Ranks & Levels
Ranking System of the AWCA
Introduction
The AWCA follows the basic grading structure taught to us via Master Leung Ting’s Wing Tsun system. Note that while we are no longer officially a part of Master Leung’s organization, we continue to honor him by only passing on what was taught to us. Although the Wing Tsun curriculum of today is a bit different than what we were taught in the late 1980′s, we pass on what we learned and in the manner we learned it.
I believe the ranking system is an excellent pattern to continue following since it provides a logical, progressive manner in which to train. Additionally, any student can train with another student, and solely from their level they can know quickly where to pick up with their individual lessons.
Levels of Progression
Wing Chun follows a progressive step-by-step progression through unarmed and armed combat. The focus is always viewed from a worst-case scenario in order to glean the most efficient of skill sets.
Some lineages have altered this logical progression by introducing elements out of order, but the AWCA continues to train and teach in the manner that it was taught to us.
1. Siu-Nim-Tau
2. Chum-Kiu
3. Chi-sau/Lap-sau
4. Chi-gerk
5. Lat-sau
6. Biu-Tze
7. Biu-Tze Chi-sau
8. Muk-Yan-Chong
9. Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun
10. Bart-Cham-Dao
Ranks & Levels of the Arizona Wing Chun Association
Students
There are twelve (12) student grades in the AWCA training curriculum, with each level denoting the completion of a form’s section or obtaining a skill set in a particular area.
For example, Student Grade 1 covers section 1 of the Siu-Nim-Tau, Student Grade 2 covers section 2 of the Siu-Nim-Tau, and so forth, up to and including Student Grade 12.
Each rank level takes approximately 3 months of training to complete if training twice weekly for a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Naturally, everyone has more or less time, depending on their particular schedules of life, work, etc. I have seen some students reach Instructor level in as little as 18 months, while others have been so busy with life and work that even after 6 or 7 years, they are only half way through the student curriculum.
Time is not a factor in Wing Chun. What is a factor is that everyone loves training and being a part of such an efficient method of protection.
The uniform for all Student levels consists of the white AWCA training tshirt and black kung fu pants (alternative: black shorts).
Student Grade Highlights
Student Grade 1
Siu-Nim-Tau section 1
All applications associated with Siu-Nim-Tau section 1 movements
Stance training via Yee-chi-kim-yeung-ma
Yat-chi-chung-kuen and Wing Chun punching
Tan-sau/Fook-sau/Gaun-sau/Pak-sau/Kuen-siu-Kuen
Pak-sau drill
Pak-sau timing drill
Lead-arm defense drill
Rear-arm defense drill
Turning and maintaining balance via Chuen-ma to Juk-sun-ma
Advancing, withdrawing and side-stepping via Juen-bo, Hau-bo and Wang-bo
Wall bag training
Student Grade 2
Siu-Nim-Tau section 2
All applications associated with Siu-Nim-Tau section 2 movements
Anti-grappling, trapping and pinning
Barring an opponent via Lan-sau
Side defense via Fak-sau
Long-range defense via Cheong-kiu Gum-sau
Lead-arm defense drill with stepping
Rear-arm defense drill with stepping
Refinement of Chuen-ma/Juk-sun-ma
Chi-dan-sau
Lap-sau drill
Free-form stepping to refine footwork
Wall bag training
Student Grade 3
Siu-Nim-Tau section 3
All applications associated with Siu-Nim-Tau section 3 movements
Pak-sau vs. fast, powerful punches
Kick defenses via Gwat-sau and Lau-sau
Bong-sau and redirecting force
Chi-dan-sau with steps
Chi-dan-sau with basic attacks & defenses
Poon-sau/Luk-sau
Continuing Lap-sau drill
Refinement of Lead-arm defense drill
Refinement of Rear-arm defense drill
Huen-bo sweeps
Multi-directional stepping with simultaneous punches
Jeet-gerk
Introduction to Chi-gerk
Bong-gerk
Tan-Jup-gerk
Advancement to Study Group Leader (for Distance Learning Program only)
Student Grade 4
Chum-Kiu section 1
All applications associated with Chum-Kiu section 1 movements
Chuen-kiu and piercing an opponent’s structure
Elbow attacks via Pie-jarn
Pak-sau vs. Yan-cheung
Pak-sau Training/Yan-cheung pinning
Multi-directional stepping with all known movements
“Following drills” to improve direction awareness and endurance
Refinement of Jeet-gerk, applying it all upper body actions
Introduction to ground fighting
Chi-sau section 1 attack
Chi-sau section 1 defense
Lap-sau section 1 attack
Lap-sau section 1 defense
Student Grade 5
Chum-Kiu section 2
All applications associated with Chum-Kiu section 2 movements
Engaging multiple opponents simultaneously
Side kicks via Wang-chang-gerk
