August 10, 2019 • San Francisco, USA
Shaolin Temple USA held its first Black Belt Graduation Examination and Ceremony today at its San Francisco headquarters since its founding in 2007. California State Assemblymember and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting sent congratulations and Certificates of Recognition to Shaolin Temple USA and the graduates.
Four black belt students — Garlen Chan, Lawrence Nguyen, Kaitlyn Tran and Jason Luo from Shaolin Temple USA Culture Centers in San Francisco and Fremont, California, who have completed Shaolin Temple USA's 18-level Shaolin Kung Fu curriculum took their final examination this afternoon in form performance.
They have recently passed the final written examination and submitted testimonials on theme “My Shaolin Journey” required for graduation. Passing the form performance examination completes the graduation review and qualify them for the rank of “Black Belt 1st Duan (1st degree) in Shaolin Kung Fu.
The written examination syllabus encompasses the origin and history Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Kung Fu; the essence of Shaolin Kung Fu Chan culture; the formation and scientific basis of Shaolin Kung Fu; the principles, unique characteristics and essentials of the Shaolin fist system and traditional weapons.
The form performance examination required each examinee to perform 6 sets, one from each of the following categories: Shaolin fist, short weapon, long weapon, soft weapon, double weapons and large weapon. The scoring criteria included integrity of the form, fluency, mastery of form/weapon-specific techniques, and overall performance involving footwork, stances, the hands, eyes, body movement and spirit.
The Examiners Panel comprised Chief Examiner Master Yanran, Executive Director of Shaolin Temple USA, and Examiners Shifus Hengxiu, Hengyuan, Hengwu, Hengzhen and Hengti.
Shaolin Temple USA students of different ages and training levels also attended today’s events to witness this important milestone for the graduates and Shaolin Temple USA.
The examinees all passed the examination and received their Belt Rank Certificates for Shaolin Kung Fu Black Belt 1st Duan and their new black belts at the ensuing graduation ceremony.
Ms. Jade Wu, representing California Assemblymember and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting, presented Certificates of Recognition to the graduates and all the Shifus.
• Form Performance Examination •
The Examiners Panel:
Chief Examine Master Yanran, Executive Director of Shaolin Temple USA, and Examiners Shifus Hengxiu, Hengyuan, Hengwu, Hengzhen and Hengti.
• Belt Rank Award Ceremony •
Master Yanran putting the new black belts on the graduates.
Master Yanran presenting the “Belt Rank Award Certificate for Shaolin Kung Fu Black Belt 1st Duan” to the graduates.
Shaolin Temple USA’s Belt Rank Award Certificate for
“Shaolin Kung Fu Black Belt 1st Duan”
Ms. Jade Wu, representing California Assemblymember and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting, presented Certificates of Recognition to the graduates.
Master Yanran bid the students to spread the positive energy of Shaolin Spirit to everyone around them, as depicted in Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra:
"Like a lamp that ignites a hundred thousand lamps, illuminating all darkness with an illumination that is never exhausted."
• Master Yanran’s Remarks •
“Distinguished guests, coaches and students,
Good afternoon. It is my greatest pleasure to host Shaolin Temple USA's first ever Shaolin Kung Fu Black Belt graduation examination and ceremony since its founding. I am most gratified to offer each student taking the examination today my sincere congratulations on their achievements, and acknowledge their efforts and good results. And to our Shifus, a big shout out for their selfless dedication and contributions. I must also thank the parents for their devoted support.
The examinees — four black belt students from our Shaolin Culture Centers—Garlen Chan, Kaitlyn Tran, Jason Luo and Lawrence Nguyen, recently completed Shaolin Temple USA's 18-level Shaolin Kung Fu Program. They have passed the written examination and published essays on the theme “My Shaolin Journey.”
