Parent’s Corner
by Sije Veronica Sas
Fu For You Summer 2024
Originally, I had another topic planned for this newsletter. However, after helping with the Intermediate/Advanced Youth and Junior combined class a few weekends ago, I thought talking about advancing into the next age program would be more appropriate. This is a topic we are currently discussing in my own household – my daughter is now eligible for the Adult Program, and yet is hesitant to join.
Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy has four different programs, each is designed for a specific age range. However, it is not necessary to move to the next program immediately after your child’s birthday. There are certain times in your child’s training that might make the transition easier. If your child is looking to grade soon, after grading is a great time to switch. Depending on the rank, they might have to switch classes anyways! If you’re in doubt of how close your child is to grading, ask your child’s Sifu or Sigung to see if it is something to strive for. Another great time to transition is the start of the new school year.
Ranks are slightly different between programs. When your child moves into the next age group, you might notice that their rank will decrease. A Youth Blue Belt moving into the Junior Program will become a Junior Green Sash. Likewise, a Junior Green Sash moving into the Adult Program will become an Adult Orange Sash. This does not mean your child won’t be learning new curriculum! The Programs are designed so that your child will still be learning new forms and techniques. The ranking system can be confusing when you see many colours of belts and sashes in the same class, but if you have any questions about your child’s rank, please ask an instructor or visit our ranking sashes and belts webpage for more details.
If your child is like mine, they might have many different reasons why they don’t want to transition into the next program. The first reason I got was “I want to grade first!”. However, now that she’s thinking of grading soon, she doesn’t want to switch immediately after. Another reason I got is “I don’t want to leave my friends!”. Unfortunately, this is a fact of changing programs. If one of your child’s friends are also close to moving up, encourage them to move together. Students can also plan to attend the Sunday family class together, where all ages and ranks are welcome. In my case, I’m giving my child a deadline of Sept 1 to move to the Adult Program. Hopefully knowing the transition is coming will make it easier.
Each Program at the Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy is designed for that specific age group, so there are advantages to moving into the next program. Your child will be in a class with kids their own age, or slightly older (unless it’s in the adult program, where it’s 15+). The curriculum will change slightly, and expectations will also be more demanding, reflecting on the growing focus, maturity, and capabilities of the student.