I am a member of the US Kung Fu Exchange, an organization started by my sigung, Raymond Fogg back in 1975 I believe. We have started a sort of national test if you will. Once a student in any of the 9 KFE schools around the US reach the black level (or equivilent) they have the option of taking this test. Its held only once a year and its for those who want to pursue possibly teaching in the future. Its more of an examination of your skill than a test, and its to show intent in training and increasing your skill. Basically for those who want to carry on the lineage of their sifu and teach at one time (at least under the KFE) this is a series of tests to get them ready. There are 6 jow ga levels. Jow Ga level 1,2,3,4,5,6. Each year you can take the next test if you like. Once you reach level 6 you have shown your dedication and (hopefully proven your skill) and can then take a sifu test and be "certified" under the exchange to teach in our lineage.
Tonight I will be taking this test. Since we are just starting it I will be taking Jow Ga level 1. Like I said, its more to show intent and prove your skill level than anything else. So there will be mainly fighting. We will start with one advanced empty hand set and one advanced weapon set. Then we will fight all the students who are taking the test, one at a time. I think only for about 5 minutes each, but I think there are 15 testing tonight. Then we will fight all the students who have allready taken this test. Again 5 minutes each, and there are about 15. Then we will fight all of the nine exchange sifus. We will fight the sifus for only 3 minuts each I believe and then they will critique us after each fight.
I'm looking forward to it, I'm sure it will be hard, but its going to be such a great learning experience to fight all these other people from other schools. There will be people from California, to New York here tonight. Fighting the sifus will be a great learning experience as well. Hopefully I'll live through it
We will start at 7pm. Wish me luck!
7sm
Tonight I will be taking this test. Since we are just starting it I will be taking Jow Ga level 1. Like I said, its more to show intent and prove your skill level than anything else. So there will be mainly fighting. We will start with one advanced empty hand set and one advanced weapon set. Then we will fight all the students who are taking the test, one at a time. I think only for about 5 minutes each, but I think there are 15 testing tonight. Then we will fight all the students who have allready taken this test. Again 5 minutes each, and there are about 15. Then we will fight all of the nine exchange sifus. We will fight the sifus for only 3 minuts each I believe and then they will critique us after each fight.
I'm looking forward to it, I'm sure it will be hard, but its going to be such a great learning experience to fight all these other people from other schools. There will be people from California, to New York here tonight. Fighting the sifus will be a great learning experience as well. Hopefully I'll live through it
We will start at 7pm. Wish me luck!7sm
How long has it been since this national testing started? Sounds like you're in the second group to go through? It's certainly an excellent program IMO. Let us know how it goes.
