23/02/2025
Next week, students from Wing Chun Kung Fu Schools will assemble for their grading assessment. Each level encompasses six core aspects of Wing Chun: forms 👐, drills🤼, Chi Sao🤜🫷, footwork🦶, punches👊, and theory 📙. The grading process is divided into three phases, each consisting of four grades.
For Phase One students, your preparation should focus on the specific requirements of your level and grade. Be sure to review the following:
Grade 1
👐Sim Nim Tao Form: Sentence 1-4, being able to copy the instructor as a minimum.
🤼Drills: Dealing with straight punches, including the use of B**g Sao, Pak Sao, Cross Tarn Sao, Gwat Sao and F**k Sao.
🤜🫷Chi Sao: Dan Chi Sao (basic roll with Palm Strike/Jum Sao, Punch/B**g Sao, Tarn Sao/F**k Sao)
🦶Footwork: 8 Basic Steps (Circling Step, Sidling Stance, Advancing Step, Meridian Stance, Side Step, Arrow Step, Side Step to Sidling Stance, Forward Step to Sidling Stance).
👊Standard Punches: Variation of standard Wing Chun punches with an emphasis on hitting the center line, vertical fist and having a rear hand in the center.
📙Theory: Centre line theory, The Four Principles of Wing Chun.
Grade 2
👐Sim Nim Tao Form: Sentence 1-4 independently.
Sim Nim Tao Form: Sentence 5-8, being able to copy the instructor as a minimum.
🤼Drills: Dealing with low body punches whilst lifting the arms, pushing backwards, pulling forwards and pulling or stepping sideways.
🤜🫷Chi Sao: Dan Chi Sao (Basic Roll with improved positions, as well as using the advancing step to step in while the partner shifts into a sidling stance).
🦶Footwork: 8 Basic Steps, improved positions with the addition of
1) Flanking Steps
2) V-Step
3) Pursuit Step
4) Zig Zag Steps
👊Standard Punches: Better fluidity with single and multiple punches.
📙Theory: Wedge Theory, simultaneous attack and defence.
Grade 3
👐Sim Nim Tao Form: Sentences 1-8 independently of the instructor with correct arm shapes and positions.
🤼Drills: Dealing with back fist attacks (angled arm attacks) and wrist grabs taken across the body.
🤜🫷Chi Sao: Dan Chi Sao (Basic roll with an improvement in the first two programmes and the introduction to changing sides (Same side/other arm)
🦶Footwork: 8 Basic Steps (a marked improvement in position, coordination and balance should be displayed).
The 4 additional steps should be able to be demonstrated to the examiner without any guidance.
👊Standard Punches: A marked improvement in concentration whilst hitting, developing the ability to generate power in the vertical punch and speed in continuous punching.
📙Theory: The Four Power Principles.
Grade 4
👐Sim Nim Tao Form: Sentence 1-8 independently with correct arm shapes and positions, demonstrating the ability to implement power into the arm movements.
🤼Drills: Dealing with wide haymaker hooks at the start, midpoint and last point of the punch, and also dealing with a short hook whilst shifting.
🤜🫷Chi Sao: Dan Chi Sao (Basic roll with an improvement in the first three programmes, the introduction to changing sides (opposite arm) and working through diagonal movements).
🦶Footwork: 8 Basic Steps (a marked improvement in position, coordination and balance, as well as demonstrating these steps through the Lat Sao programmes covered).
The 4 additional steps should be demonstrated to the examiner without any guidance and should now be sharp and executed with the Wing Chun punches that have been learnt.
👊Standard Punches: Students should now be able to demonstrate single punches with the inclusion of power, focus on the target and no body movement. Chain punches should be demonstrated with maximum speed and conditioning to allow for several minutes of punching.
📙Theory: Magnetic zone, inside and outside gate.
Happy training 🥷
