Ranking System

Article I Purpose

This ranking system was developed specifically to improve the physique of the people, promote the development of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, raise the level of skill and theory within Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, and establish a standardized training system for Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan.

Article II Names of the Ranks

There are nine ranks that will be assigned according to a variety of factors. The length of time spent practicing Tai Chi Chuan, the level of attained skill and theory, achievements in research, the degree to which the moral code of martial arts is followed, and the contributions made to develop Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan are all considered. The ranks are as follows:

  • Beginner Ranks One, Two, Three
  • Intermediate Ranks Four, Five, Six
  • Advanced Ranks Seven, Eight, Nine

Article III Specifications for Each Rank

Practitioners of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan must be 8 years or older, achieve a score of at least 7 points in the entry level test on the first section of the form, and receive teaching in the moral code of martial arts in order to enter the ranking system.

  1. Beginner Ranks :
    1. 1st Rank (copper eagle): Individuals that have practiced Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least one year after entering the ranking system, achieved a score of at least 7.5 points in the test of Traditional Yang Style Hand Form, having achieved a score of at least 60 points in the 1st level theory test, and respect the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to the 1st rank.

    2. 2nd Rank (silver eagle): Individuals that have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least one year after attaining the 1st rank, achieved a score of at least 8 points in the test of Traditional Yang Style Hand Form, having achieved a score of at least 65 points in the 2nd level theory test, and respect the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to 2nd rank.

    3. 3rd Rank (gold eagle): Individuals that have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least one year after attaining the 2nd rank, achieved a score of at least 8 points each in the test on Traditional Yang Style Hand Form and the test of either the Sword or Saber Form, having achieved a score of at least 70 points in the 3rd level theory test, and respect the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to 3rd rank.
  2. Intermediate Ranks :
    1. 4th Rank (copper tiger): Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least two years after attaining the 3rd rank. Having achieved a combined score of at least 34.4 points in the tests on Traditional Yang Style Hand Form, the 49 Form, the Sword Form, and the Saber Form, having achieved a score of at least 75 points in the 4th level theory test, and emphasize the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to 4th rank.

    2. 5th Rank (silver tiger): Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least two years after attaining the 4th rank. Having achieved a combined score of at least 35.2 points in the tests on Traditional Yang Style Hand Form, the 49 Form, the Sword Form, and the Saber Form, having achieved a score of at least 80 points in the 5th level theory test, and emphasize the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to 5th rank.

    3. 6th Rank (gold tiger): Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least two years after attaining the 5th rank. Having achieved a combined score of at least 36 points in the tests on Traditional Yang Style Hand Form, the 49 Form, the Sword Form, and the Saber Form, having achieved a score of at least 85 points in the 6th level theory test, and emphasize the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to 6th rank.

  3. Advanced Ranks :
    1. 7th Rank (copper dragon): Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least six years after attaining the 6th rank. Individuals who have achieved a certain level of success in work, research and writing in martial arts theory, and have a high level of martial virtue may apply to advance to 7th rank.
    2. 8th Rank (silver dragon): Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least five years after attaining the 7th rank. Individuals who have achieved a certain level of success in work, research and writing in martial arts theory, have contributed significantly to the development of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan and have a high level of martial virtue may apply to advance to 8th rank.

    3. 9th Rank (gold dragon): After attaining 8th rank, individuals who have achieved a great level of success in work, research and writing in martial arts theory, have contributed greatly to the development of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, whose influence is large, and who have a high level of martial virtue may apply to advance to 9th rank.
    4. Famous people who contribute greatly towards the development of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan can be given an honorary high level ranking, by the discretion of the International Association.

Article IV Method of Testing, Scoring, and Requesting Advancement

  1. Those who respect the martial code, love martial arts, have a certain level of martial ability and understanding of theory may request a rank. Only ranking committees that have been given ranking rights by the International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association can organize ranking tests.
  2. Each Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Chuan Center will organize ranking tests once a year for its students to test for entry level, first, second, and third ranks. The successful applicant’s results will be sent to the International Association for assignment of rank.
  3. Continental Level Association Ranking Committees can hold ranking tests for the fourth, fifth, and sixth ranks when they see fit. The successful applicant’s results will be sent to the International Association for assignment of rank.
  4. The International Ranking Committee will, from time to time, organize adjudication for the assignment of the seventh, eighth, and ninth ranks. Successful applicants will be given the appropriate ranks.
  5. The method of testing will include competitions organized by the International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association and standardized ranking tests.

Article V Certification, Clothing, and Insignia

  1. Certification: The International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association will design and produce standardized certificates.
  2. Clothing: The International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association will design standardized clothing.
  3. Insignia: The International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association will design standardized insignia for the following ranks: 1) Beginning Ranks: 1st Rank (Copper Eagle) 2nd Rank (Silver Eagle) 3rd Rank (Gold Eagle) 2) Intermediate Ranks: 4th Rank (Copper Tiger) 5th Rank (Silver Tiger) 6th Rank (Gold Tiger) 7th Rank (Copper Dragon) 8th Rank (Silver Dragon) 9th Rank (Gold Dragon)

Article VI

Ranking Application Form