Next exam date: 08.09.2025
Application deadline: September 1, 2025

Until the mid-twentieth century, no Chinese person was allowed to teach Kung Fu to a non-Chinese person. Thus, only Japanese martial arts like Judo and Karate reached the West. In the West, a testing system was then introduced, with different colored belts used to award qualifications.

Bruce Lee was the first to teach Kung Fu to everyone, regardless of nationality or skin color. The prerequisites were willpower, enjoyment, and discipline. These were the hallmarks. Bruce Lee's teacher, Yip Man, also didn't award ranks. He didn't even want to be called a master.

In the early days of Okinawa Te Karate, there was only one white belt. Its sole purpose was to hold up the trousers and the gi. A skilled karate fighter was recognizable by his dark belt, which had become black from being put on and taken off so often. A grandmaster was distinguished by his frayed, or white, belt.

We practice this method of mastery at our school as well. Mastery is achieved through years of training. Anyone wishing to determine their level can do so in a voluntary examination. The material taught in class does not depend on the student's examination level, but rather on their willingness and enjoyment of the art (and, of course, on the many times they put on and take off their Kung Fu pants). Examinations are also voluntary in children's classes, and the curriculum is not dependent on the examination level. The aspect of having the courage to stand up for oneself, to demonstrate what one has learned, is the reason we encourage examinations in children's classes.

Participation in the Chin Woo martial arts school's examinations is voluntary. A fee is charged for participation.