Shaolin Kung-Fu students earn Black Sash Ranking
Three students of the Shaolin Kung-Fu Kwoon were awarded their black sashes at an honorary ceremony Nov. 9 at the Jones Hall at Wesley Methodist Church, Georgetown. The ceremony was officiated by Chief Instructor SiBok Doug Davis, SiFu Ward Holland and SiFu Jonothan Cope.
Advanced students James Givens, Stephanie Hastings and Rick Rogers were presented with certificates of Black Sash Ranking and bestowed with the esteemed title of SiFu or Instructor.
The dedicated students rose through the ranks after several years of rigorous training, competition and teaching. More importantly they distinguished themselves through their character and leadership, and all demonstrated an exceptional ability to teach and bring out the best in other students. Their extensive martial arts resumé includes competency in Shaolin forms and exotic Chinese weaponry, and all are versed in the Shaolin fighting arts and self-defense theory and methods that include the Tiger, Praying Mantis, White Crane and Siamese Kung-Fu system. Several of them garnered multiple grand championships and first-place finishes in martial arts tournament competition in the tri-state area over the past few years.
Upon reaching Black Sash Ranking they are now permitted to teach an area of expertise. SiFu Givens’ specialty is Shaolin Chang Chuan forms and weapons (three-sectional staff and nine-ring broadsword); SiFu Hastings’ specialty is Shaolin forms and weapons (long staff and Chinese jian sword); and SiFu Rogers’ specialty is self-defense, fighting and weapons (Chinese spear and Chinese whip chain).
