form

Demonstrate applications with a partner as requested by the instructor.

7. Fighting Strategy – Instant Resolution

Connecting with a partner, demonstrate the strategy of Instant Resolution.

8. Chin-Na
Demonstrate the following foot and leg locks with a partner.
A. Ankle Twist vs. a Kick
B. Standing Achilles Tendon Lock vs. Kick
C. Heng Chuan vs. Kick
D. Figure 4 Leg Lock (against partner on top of you)

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Level 9 Requirements (Brown Sash II to Brown Sash III) Page 2

9. Bagua Principles and Key Words

Demonstrate key principles of Bagua with a partner or against an attack as requested by your
instructor.

10. Freestyle Sparring Against Multiple Opponents

Use some of the Bagua principles into action in a “Circle of Death” match with partners.

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 Promotion Requirements – Brown III Training (Level 10)
(Brown Sash III to Black Sash)

1. Physical Requirements
A. 50 pushups
B. 50 crunches
C. Hold horse stance for 10 minutes

2. Chi Kung
Demonstrate and explain the Yi Jing Ching Moving Set – slowly.

3. Bagua Elk Horn Knives Form

Perform the Elk Horn Knives form, emphasizing internal body mechanics.

4. Fighting Applications of the Bagua Elk Horn Knives Form

Demonstrate applications with a partner as requested by the instructor. Various weapons will
be used against you and multiple partners may be used.

Black Sash Test

At this point, the student will be prepared for a 3 to 4-hour test (minimum). The student will be
requested by the instructor to demonstrate and perform virtually ALL of the material from novice
to advanced. The student will not know exactly what the instructor will call for. The student will
need to know the name of every technique, form, or principle in our curriculum, and be able to
demonstrate it on demand either individually or against a partner or multiple attackers.

On any promotion from Novice to Black Sash, a student who shows hesitation or uncertainty
about any of the material may – in as subtle a way as the instructor can do so – be relieved from
the task of promotion. No promotion will be given, but the student may have a chance to test
again when he or she is ready at a later date.

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