Wing Chun’s second punching method, Chau-chong-kuen
Kick defenses via Sheung-har Gaun-sau
Pulling an opponent off balance
Ground fighting basics
Chi-sau section 2 attack
Chi-sau section 2 defense
Lap-sau section 2 attack
Lap-sau section 2 defense
Student Grade 6
Chum-Kiu section 3
All applications with Chum-Kiu section 3 movements
Front kicking via Ching-sun-gerk
Kicking directly behind you via Che-chang-gerk
Wang-dap-bo-dai-Bong-sau vs. roundhouse kicks
Defense against overhead attacks
Pinning via Gum-sau
Continuing ground fighting
Introduction to stick and knife defenses
Takedowns 1 & 2
Takedown defenses for 1 & 2
Chi-sau section 3 attack
Chi-sau section 3 defense
Lap-sau section 3 attack
Lap-sau section 3 defense
Student Grade 7
Refinement of Siu-Nim-Tau form
Refinement of all Siu-Nim-Tau drills & applications
Refinement of Chum-Kiu form
Refinement of all Chum-Kiu drills & applications
Takedowns 3-11
Takedown defenses for 3-11
Chain-kicking via Lin-wan-gerk
Refinement of weapons defenses
Refinement of Chi-sau sections 1-3
Refinement of Lap-sau sections 1-3
Introduction to Escrima and Escrima basics
Semi full-contact sparring
Kick sparring
Introduction to Lat-sau
Student Grades 8-11 encompass the Apprentice Instructor ranks, while Student Grade 12 is considered an Assistant Instructor. This level of student is preparing for Instructor Level 1 so a great deal of time is spent in both their personal training and leading classes in order to give them the experience necessary for running their own schools.
Student Grade 8 (Apprentice Instructor)
Begin Apprentice Instructor Program. Lead one class per month w/ supervision
Wun-sau
Kuo-sau attack #1 and defense
Kuo-sau attack #2 and defense
Kuo-sau attack #3 and defense
Kuo-sau attack #4 and defense
Continue empty-hand weapons defenses
Continue Escrima basics, including footwork
Endurance training for fighting
Ground fighting #1 and defense
Ground fighting #2 and defense
Ground fighting #3 and defense
Ground fighting #4 and defense
Refine Chi-sau sections 1-3
Refine Lap-sau sections 1-3
Chi-sau section 4 attack
Chi-sau section 4 defense
Lap-sau section 4 attack
Lap-sau section 4 defense
Continue Lat-sau
Student Grade 9 (Apprentice Instructor)
Continue Apprentice Instructor Program. Lead one class per month w/ supervision
Gwat-dar from Pak-sau drill
Diagonal positioning at Lap-sau/Pak-sau/Har-lo-cheung
Continue ground fighting and all sectional attacks/defenses
Defense against high kicks
Defense against hook punches
Defense against uppercuts
Defense against wrestling shoots and holds
Refine all Chi-gerk applications
Refine Chi-sau sections 1-4
Refine Lap-sau sections 1-4
Chi-sau section 5 attack
Chi-sau section 5 defense
Lap-sau section 5 attack
Lap-sau section 5 defense
Combining Nuk-sau, Kuo-sau and Lap-sau
Semi full-contact sparring
Ground fighting, full gear, from the bottom position
Student Grade 10 (Apprentice Instructor)
Continue Apprentice Instructor Program. Lead one class per month w/ supervision
Biu-Tze section 1
All applications associated with Biu-Tze section 1 movements
Defense against western boxing combinations
Defense against low-to-upper translational attacks
Refine Chi-sau sections 1-5
Refine Lap-sau sections 1-5
Chi-sau section 6 attack
Chi-sau section 6 defense
Lap-sau section 6 attack
Lap-sau section 6 defense
Continue all ground fighting applications and sparring
Continue semi full-contact sparring with full equipment
Biu-Tze Chi-sau: Kup-jarn rolling
Student Grade 11 (Apprentice Instructor)
Continue Apprentice Instructor Program. Lead two classes per month
Biu-Tze section 2
All applications associated with Biu-Tze section 2 movements
Refine Biu-Tze section 1 form
Refine all applications from Biu-Tze section 1
Refine Kup-jarn rolling
Biu-Tze Chi-sau section 1 attack
Biu-Tze Chi-sau section 1 defense
Refine Chi-sau sections 1-6
Refine Lap-sau sections 1-6
Student Grade 12 (Assistant Instructor)
Assistant Intructor Program. Lead two classes per month
Biu-Tze section 3
All applications associated with Biu-Tze section 3 movements
Refine Biu-Tze sections 1 & 2 forms training
Refine all applications from Biu-Tze sections 1 & 2
Refine Chi-sau sections 1-6
Refine Lap-sau section 1-6
Chi-sau section 7 attack
Chi-sau section 7 defense
Refinement of Biu-Tze Chi-sau section 1
Biu-Tze Chi-sau section 2 attack
Biu-Tze Chi-sau section 2 defense
Biu-Tze Chi-sau section 3 attack
Biu-Tze Chi-sau section 3 defense
Prepare for advancement to Instructor Level 1
Instructors
There are six instructor levels at the AWCA, with the first four being the completion of the system itself. And as with the student grades, each Instructor level indicates a particular skill set.
