Junior Student’s Corner
by Sifu Charlie Romeo
Fu For You – Winter 2025-26
Gradings at our Academy can be challenging and daunting, but they can also be the most exciting and rewarding part of your Kung Fu journey. Instructors strongly emphasize the importance of properly preparing for gradings to set students up for success, and we take pride in seeing our students advance. The next steps, however, are sometimes overlooked.
Students spend countless hours preparing for their grading but may not consider the continued commitment required after grading day. As a student, you might ask yourself: What does the first class after grading look like? How do you work toward meeting your new strength requirements? How do you improve what you struggled with on grading day? These considerations are frequently forgotten by students, but the answers are crucial to continued learning and growth as a martial artist.
The first class after a grading is always a proud moment. You have a new stripe on your sash that is a visual representation that your hard work is finally paying off. There will also be a sense of humility as your Sifus focus on the aspects of your grading that need improvement. Stay open to constructive feedback in these moments. This first class back is not about learning all your new curriculum; it’s about reflecting on your current knowledge. Take the necessary time to practice what your instructors deem fit. The time to learn new forms and sequences will come, so be patient as you settle into your rank.
An expectation on grading day is to perform your full set of strength requirements as per your requirement sheets. Doing this shows your commitment to continuously improving your strength throughout your Kung Fu journey. Each time you grade, your strength requirements will increase, but your instructors should emphasize that you are not expected to perform your new strength requirements immediately upon achieving your next rank. Strength building takes time to develop in a healthy and sustainable way. To meet your requirements, gradually work your way up from your previous numbers to your new numbers within a realistic timeframe (this can take weeks or months of committed training). While we allow some lenience, students should be meeting their strength requirements as they progress at their rank. This means you shouldn’t wait until your next grading to start building your strength; there will be more important things to focus on when that time comes. Instead, start building your strength right away so you have one less thing to worry about later.
Don’t be surprised if your first few classes with a new rank feel reminiscent of your very first Kung Fu classes. You may need to relearn aspects of certain forms or techniques that have been neglected; consider each piece of feedback carefully and work hard to address it before learning your new requirements. Gradings are not only an end to one cycle in Kung Fu, but also the beginning of a new one that requires time, energy, and a commitment to continued personal growth.
Download Your Winter Raffle Junior Activity Sheet >
Submit your completed activity sheet by January 16th!
