Classical Wing Chun

The Chinese characters for 'Classical or Traditional' translate as the 'old way'. They characterize the way one thinks and feels about Wing Chun. While some people believe the latest methods are best, we at the Academy believe in the traditional kung fu values of honesty, loyalty and integrity.

These values are often left behind in modern society, not so within our organisation. Hard training produces lasting results; a caring Master/student relationship is paramount in the progression of the student.

Wing Chun is a constantly developing system with roots in the famous Shaolin temple of ancient China.

As with the Masters before us we strive to produce excellence in those in our charge.

Classical Wing Chun encapsulates all the primary forms and traditional training methods of the mainland China and Hong Kong systems of Wing Chun.

Training apparatus such as the wooden dummy, rattan ring, three star dummy and sandbag conditioning; as well as the internal elements of meditation and chi kung are an integral part of the training syllabus.

Grading System

The grading system consists of ten levels covering the open hand system of Wing Chun. The first three levels cover Sil Lim Tao Form, basic footwork and fighting application of Wing Chun techniques.

Level Three introduces the advanced set of Sil Lim Tao, Chi-Sao Basics, Kicking and special drills which advance the practitioner in the skills of Wing Chun. Levels Four to Seven expand the fighting and self defence aspects of the system and train the Chum Kil Form.

The Wooden Dummy Form or Muk Yan Jong is introduced at Level Four as is Double Sticky Hands (Chi-Sao).

At levels Eight to Ten, the Bil Jee Form, Advanced fighting Concepts and the majority of the Muk Yan Jong are taught. By this stage, the structure of the system should be understood and the ability to deal with most attacks should be second nature. Advanced Kicking Technique, Wooden Dummy, Chi-Sao and Combat application of all Techniques are complete.

After level Ten the Traditional Weapons are taught. These are Butterfly Swords and Dragon Pole. Attention to form and application are stressed to expand the practitioner's appreciation of the complete Wing Chun System.

Minimum lesson attendance records must be completed, however, should the student not be competent at his/her particular level, Sifu will not allow the student to advance to the next level until competency is obtained. It is the Skill not the Grade that is important.

Structure

The Grading System consists of three colours: black, gold and red. When a novice student starts training they wear a plain black sash. The first nine levels are shown by nine gold bars on the black sash. Level 10 students wear a gold sash. Assistant Instructors wear one red bar on their black sash at the level of their appointment. Full instructors wear a gold sash with a red bar.

Instructors training full time can apply and be tested for five degree ranks (teaching). These ranks are shown by additional red bars on their gold sashes. One bar is awarded every two years for full time teaching and training experience after gaining instructor level. After five bars are obtained, a red sash is awarded.

Instructor Levels

At level Eight the practitioner, if they desire, may request additional training to gain instructor status. The main attribute for an instructor is attitude. At level Eight the ability to perform the techniques of Wing Chun should be obvious however, being a great fighter doesn't necessarily mean the practitioner will be a great teacher.

Teaching is an art in itself. It takes time, dedication and the desire to pass on one's knowledge to be a teacher. An instructor is not a Sifu. The title of Sifu is not a demanded title but one of gained respect.

Senior Instructor

Senior Instructor is the highest rank attainable. There is no single grading to achieve this ranking. After achieving Level Ten and appointment to full instructorship the practitioner will have to continue to train, research and teach the Wing Chun system. They must be fluent in all Techniques, Forms and Weapons and have made a significant contribution to the art.

A proven teaching record is essential. Five teaching degrees must be achieved. Ranking is shown by the Chinese characters for Wing Chun in black on a red sash.