Earth lies beneath all things. This foundational level teaches the importance of receptivity, support and perseverance. Students learn to ground themselves through basic stances, kicks and strikes and are introduced to the philosophy of Chinese kungfu. The earth’s greatest virtue is patience: everything worth doing takes time to develop.
 
艮 Level 2: Mountain / Gen
 
Descending the mountain towards home, he encounters a sitting sage. The prince dismounts, falls to his knees, and touches his head to the dusty trail.
 
A mountain separates one plain from another. During the mountain level, students will develop and deepen their kungfu practice through the study of ancient forms and set movements. The mountain symbolizes the power of setting goals and the importance of moving and stilling at the right times.
 
璃 Level 3: Fire / Li
 
Our only way is with the light of what ignites within our minds, like a lantern floating on a night sea
 
Tend to a fire and it will burn brightly. Drawing on the powerful forces of focus and discipline, students at the fire level explore commitment to kungfu through regular practice – both with instructors and through self-study. When consistently stoked, an inner fire will help us work, heal and better ourselves.
 
震 Level 4: Thunder / Zhen
 
It is cloud clamor – skittering tongues rending the vaults of starless space. It is bombarment – splitting hearts, blasting minds, quaking heaven and earth
 
Thunder challenges us to adjust our view. Using traditional exercises passed down for generations, students at this level will explore how to “fa li” and correctly direct and release energy. Thunder reminds us that change begins from sudden initiative: a big transformation in our kungfu practice had a small beginning.