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Ranking System

The International Association is in the process of implementing a ranking system for Tai Chi as begun in China in 1998. Below is the general document describing the ranking system. Subsequent materials will be posted in the newsletter and on this website later this year.

1. Purpose
2. Names of the Ranks
3. Specifications for Each Rank
4. Method of Testing, Scoring, and Requesting Advancement
5. Certification, Clothing, and Insignia
6. Ranking Application Form (pdf format)

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. 1^st 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 1^st rank.

   2. 2^nd 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 2^nd rank.

   3. 3^rd 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 3^rd rank.

2. Intermediate Ranks :
   1. 4^th Rank (copper tiger):

      Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least two years after attaining the 3^rd 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 4^th level theory test, and emphasize the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to 4^th rank.

   2. 5^th Rank (silver tiger):

      Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least two years after attaining the 4^th 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 5^th level theory test, and emphasize the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to 5^th rank.

   3. 6^th Rank (gold tiger):

      Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least two years after attaining the 5^th 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 6^th level theory test, and emphasize the moral code of martial arts may apply to advance to 6^th rank.

3. Advanced Ranks :
   1. 7^th Rank (copper dragon):

      Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least six years after attaining the 6^th 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 7^th rank.

   2. 8^th Rank (silver dragon):

      Individuals will have practiced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for at least five years after attaining the 7^th 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 8^th rank.

   3. 9^th Rank (gold dragon):

      After attaining 8^th 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 9^th 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: 4^th Rank (Copper Tiger) 5^th Rank (Silver Tiger) 6^th Rank (Gold Tiger) 7^th Rank (Copper Dragon) 8^th Rank (Silver Dragon) 9^th Rank (Gold Dragon)

Article VI

Ranking Application Form

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