They started Shaolin Kung Fu training at a young age. They have since learned over 20 Shaolin fist and traditional weapon forms, practiced sparring and Shaolin Sanshou. As school team members, they represented Shaolin Temple USA showcasing Shaolin Kung Fu in many cultural and community events. They have also won countless awards at various martial arts tournaments. Nourished in Shaolin culture, they thrived and blossomed into accomplished young men and woman of good character, with outstanding academic achievements as well as a healthy body and mind. In the process of Kung Fu training, they have attained the virtues of hard work, concentration, conscientiousness, humility, inclusiveness and self-confidence.
Reminescing about year 2007 when I came to the United States to promote traditional Shaolin culture, and founded Shaolin Temple USA with the mission to share the Chinese traditional virtues and the benefits of Shaolin Kung Fu with the American people, the students’ achievements we witnessed today confirm that we have taken a big step forward and reached a milestone on a worthy journey. I firmly believe that by upholding our initial resolve, collaborative spirit, fortitude and quest for excellence, we will continue to nurture more outstanding students like them. Their Shaolin vitality, energy and spirit will carry them through their future work and daily life, and spill out to everyone around them, as depicted in Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra, "Like a lamp that ignites a hundred thousand lamps, illuminating all darkness with an illumination that is never exhausted."
Lastly, I wish all the graduates an auspicious future and a successful career. Amituofo!”
• The Graduates Remarks •
The exuberant new graduates shared their personal Shaolin experience and thanked the Shifus for their caring guidance. The lively accounts brought laughter and cheers from everyone.
Jason Luo
"Kung Fu has been a big part of my life, two-third of it and going…” — Jason Luo, 15, soon to be high school junior, started learning Shaolin Kung Fu when he was 5 years old. Academically, he aspires to study neuroscience in medical school.
Garlen Chan
"I cried a lot when I first started, but Kung Fu grows with you. You just keep getting better with yourself and with Kung Fu."— Garlen Chan, who graduated from the prestigious Lowell High School this summer, has trained in Shaolin Kung Fu for over 9 years. He will be attending the University of California in Davis majoring in mechanical engineering this fall.
Kaitlyn Tran
"Day 1, I really disliked Kung Fu, but after practicing it for a few weeks, I grew to love it. It has become a passion of my life."— Kaitlyn Tran who just turned 18 was a fencing champion before taking on Shaolin Kung Fu. She will be attending the University of San Francisco majoring in kinesiology on an academic scholarship. Her goal is to specialize in sports medicine in medical school.
Lawrence Nguyen
"I don't know what I would have done without Shaolin and your support in the past 7 years, all the caring,… it definitely helped me grow,"— Lawrence Nguyen, who received a 4-year full scholarship to study pre-dentistry at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Speaking in English, the Shifus offered their encouragements and best wishes to the graduates in their future endeavors with the same energy and spirit.
Jason and Kaitlyn who are staying in the San Francisco Bay Area will continue their Kung Fu training at Shaolin Temple USA.
At the Shifu Appreciation dinner, the graduates thank their Shifus for the selfless dedication, support and guidance in their Shaolin Kung Fu training, and accepted best wishes from everyone for a bright future.
Report: Taian
Photography: Jun Liu, Alan Cao, David Tran、Richard Chin，Christine Tran)
• More Photos •
Black Belt Written Examination:
Jason Luo, Garlen Chan, Kaitlyn Tran took the examination administered by Shifu Hengxiu on 8/3/2019 at the San Francisco Center.
Lawrence Nguyen took the examination administered by Shifu Hengyuan on 7/31 at the Fremont Center.
Warming up for the examination.
• Belt Rank Award Ceremony •
• The Shifus’ Remarks •
Speaking in English, the Shifus offered their encouragements and best wishes to the graduates in future endeavors with the same energy and spirit.
Shifu Hengwu
Shifu Hengyuan
Shifu Hengxiu
Shifu Hengzhen
Shifu Hengti
Ms. Jade Wu, representing California Assemblymember and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting, presented Certificates of Recognition to the Shifus.
A happy group photo
• Videos •
