Print this pageAbout the Student Ranking System
At the Scranton Martial Arts Center (SMAC) TM each student must be worthy of their ranking promotions. Here levels of training are not given, they are earned. The instructors of the Center made sure that all students testing have a firm grasp on the given instructed material needed for each level promotion. That is why we produced the best martial artists students and instructors in the area.
Our external martial arts ranking system, utilized in our kung fu programs, was based on 8 lower levels along with a series of higher levels. Each level or stage of training has a set group of requirements that a student must learn and understand before they can qualify for testing. (Requirements vary between adult and children's curriculum) Each level contains a list of basic techniques, required forms, self defense, weapons and sparring techniques. Rank promotions are awarded only after the student has completed a challenging test on the required portion of our extensive curriculum. For each ranking test, a student must demonstrate their ability through written, oral, and physical examination.
A new student interested in traditional training begins their martial arts journey at the first of the lower levels. The White level, is the first step a student must complete to start his or her own path threw the ranks. Upon completion of the white level student will then progress on to the levels of Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown and Grey. When a student is preparing to test for Grey sash they may choose weather or not to pursue a teaching certification. If the student during this test demonstrates excellent technique, skill and an aptitude for teaching, they will be award the title of SiHing, senior student or assistant instructor. At this point the student will begin an extraordinary in-depth study of the material they have learned to this level and continue the examination & study of the arts.
The student begins the higher levels of training by testing successfully for their Black Level. If the student has chosen to test for teaching certification, he or she must demonstrate an intimate knowledge of what they have learned in the lower levels. The student at this time may be awarded the title of SiFu or teacher. The title of SiFu is not an entitlement. Not every person who successfully tests for black level at the Scranton Martial Arts Center obtains this title. Individuals who received the title of SiFu at the Scranton Martial Arts Center truly demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of the art above and beyond the average black belt student.