Youth Kung Fu Grading

There are twelve student grades.

• Grades one to four are the beginner grades, and students working towards these wear a white t-shirt.
• Grades five to eight are the intermediate grades, and students working towards these wear a green t-shirt.
• Grades nine to twelve are the senior grades, and students working towards these wear a navy blue t-shirt,
• When students pass their twelfth grade they reach the Advanced Level and wear a black t-shirt. 

We have grading classes every three months, when the students can choose to take the next grade if they feel ready.  For the basic grades three months is normally plenty of time.  For the intermediate and advanced grades three to six months is normally necessary. 

Self Confidence:

We aim to make the gradings a positive experience for the children, however it is a test, and as such is a challenge.  We believe self confidence grows from overcoming adversity, and so we feel it is our responsibility to give our students the opportunity to meet and overcome challenges.  We believe this is when we find out what we are made of, and we give our students the time to find this out and to be able to develop their character in a positive environment.

Black Belt and Beyond:

Once the student's finish their GCSE's or complete the Youth Kung Fu student grades, they can join the adult classes.  At this point the Technician training begins, and it is the technician grade that is equivalent to a 'black belt' in Wing Chun.  You must be at least eighteen to take the Technician test due to the level of maturity required.  There are four Technician Grades, and technicians wear black and red.  Finally, their are two Master Grades, Unarmed and Armed, Masters wear red.  The Technician Grades and Master Grades are awarded by Sifu Benno Westra.

Grading Syllabus:

Beginner Level (White):

Student Grade 1:

• Form: Siu Lim Tau, Sections One to three
• Footwork: Defensive Step and Arrow Step
• Strikes: Punching
• Self Defence: Straight punches
• Conflict Strategies and Tactics: 1
  
  

Student Grade 2:

• Form: SLT, sections Four to six
• Footwork: Advancing step, Pursuing Step, Zig Zag Step
• Strikes: Palm Strikes
• Self Defence: Circular punches
• CST: 2
  

Student Grade 3:

• Form: SLT, sections Seven to Nine
• Footwork: Stance Turning, Shifting and Retreating Step
• Strikes: Kicks (Bong Gerk and Tan Gerk)
• Self Defence: Kicks
• CST: 3
  

Student Grade 4:

• Form: SLT
• Basic footwork with Punching
• Basic Hand shapes with Punching
• Basic Self Defence Test
• Basic Pressure Test

Intermediate Level (Green):

Student Grade 5:

• SLT: Applications for sections 1 to 3
• Chum Kiu: Section 1
• Self Defence: Elbow and Knee attacks
  

Student Grade 6:

• SLT: Applications for sections 4 to 6
• CK: Section 2
• Self Defence: Being Grabbed (Grappling/Wrestling/Throwing)
  

Student Grade 7:

• SLT: Applications for sections 7 to 9
• CK: Sections 3 and 4
• Self Defence; Ground Fighting
  
  

Student Grade 8:

• Student Grade Revision Test

Senior Level (Navy Blue):

Student Grade 9:

• SLT
• CK
• Advanced Footwork
• Strategies for defending against multiple attackers

Student Grade 10:

• SLT
• CK
• Strategies for controlling an opponent
• Intermediate Self Defence Test
• Intermediate Pressure Test

Student Grade 11:

• SLT
• CK: Applications
• Strategies for using weapons and defending against armed attackers

Student Grade 12:

• Student Grade Revision Test
• Advanced Self defence Test
• Advanced Pressure Test

Advanced Level (Black):
When the students pass their twelfth grade, they receive their Black T-shirt. This signifies they have completed the Youth Kung Fu Syllabus, and are now ready to train for their Technician Grade. The Technician Grade is the 'Black Belt' equivalent in Wing Chun. There is a minimum age of Eighteen to take this test, due to the maturity required to get through the examination.