TEACHING SHAOLIN HUNG MEI
THE MEANING OF THE SASHES WORN IN SHAOLIN HUNG MEI
In Hung Méi Kung Fu (洪眉功夫), sashes are worn to indicate the level of skill and knowledge a practitioner has assimilated. When a new student demonstrates his dedication to the training and an understanding of our history and culture, he is awarded a red sash. As the student advances, he or she will be granted permission to test for a promotion and, if successful, will be given a sash indicative of the new ranking. The second level sash is yellow. Subsequently, the student will be eligible for a blue sash. The blue sash carries a special significance since the wearer of a blue sash, with the permission of Shī Fù, can act as an assistant instructor in the class.
Traditionally, the white sash indicates the next level of proficiency. It is at the time of achieving this level that the student will begin to understand and "feel" the soft power in our form of Martial Practice. The first level of black sash follows the white and includes both the hard and soft powers. It is important to remember that a student of the Art never stops learning, even after achieving the fifth or highest level of black sash. In the Martial Studies, as in life, one never ceases growing and learning. It is important to be humble at all times, as, no matter how much the student may think he/she knows, there will always be someone with a superior level of knowledge.
