The grading system in Leung Ting WingTsun

The 12 student grades

The division into 12 student grades only applies outside Hong Kong. Student grades learn the 1st and 2nd forms (Siu-Nim-Tau and Cham-Kiu) as well as their application in Chi-Sao ("sticking arms exercise") and free-fighting (Lat-Sao). A 10th student grade (SG) or Pre-Primary Level is qualified to carry out limited instruction duties if he has passed the additional examination for Assistant Instructor.

1st student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: visual pre-fight phase – a fight avoided is a fight won
Form training: Siu-Nim-Tau 1/2 – sets 1-3
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: -
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: against an orthodox stance – Lap/punch to the head, kidney; training with focus mitts, Bong-Gerk

2nd student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: verbal pre-fight phase – effects of adrenalin, attack is the best defence
Form training: Siu-Nim-Tau 1/1
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: -
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: against a southpaw stance – Pak/punch to the head, liver; training with focus mitts, chain-punching/advancing step

3rd student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: what is legitimate self-defence. Use of reasonable force
Form training: Chum-Kiu 1/3
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: Dan-Chi – (1-armed Chi-Sao) chain-punching/advancing step; chain-punching/turn
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: against unguarded opponent – against double boxer guard, opponent offers resistance, blocks, counters, kicks, retreats, Pak-Sao sequence, Qua-Sao, Jut-Sao, Yap-Gerk

4th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: WT history – from China to Germany
Form training: Chum-Kiu 2/3
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: Dan-Chi with V-step and turn
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: back-up – defence and sparring, against roundhouse punch; simultaneous movements: Pak, Tan, Gan, Gam, Kwan-Sao, giving way, pushing and kick defence

5th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: 1st WT principle: If the way is clear ...
Form training: Chum-Kiu 3/3
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: Poon-Sao (2-armed Chi-Sao); simple attacks and defences
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: opponent turns suddenly with elbows, leg sweep, combinations with elbows and knees, kick-defence with counter-kick

6th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: 2nd WT principle – If the way is blocked ...
Form training: repetition
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: 1st section Chi-Sao – attack and defence
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: attempted barging, pushing, headbutt, opponent grabs arms, body, head

7th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: 3th WT principle – If the opponent withdraws ...
Form training: repetition
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: 1. Sektion Chi-Sao – „Monkeyhand“-Jut-Sao, Jumping punch, body posture chasing, Pak – Gam, Wu-Sao – Pak oder Lap-Sao
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: opponent will grapple legs, had grappled, will throw you

8th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: 4th WT principle – If the opponent withdraws ...
Form training: repetition
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: 1. Sektion Chi-Sao: From Bon/Wu to Tan and control and push yourself away from his Wu-Sao and step in with palm attack, Jam – Gwat-Sao-Punch, Bong/Wu and turning, from diag. Bong-Sao to palm control and palm thrust with shoulder control, etc.
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: opponent has thrown you. You are on the ground, he is standing; both on the ground. All phases incl. kick defence

9th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: What is Escrima?
Form training: repetition
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: repetition
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: against bladed weapons: (participation in 1 basic Escrima seminar: striking with a weapon desirable)

10th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: strategies against several attackers
Form training: repetition
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: repetition
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: against 2-4 attackers who (try to) hold, punch, kick or have weapons

11th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: what is WT-ChiKung?
Form training: repetition
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: repetition
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: controlling an attacker without serious injury

12th student grade in WingTsun

Theory and role-play: philosophies in WingTsun
Form training: repetition
Chi-Sao and classical programmes: repetition
Self-defence and Lat-Sao: several armed attackers, threat with a firearm, (electric baton), control and restraint