Where online can I learn about the different Dans of Kung Fu?

Question

You probably know that the art of Kung Fu has upto 8 Dans (special 9th Dan aswell), each which teach something different, new and above the level of the previous Dan. So anyone know where I can find information on whats contained in these Dans?

Answer 1

Although the previous post is correct in the origins of the Dan system.  There appears to be a new system starting in China in regards to ranking that uses "dans" or grades and is related to the modern "Wushu" performing  art mostly.  

In general most traditional Kung Fu styles do not use a ranking system of any kind.  No belts, sashes, tests, or any of that.  The teacher and everyone else in class pretty much knows who knows what and what skills everyone has from their regular practice together.  These would especially include the practice of the two person combat forms.  

In general the only rank that matters is Sifu and senior student.  Beyond that everyone is ranked like a family mostly but not exclusively based on when they joined.  If you joined earlier you are the older brother, if you joined later you are a younger brother etc.

Answer 2

kung fu (chinese martial arts) do not have ranks. there are no "dans"

as was said in another post...that is a japanese/okinawan thing. actually it originated in japan with jigoro kano. before he created judo...there was no "kyu/dan" ranking system. but a menkyo system...hard to explain.

a kyu "Q" ...is a pre-black belt level rank or grade. most systems start at 10th kyu (kup in korean), 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1st kyu...then shodan (the first "dan" grade) ...shodan is 1st dan, then nidan 2nd dan, sandan 3rd dan, etc etc...all the way up to 10th dan. but the really high dan ranks...7-10th dan...usually do not have new material to learn as much as how good you are, how well you understand and teach, how well your students to, how much you help spread the art and help the organization...things like that. and usually you are very old by the time you get there. if you see someone under 50 or 60 who says hes a 10th dan...leave.

after shodan (1st degree black belt) you have to study 2 years to reach 2nd dan, 3 more years for 3rd dan, 4 more years for 4th dan...etc etc. so it isnt something that is just handed out (normally)

kyu=pre black belt..often called underbelts

dan=black belt grades.

again this started in japan around 1890 or so. jigoro kano modified jujutsu and created judo...and along with it he adopted the use of the "gi" (uniform, which was originally basicaly underwear lol) ....and the kyu/dan ranking system. originally the structure had only 4 kyu, and 10 dan ranks.

so the prestigeous 'black belt' is not a symbol of mastery or an 'expert' level....nope..generally it means you are about half way. you have the basics down..and can now begin your real training.

Answer 3

"Kung Fu" is a very vague term!

Answer 4

Kung Fu does not use DANS!  That is Japanese and Okinawan and it indicates your Black Belt Rank status, 1st Dan is 1st degree, 2nd Dan Nidan is Second Degree and up.

Answer 5

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