The uniform for Instructor Levels 1-4 consist of the black AWCA training tshirt and black kung fu pants/shorts. As the levels progress, the striping and rank patches change as noted with each rank.
The AWCA’s only requirement for reaching Instructor level is that they complete the curriculum requirements. That sounds like a no-brainer but some systems/schools have additional requirements for their Instructors that promote the main school itself vs focusing on their members.
For example, some of these requirements include that:
- The Instructor must be a minimum age level.
- The Instructor must remain at a specific level for a given period of time before being allowed to progress. It does not matter if they have mastered their level; they cannot progress without remaining at a given level for a specific length.
- The Instructor must train at least one student from the beginning level up to a specific level, such as completion of the Biu-Tze.
Some schools have even gone so far to state that for an Instructor to continue progressing, they must actually have a certain number of students for a specific length of time. These requirements are stated so that the Instructor can lead large groups, which thereby contributes to their own understanding.
The AWCA understands the nature of this requirement. In that, however, we also recognize the negative aspect it usually has on the Instructor (which is why many who belong to these kinds of associations eventually leave them).
No one should should be forced to market the school in order to progress in rank. Marketing is for businessmen and that is where it should remain. Becoming proficient in Wing Chun should have nothing to do with running a business or marketing the school.
The AWCA takes the more common-sense approach of merely training a member to their fullest and developing a proficient practitioner of Wing Chun Kuen.
Instructor Level 1
To obtain Instructor Level 1, a practitioner must demonstrate competence in the Biu-Tze. The Instructor-candidate will spend a great deal of time at Student Grade 12 in order to master the entire Biu-Tze curriculum before being considered for Instructor Level 1.
When ready, the Instructor-candidate will undertake a rigorous testing event in which everything he/she has ever learned about Wing Chun will be demonstrated both verbally and physically. All three empty-hand forms, their concepts and theories, their drills and applications, and also Chi-sau and Lap-sau sections up to and including section 4 must be demonstrated to competence.
In addition, a competent free-fighting demonstration must be performed with and without protective equipment. From verbally explaining the forms and concepts to performing a competent free-fight, this is an arduous test that puts the practitioner at the very edge of their training.
Those that succeed in obtaining Instructor Level 1 are now granted the title of Si-Fu, or teacher. To retain their credentials, they must remain under the AWCA banner for continued learning and training until they reach Instructor Level 2.
Demonstrate Siu-Nim-Tau form, drills & applications
Demonstrate Chum-Kiu form, drills & applications
Demonstrate Biu-Tze form, drills & applications
Demonstrate Chi-sau attacks, defenses, concepts & theories
Demonstrate Lap-sau attacks, defenses, concepts & theories
Demonstrate Biu-Tze Chi-sau attacks, defenses, concepts & theories
Competence in Escrima attack, defenses & footwork
Competent free-fight at full speed, full power, with all protective equipment
Competent free-fight with only gloves and mouth guard
Officially-recognized Instructors at Instructor Level 1 include:
◊ Si-Fu Cheryl Normberg, United States. Status: Inactive (deceased).
◊ Si-Fu Danny Macmillan, United Kingdom. Status: Inactive.
◊ Si-Fu Steve Zink, United States. Status: Active.
Instructor Level 2
To obtain Instructor Level 2, a practitioner must complete the Muk-Yan-Chong, or Wooden Dummy, in its entirety. With eight sections, this is a very long training phase; however, once it is completed, the practitioner has a new sense of Wing Chun and can demonstrate a fluid competence in their actions.
Additionally, the remaining Chi-sau and Lap-sau sections for Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu will be learned, as well as the remaining Biu-Tze Chi-sau sections.
A practitioner who receives Instructor Level 2 is now authorized to branch out from the AWCA banner and can open their own school under their own name.
The uniform for Instructor Level 2 retains the same rank patch, but now includes a ½-inch red stripe on the pants/ shorts, as well as a ½-inch stripe on the sleeves.
Muk-Yan-Chong form
All drills, applications, concepts & theories from each section
Officially-recognized Instructors at Instructor Level 2 include:
◊ Si-Fu Dennis Sigurnjak, United States. Headman, AWCA – Illinois. Status: Active
Instructor Level 3
Instructor Level 3 denotes completion of the Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun, or Six-and-a-Half Point long pole. Training for this weapon includes all strength training drills, stance training drills, the pole form, Chi-kwun (Sticking-pole) and pole vs. knife drills.
