Sash Program/Suggested Path of Study

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The world of taijiquan is vast and as students move through their study, it is helpful to have a suggested order of study.  We hope these steps will provide a comprehensive guide into the wider world of taiji and help students develop a well rounded taijiquan practice.  The system below lays out our suggestions of order of study.  However, studying any aspect of taijiquan in any order is beneficial.  This is merely our approach.

The official sash program is a way for a student to recognize their next steps, their increased commitment and study of the whole art of taijiquan.   Participation in the program is not required for advancement and all students will benefit by developing a complete knowledge of this internal art.  The sash provides students with a guide and recognition of advancement, as well as allowing students to look forward to the next phase. 

All students progress at their own pace and are encouraged to consult their teacher with questions and evaluations. Students who wish to participate in the sash program should reach out to their teacher to let them know. Once they enter the color system, students are expected to wear their color during each class, lesson, workshop, or school event.

The five steps in the system correspond to “the five phases of change,” or wuxing, in a sequence that symbolizes the process of creative transformation. The colors and their elements are: green (wood), red (fire), yellow (earth), silver (metal), and blue/black (water), the last represented in this system by purple.

Individuals progress through the colors at their own pace. When a student would like to request an “evaluation” for the next color, they should reach out to their teacher.

Evaluations are not private lessons, and may be quite short. The student will bring a red envelope containing money ($5 is suggested), and a symbolic gift, such as a stick of incense, tea, a piece of fruit, wild flowers, or an interesting stone. At the end of the session, the teacher will give the student an evaluation and suggestions for next steps and further study.

The teacher may also endorse the student’s advancement to the next color.  To complete the process of advancement, the student will have a raise in rank sash recognition during their main class and will receive a certificate at the next annual Chinese New Year celebration.

With diligent effort, students will develop a full understanding and embodiment of taijiquan. The colors are markers along a path of personal growth in the art, but they measure only the first few steps. While an accomplishment to be proud of, purple does not signify that one has completed study -- only that one has made a good start.

Please find a description of the sashes and requirements on this page.