Energy Lake Kung Fu Training Certificates
Terry Hodgkinson is the published author of the book Memoirs of a Wandering Ninja – Walking the Path of Enlightenment. He’s been teaching martial arts and meditation for over 40 years and has owned and operated professional schools for 30 years. Sifu also owns Positive Changes Coaching and Hypnotherapy Centre in Toronto for 25 years and is the co-founder of Beyond Kung Fu Studios and founder of Chung Fu Martial Arts & Meditation School.
Hodgkinson is a corporate trainer and is often called on to be a keynote speaker and an expert for TV programs. While living in Toronto, Canada Terry took many sabbaticals to the Far East where he developed an in-depth understanding of East-West training and philosophy.
Terry leads group and personal instruction in Toronto, Ontario as well as international training retreats.
All certificates were formally signed and authenticated by
Master Brian Kevin Leishman.
Recognition of Service and Dedication
This first certificate represents a special recognition awarded by Energy Lake Kung Fu Studios Canada Inc. in acknowledgement of dedicated service, long-term commitment, and devotion to the art and organization.
To my knowledge, this was the only certificate of its kind formally presented during that period. While meaningful, the true value of the recognition was never the certificate itself, but what it reflected: years of disciplined training, perseverance, instruction, and sincere commitment to the path of martial arts.
Starting Certificates
These certificates represent the beginning of my martial arts journey as a young student at Energy Lake Kung Fu, beginning formal training at the age of 14, prior to entering the Instructor Training Program.
The green certificate overlaps this period due to the structure of the ranking system at that time. What is most important, however, is the time and dedication behind each achievement.
My Yellow Belt was earned on October 10th, 1981. It took more than a year of training to achieve that rank, including two unsuccessful testings before passing on my third attempt. While I was never the fastest student progressing through the ranks, I learned early the value of perseverance, patience, and commitment.
Orange Belt followed on August 5th, 1982, nearly another year later. Green Rank, encompassing all three levels, was ultimately achieved on December 18th, 1986 — more than four years after attaining Orange Belt.
The purpose of sharing these early certificates is not to emphasize rank alone, but to demonstrate the importance of training for the right reasons: the pursuit of growth, refinement of skill, discipline of character, and continual study of the art and its philosophy.
Specialty Skill Certificates
These certificates recognize specialized areas of martial arts study and instruction. They represent formal training and certification in disciplines developed for private instruction, group classes, seminars, workshops, and public demonstrations.
- Instructor’s Art of Form — the refinement of structure, precision, balance, and biomechanical efficiency within martial movement.
- Instructor’s Art of Breaking — the disciplined application of focus, timing, accuracy, and power in board and stone breaking demonstrations.
- Instructor’s Self-Defence Level One — foundational self-defence principles, awareness, and applied defensive techniques.
- Instructor’s Self-Defence Level Two — advanced self-defence theory, tactical application, and higher-level technical development.
- Instructor’s Art of Meditation — early formal training in breath awareness and meditative practice, which I would later come to understand more deeply through the contemplative traditions of Samatha and mindfulness training.
Yellow Belt to Black
Stage One
These certificates represent the successful completion of each rank from Yellow Belt through Black Belt at Stage One level.
Within the Energy Lake System, Stage One signifies the development of a strong foundational practitioner — a student who has progressed beyond novice understanding and established the technical, mental, and philosophical base necessary for deeper study.
This stage marks the beginning of serious martial arts development and prepares the student for the more demanding levels of discipline, refinement, and mastery that follow.
All certificates are dated October 1st, 1991, reflecting the final testing and formal recognition date for the successful completion of all Three Stages.
Ranks achieved:
- Yellow Belt
- Orange Belt
- Green Level One Belt
- Green Level Two Belt
- Green Level Three Belt
- Blue Level One Belt
- Blue Level Two Belt
- Blue Level Three Belt
- Brown Level One Belt
- Brown Level Two Belt
- Brown Level Three Belt
- Black Belt
Yellow Belt to Black
Stage Two
These certificates represent advancement through Stage Two within the Energy Lake Kung Fu Ranking System.
At this level, the practitioner is expected to demonstrate not only technical proficiency, but also greater consistency, discipline, understanding, and application of the art.
Stage Two reflects the transition from foundational practitioner toward the qualities traditionally associated with a dedicated disciple — one who has cultivated deeper practical knowledge through sustained training and experience.
Each level required continued testing, refinement, and demonstration of skill at a progressively higher standard of execution and understanding.
All certificates are dated October 1st, 1991, reflecting the final testing and formal recognition date for the successful completion of all Three Stages.
Yellow Belt to Black
Stage Three
These certificates represent the completion of Stage Three — the highest level within the Energy Lake Kung Fu ranking system, reflecting advanced mastery, disciplined practice, and comprehensive understanding of the art.
At this stage, the practitioner is expected to demonstrate advanced technical precision, comprehensive understanding, disciplined character, and the ability to apply the principles of the art at the highest level of performance and refinement.
Stage Three reflects years of sustained practice, testing, and personal development. It represents not only physical skill, but the cultivation of focus, resilience, humility, and deeper understanding of the philosophy underlying the martial path.
All certificates are dated October 1st, 1991, reflecting the final testing and formal recognition date for the successful completion of all Three Stages.
Other Links
See Terry Hodgkinson Sifu’s other certificates
See Terry Hodgkinson Sifu’s Kempo/Kenpo lineage