Coloured belts

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Colours

There are 9 belt colours in the taijiquan syllabus:

1. White

2. Yellow

3. Orange

4. Green

5. Blue

6. Purple

7. Brown

8. Black

9. Red

When do you start wearing a belt?

Students who have passed the green belt syllabus wear a changshan and a green belt.


Passed

You wear the colour you have earned, not the colour you are working on e.g. a student who is wearing their blue belt is now working to pass their purple belt.

Pale belts

The first 4 belts are introductory. They are for people who have an interest in taijiquan and want a mild taste of the art.


Play nice

In order to complete the lower grades you must prove that you can 'play nice'. You are taught new skills when you have proven that you can handle them responsibly.
Trust must be earned, respect must be shown and consideration must be demonstrated. This is a safeguard for all school members. We don't tolerate bullies or egotists...


Wearing pale belts?

Some students never make it through the lower grades. They enjoy the fun of taijiquan training but their martial commitment is low. They are happy to attend lessons and have a good night.
This is fine. Everyone is different and we want different things from our taijiquan practice. Wearing a pale belt for years looks bad. Wearing a black T-shirt looks fine.


Darker belts

Blue, purple and brown are for students willing to make the level of commitment associated with martial arts training.


Martial expectations

A student of judo may train 2-3 times a week in class. How many taijiquan people are prepared to do the same?  Every martial art requires dedication and commitment.
There are no shortcuts or exceptions. If you expect to use a martial art, be prepared to put in the time and effort. You want the fighting skills? Do the work.


Uniform

Students who have passed the white belt syllabus wear a black T-shirt without the belt. Students who have passed the green belt syllabus wear a kung fu suit.


Further reading

• Black belt
• Black T-shirt
• Kung fu suit

school database

Page created 18 April 1995
Last updated 10 March 2020

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