The road to earning a Black Belt can seem very long and hard. Recognition of the little steps on that path is an important motivating factor for maintaining the discipline of training.

When a Little Leopard, Tiny Tiger, Young Dragon or Roaring Lion displays Black Belt Excellence or effort in an aspect of their life that warrants recognition, Silent River Kung Fu may award them a Chih Star. Their noteworthy accomplishment may be a full grade improvement in school or maybe just a huge improvement in their horse stance in kung fu class. Nevertheless, with Chih Stars and good communication with the instructors, parents have a wonderful tool to reinforce desired behavior in their children.