What about ranking colors and belts?
For everyone’s knowledge, the belt or sash color system originated in Japan in the 1880s. The system has captured the imagination of the American public as the essential color system that has even continue into the American business community of today. On the contrary, traditionaly, there has been no colors designation in any martial arts system upon its inception. The propagation of the “Dirty Belt” myth has elevated the lore of the belt ranking system. This myth is an extremely popular urban legend that claims all students started with a clean white belt that slowly turned black over years of sweat, grime, and lack of washing. Hence, the white to black color graduation. Nevertheless, this methodology of ranking students has gained so much adoption in today’s martial culture that it is expected in any martial art’s program. In Kung Fu, there is only three levels of practitioners. This would be Student, Disciple, and Master. Unfortunately, the public sees a school without a color belt or sash system has been looked upon with suspect. So, I have added voluntary sash system for Wing Cheun Kung Fu in my commercial schools. It is an optional way for students to be proud of their accomplishments. The system is the following.
Pillar Sash System
Síu Nihm Tàuh --------- White
Chàm Kìuh ------------- Yellow
Bïu Jí -------------------- Orange
Muhk Yāhn Jōng ------ Green
Chì Sáu ----------------- Blue
Kyùn Faat -------------- Purple
Luhk Dím Bun Gwan - Brown
Baat Jáam Dōu --------- Black
Master ------------------ Black w/ Red Fringe
Senior Master ---------- Red w/ Black Fringe
