Võ Phục
The QWAN KI DO practitioner's uniform is called a Võ Phục. Designed by Thày Chuong Môn Pham Xuan Tong, the Võ Phục reflects traditional Vietnamese dress (Áo Thày Ðồ). The Võ Phục is black in color. Indeed, the color black symbolizes that of our earth, referring to “material life”, and that of water or the color of the abyss with regard to our “spirit”. Our outfit thus reflects the whole principle of polarities: Âm and Dương or Yin and Yang.
The Võ Phục is composed of:
- A black jacket with long sleeves and a collar embellished with yellow piping. This piping runs along the top of the jacket, from the middle of the right-hand side to the bottom of the garment, curving to the right.
- Black pants.
- The official Qwan Ki Do emblem sewn onto the left side of the Võ Phục at heart level (the only official Qwan Ki Do crest, a symbol of the IQKDF recognized by the Master Founder).
- The club emblem, sewn onto the lower shoulder, on the right sleeve of the Võ Phục.
It is forbidden to wear inscriptions, insignia or advertising materials on the Võ Phục or Qwan Ki Do belts, other than those authorized by the IQKDF
Grades
In the past, the color belt system did not exist, and many traditional schools in Vietnam recognized only three levels. So Dang or Nhap Mon (Initiation), Trung Dang or Trung Mon (Middle level), Thuong Dang or Dai Mon (High level). Some schools used elements of the outfit, such as color or number of pockets, to indicate the level of the student.
cap
In Qwan Ki Do, the grading system is based on the traditional science of Ðại hoá lưu hành, derived from Phục Hy Bát Quái (Kinh Dịch), while having been slightly adapted to better harmonize with the Western mindset.
- A yellow bar for children under 7.
- A red bar for children aged 7 to 12.
- A blue bar for teenagers (aged 13 and over) and adults.
The time elapsed between each grade is a minimum of 9 to 10 months (about one sports season). Here's how the grades in this category work
Black belts
After these four years of regular practice, and the award of these four Cấp (Bars), the level assessment allows the practitioner to sit for the national Black Belt exam: the Trung Môn or intermediate level (minimum age is 18).
At least one year after passing the black belt exam, the practitioner is authorized to take the first Trung Môn exam (black belt with red border). The time elapsed between each grade is set by the technical regulations of the International Qwan Ki Do Federation.
Ðại Môn
Ðại Môn or High Level refers to grades from 6th Dang upwards.
testamentary successor belt
Su Vinh Maï Lan PHAM and Su Baò Xuân Tâm PHAM's testamentary successor belt is called Thừa Kế Dai and is made up of four colors: red, yellow, blue and white (from outside to inside).
Chưởng Môn Ðai
The Chưởng Môn Ðai belt, handed down from generation to generation, was bequeathed by Master Châu Quan Kỳ to Thày Chuong Môn PHAM Xuân Tong. It stands above the Qwan Ki Do grade system and guarantees the ethics and authenticity of the method. According to the principle of Ðại hoá lưu hành, it is associated with the “Quẻ Khôn” position and symbolizes eternal recommencement. The belt features four stripes, representing the four colors of traditional virtues.
- The blue stripe runs along the edge of the belt. The color blue represents goodness and willpower.
- The yellow stripe comes second. Yellow represents lucidity and clairvoyance.
- Red covers the entire belt. Red represents courage and fighting spirit.
- The white stripe is placed in the center of the belt. White is the synthesis of all colors and the symbol of Purity.
Oath of honor
Oath of honor, present since antiquity, are privileges associated with institutions such as military and university schools, recalling the rights and duties of proxies at important events.
In Qwan Ki Do, the black belt symbolizes the beginning of a level of martial arts knowledge, which must be used ethically to respect the fundamental principles of the discipline. From the moment of the black belt examination, the practitioner must take an oath to preserve the tradition and authenticity of the Qwan Ki Do method:
- I pledge never to use Qwan Ki Do for any illegitimate purpose.
- I pledge to respect the tradition, the 10 fundamental principles, the rules, the program, the leaders and the Founder of the method.
- I pledge to cultivate the notions of respect, value and recognition.
- I pledge to honor the spirit of chivalry, refusing the evil spirit of dissent or splittism.
- I pledge to forge willpower, self-confidence and honesty.
- In the event of non-compliance with any of these articles, I undertake to leave the method and renounce the title and rank conferred upon me.
Vocabulary of hierarchical naming
QWAN KI DO designations are mainly linked to the teacher's rank. Out of respect, it is customary to mention the title followed by the first name of the person concerned. For other practitioners, who are neither teachers nor in an official position, the term “Võ Sinh” is used to refer to all Qwan Ki Do practitioners, regardless of their rank level.
The Great Founder Master of the Method.
- « Sư Môn » Isabelle PHAM : ou Director of the Founder Office IQKDF
- « Sư Vinh » Maï Lan PHAM (« Vinh » :honor, propagate), a function of influence and development.
- « Sư Bảo » Xuân Tâm PHAM (« Bảo » : protection, preservation) a perservation or conservation function.
Instructor Trainee, minimum Black Belt
Instructor 1st Dang or 2nd Dang
Instructor 3rd Dang or 4th Dang
