Jing Ying Institute Black Sash Students

At Jing Ying Institute, earning a black sash is equivalent to earning a bachelors degree in college. It takes at least the same amount of time studying, but the final examine is even more rigorous. Our candidates for black sash typically undergo 9 months of testing. Why so many tests? One test would be sufficient to demonstrate competency in the required skills, but  we want to evaluate more than just knowledge and ability.  Some people have natural ability and pick up the skills with relative ease while others have to work much harder. We want to make sure our testing process rewards not just natural ability but also the proper attitude and work ethic. A requirement is that students show improvement over the course of their testing. That shows us they are delving into a deeper understanding of what they have learned and applying themselves with more effort to improve. It also emphasizes that kung fu is a constant process of effort and time to produce skill. No matter what your ability is, you can always improve.

 After the fourth month of testing, the board of examiners takes a vote. If the candidate has performed at an excellent level and demonstrated improvement, then their sixth test may be designated as their final test. Otherwise, they will continue with the normal nine month program. After the seventh test, another vote will be taken. If the candidate has performed at a good level and demonstrated improvement, then their ninth test will be designated as their final test. If any areas of their performance were ranked below "good" or if sufficient improvement was not evidenced, then three months will be added and their twelfth test will be their final one.

July 26, 2008

Lane Greer - training at Jing Ying since 2003
Jose Vega - training at Jing Ying since 2004
Samuel Hokanson - training at Jing Ying since 2004

January 27, 2007

Billy Greer - training at Jing Ying since 2003

July 1, 2006

Tim Cherry - training at Jing Ying since 1999
(East - West Martial arts before the move in 2000)

August 27, 2005

Pete Giguere - training at Jing Ying since
Johnny Thomas - training at Jing Ying since 1999

June 26, 2004

Anne Barrow - training at Jing Ying since 2000
Arlene Barrow - training at Jing Ying since 2000
Clayton Barrow - training at Jing Ying since 2000