Full-contact sparring with the long pole is also learned and honed, and handling this long, heavy weapon can require years of training in order to be correctly used. The appropriate protective equipment is used at this level when sparring.
Average time of training depends on the time put in to it. Generally, it can take up to 1 year for achieving the strength necessary for handling the pole, plus an additional year or so to learn the curriculum itself.
The uniform for Instructor Level 3 retains the ½-inch red striping as for Instructor Level 2, but is now awarded the Instructor Level 3 rank patch.
Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun form
All drills, applications, concepts & theories from each section
Chi-kwun
Competent sparring demonstration: Pole vs. pole
Officially-recognized Instructors at Instructor Level 3 include:
◊ N/A. There are no Level 3 instructors on file.
Instructor Level 4
Instructor Level 4 denotes the final level of formal Wing Chun instruction by seeing completion of the Bart-Cham-Dao, or Eight-Cutting Broadswords. Similar to the Instructor Level 1 testing, this is a grueling testing event in which everything that he/she has ever learned about Wing Chun must be demonstrated. The primary focus, however, is on the Bart-Cham-Dao.
The Bart-Cham-Dao requires a great deal of time spent in strength training to condition the wrists and body (as well as the footwork) in order to handle these heavy weapons. After sufficient strength training and coordination is attained, the form is learned, followed by drills and applications. The training is culminated with full-contact knife fighting using specialized protective equipment.
Note: Contact training is performed with blunt-edged and blunt-tipped full-weight knifes, with both practitioners wearing plastic-reinforced neck guards, chest guards, arm guards, groin protectors, and clear-shield head cages.
The uniform for Instructor Level 4 retains the Instructor Level 3 rank patch, but the red striping is now widened from ½-inch to 1-inch on both the pants/shorts and the sleeves of the training tshirt.
Bart-Cham-Dao form
All drills, applications, concepts & theories from each section
Chi-dao
Competent sparring demonstration: Knives vs. pole
Competent sparring demonstration: Knives vs. knives
Officially-recognized Instructors at Instructor Level 4 include:
◊ Si-Fu Phil Bradley, United States. Headman, Arizona Wing Chun Association. Status: Active.
Senior Instructors
Senior Instructor Level denotes advancement in not only ranking, but also title. Whereas Instructor Levels 1-4 are known as Si-Fu, Instructor Levels 5 and 6 are known as Dai-SiFu, or Senior Instructor/Senior Teacher.
Also called Dai-si, this means Great Teacher, a title that indicates a profound base of knowledge and skill.
Instructor Level 5
Instructor Level 5 denotes “master” ranking. Having a profound mastery of all skill sets and having completed the formal training of the Wing Chun Kuen system, this level of Instructor is able to employ his/her skills in all situations and with a degree of power relevant to the situation.
Due to the high level of skill acquired, an instructor at this level is denoted as being Dai-SiFu, or Senior Instructor. The uniform for Instructor Level 5 retains the 1-inch red striping on the pants/shorts from Instructor Level 4, but is now awarded the red AWCA tshirt and the AWCA Instructor Level 5 rank patch.
Demonstrate profound knowledge in Wing Chun both physically and verbally.
Trackable examples of teaching and spreading the art of Wing Chun Kuen.
Officially-recognized Instructors at Instructor Level 5 include:
◊ N/A. There are no Level 5 instructors on file.
Instructor Level 6
Instructor Level 6 is the final level of AWCA Wing Chun training. A practitioner at this level has reached the highest culmination of skill and has demonstrated excellence in his/her technique for both physical and verbal expression in all-things Wing Chun. This practitioner has demonstrated not only their understanding about Wing Chun, but also how it relates to other martial arts.
A practitioner at this level may also begin to cease accepting students, preparing for their eventual retirement from Wing Chun. He/she may continue to teach their current students, or pass this honor to his/her head student for continuance. At that point, the Instructor would “close his door” and would no longer accept students for personal instruction.
The uniform for Instructor Level 6 makes a vast change here. In addition to being awarded the Instructor Level 6 rank patch, the red AWCA shirt is replaced with the yellow shirt to indicate excellence in Wing Chun Kuen. Additionally, all red stripes on the pants/shorts are replaced with 1-½ inch yellow stripes.
Instructor Level 6 can only be conferred by unanimous decision of the AWCA Board of Directors and headmen of the International branches.
Officially-recognized Instructors at Instructor Level 6 include:
◊ Dai-SiFu Don Grose, United States. President, International Ving Tsun Kung Fu Federation. Status: Active.
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