Black Sash Ranking ~ August 16th 2025

Shifu Eliot and Shifu Cheyenne tie Jo Gao Yolanda’s black sash on.

Saturday August 16th, Jo Gao Yolanda “Pi” Stafford received her black sash. There are many reasons this is exciting; among them the fact that Pi is nearly 60 years old. Age is an attitude! Pi performed exceptionally well, exceeding the instructors’ expectations in every fact of the test.

Furthermore, Pi is an important part of the Metrowest Kung Fu community. She is something of a “mother hen”, taking newer students under her wing and guiding them. She is a frequent competitor. I rely on her regularly to run warm-ups and teach beginners.

Pi is supportive of her teacher and her school. She is (another) strong female role model in the school for other students, especially younger women.

I could not be more grateful to have Pi as my student and I was so proud to tie that sash around her waist, it was well-earned.

Irene Gruber receives her black sash certification from Shifu Gary as Shifu Cheyenne watches.

Further, a huge congratulations Irene Gruber, who received her black sash certification and the title of "Jo Gao" in Tai Chi.

Jo Gao Irene had already received her black sash in Tai Chi before we changed over to Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, after which, the charting requirements for black sash both in Kung Fu and Tai Chi were simplified a bit. Jo GaoIrene has more than earned her black sash in Tai Chi - she has been part of the school since well before Metrowest Kung Fu opened in 2016. She started as a parent in the school when her sons (6 years old at the time - now grown) trained Taekwondo under Master Bloch, then remained after I took over the school.

Jo Gao Irene is wonderfully supportive of the school, often doing very much in her quiet and unassuming way. She's an excellent Tai Chi player and the first person I ask to run class in my absence. Shifu Gary and I agreed completely that she has more than earned the title of Jo Gao, or "teacher's assistant."

Following the ranking ceremony, we had another great Combined Sparring class!

A big thank you to my elder martial sister Shifu Cheyenne and my teacher Shifu Gary for coming up from their school in Oxford (as well as Jo Gao Cameron and the other Oxford students) to support the event and also to join us in the sparring class. It was a really special day!

Pictures available on our SmugMug and Facebook pages.

~ Shifu