TEMPLE KUNG FU
CURRICULUM
The path of Temple Kung Fu is a structured journey of discipline and discovery. The color of the sash worn marks progress; each color represents a stage of transformation. From the purity of white to the fire of red, every sash embodies not only technical skill, but also growth of character, awareness, and spirit.
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The curriculum is divided into three primary stages: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced; each lasting approximately three years. Students begin with Wing Chun, developing efficiency, sensitivity, and foundation. They then progress to Hung Gar, forging strength, rootedness, and endurance. Finally, they advance into the Internal Arts and bridging styles, cultivating depth, adaptability, and spiritual refinement.
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Beyond these stages lies the Black Sash level, the stage of Sifu, where students are entrusted not only with their own training but also with the responsibility of guiding others. Black sash progression spans nine degrees, each identified by a distinctive fringe color, symbolizing continued growth and service to the Temple Kung Fu family.
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The journey culminates in Mastery (Sigung), represented by the red sash, and ultimately the title of Dashi, the Head Master, whose red sash bears a white fringe, a symbol of humility in preserving and transmitting the art.
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Temple Kung Fu is not simply a system of combat. It is a lifelong path; one that refines body, mind, and spirit into harmony, discipline, and strength. The sash progression serves as both a guide and a reminder: mastery is not reached in a single moment, but through dedication, humility, and service to others.
BEGINNER LEVEL
White, Yellow, and Orange Sash (Years 1-3: approx. 234 hrs)​
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The beginner stage of Temple Kung Fu focuses on Wing Chun, a Southern Chinese art renowned for its efficiency and directness. Here, students learn to move with simplicity and clarity, developing sensitivity, timing, and awareness. Training emphasizes economy of motion, close-range self-defense, and the cultivation of calm focus under pressure.
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Wing Chun serves as the perfect foundation because it teaches the student to rely on structure and principle rather than brute strength. Through its forms, drills, and partner exercises, beginners gain coordination, balance, and confidence while awakening the discipline needed to progress further on the path.
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The White Sash represents purity and openness: the "empty cup," ready to be filled. At this stage, students establish the habits and mindset that will carry them throughout their martial journey.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Purple, Green, and Blue Sash (Years 4-6: ~ 500 hours)​​
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The Intermediate Stage of Temple Kung Fu is devoted to Hung Gar, one of the great Southern Shaolin systems, famed for its deep stances, powerful hand techniques, and disciplined breathwork. Where the Beginner stage of Wing Chun teaches economy, balance, and sensitivity, Hung Gar strengthens the body and roots the spirit, forging a foundation of endurance and inner stability.
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Training at this level emphasizes hard work and persistence. Students are introduced to the classical forms of Hung Gar, including the Tiger-Crane set, which embodies the dual forces of ferocity and grace. The Tiger instills courage, strength, and directness, while the Crane awakens poise, precision, and inner composure. Together, these qualities teach the student how to generate tremendous power while maintaining balance and restraint.
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The sash colors of this stage mark the path of transformation. Purple reflects dignity and disciplined effort, Green symbolizes growth and vitality, and Blue signifies depth, fluidity, and endurance. By the end of the three-year cycle, the student has tempered their foundation, developing both physical resilience and the inner discipline required to move toward the higher studies of the Internal Arts.
ADVANCED LEVEL
3rd Brown-1st Brown Sash (Years 7-9: ~ 700 hours)​
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The Advanced Stage of Temple Kung Fu shifts from external strength to inner refinement, focusing on the Internal Arts of Tai Chi, Hsing I, and Baguazhang. Where Wing Chun trains efficiency and Hung Gar builds strength, the Internal Arts cultivate energy, adaptability, and the integration of body, mind, and spirit.
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Students at this level learn to move with fluid grace, discovering how softness overcomes hardness and how stillness generates power. Tai Chi teaches balance, relaxation, and the unbroken flow of energy. Hsing I develops directness, explosive force, and the unity of intent and action. Baguazhang embodies circularity, adaptability, and the art of change. Practiced together, these disciplines transform the martial artist into one who is resilient, centered, and complete.
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The Brown Sash with its progressing fringe colors (light brown, dark brown, and black) represents maturity, depth, and transition toward mastery. It is at this stage that technique becomes expression, and martial practice becomes inseparable from spiritual presence. Through the Internal Arts, the student not only refines movement but also embodies clarity, resilience, and the silent strength that comes from within.
BLACK SASH AND BEYOND - A LIFELONG JOURNEY
Reaching the Black Sash marks a profound transition in the Temple Kung Fu journey. At this stage, a student is no longer focused solely on their own development but is entrusted with helping others along the path. Every black sash is considered a Sifu—a teacher—not in title alone, but in responsibility. This role requires humility, patience, and service, as guiding younger students becomes as central to one's training as refining one's own skills.
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The Black Sash progression is divided into nine levels, each signified by the color of its fringe:
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1st Degree - White Fringe: Purity of intention and clarity in teaching fundamentals.
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2nd Degree - Yellow Fringe: Growth in wisdom and insight, illuminating the path for others.
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3rd Degree - Orange Fringe: Vitality and energy, inspiring dedication in students.
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4th Degree - Purple Fringe: Discipline and dignity, refining leadership through balance.
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5th Degree - Green Fringe: Renewal and vitality, guiding others with patience and resilience.
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6th Degree - Blue Fringe: Depth and adaptability, embodying calmness and clarity.
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7th Degree - Light Brown Fringe: Maturity of understanding, bridging strength and wisdom.
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8th Degree - Dark Brown Fringe: Depth of experience, leading with steady humility.
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9th Degree - Black Fringe: The culmination of the Sifu path, where teaching and practice are one.
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Beyond the nine degrees lies the stage of Mastery. The 10th degree Black Sash becomes the Red Sash of a Sigung (Master), representing transmission of tradition, vitality, and spiritual depth. Above even this stands the Dashi, the Head Master of Temple Kung Fu, whose Red Sas bears a White Fringe, symbolizing authority carried with humility, and the responsibility to preserve and pass on the living flame of the art.
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To wear the black sash is to carry the dual path of student and teacher. To wear the red sash is to embody the art itself. Mastery in Temple Kung Fu is not a destination, but a lifetime of refinement and a union of strength, compassion, clarity, and service to others.