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Here are the students who have reached the highest levels of training in Shaolin-Do in Texas. The current total for students at this level is: Texas Black BeltsOver 400 Strong
1st Black (2 years)
2nd Black (4 years)
3rd Black (7 years)
4th black (11 years) (Texas has 9 of these students)
5th black (16 years) (Texas has 4 of these)
6th black (22 years) (Texas has one of these)
7th black (29 years)
Texas Black Belts have been training for a minimum of 2 years for first degree black belt and up to (for Texas) a minimum of 24 years for Master Joe Schaefer's sixth degree. Texas Black Belts classes are divided into diamond levels to handle both the size of the classes and the size of the forms performed at these levels. The black belt forms can take up an entire room! The larger percentage of Texas Black Belts don't quit with that level, but stay on (and are still there today) earning additional diamonds on their belt. They are not on contract so this is a great testament to the richness and value of the Austin Kung Fu school and the teachers there as well as the material and Grandmaster Sin Kwang The'. After 20 years in Texas, Master Joe Schaefer just welcomed the advancement of three of his longest "standing" students into Master level Texas Black Belts, bringing the 5th degree count to four. There are many fourth, third and second degrees in the "pipeline" though in the coming years!
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