The grading system used to rank people that train martial arts is an old and proven system. Granted, some martial arts tend to give away undeserving ranks just for cash. Luckily, apart from a few incidents, Wing Chun has managed to avoid this issue. So far, at least. In our clubs, getting a (higher) level can be really hard. An average estimate is that it takes about a couple of years of experience to get to the Assistant Instructor Level (8th Student Grade) in Wing Chun. However, it is what happens after a Wing Chun promotion that is important, as opposed to just before it.

A Wing Chun promotion is a unique event on its own. The much-debated tradition vs. modernism is still important for some people. Regardless of this, getting promoted is a big deal for most. It marks the time and effort a practitioner put on the training floor in between grading exams. And that right there is what people often get wrong. It is not about what you do a few months before a Wing Chun promotion ceremony. It is the daily grind and attitude that count.

The Value Of Promotions

Being such a difficult task to accomplish, Wing Chun promotions mean a great deal to the student. Especially to those students that get a higher grade (8-12th). The appreciation of seeing your effort recognized is an immensely joyful feeling. Part of what makes promotions so valuable is knowing that you’ve worked hard to get there. Getting on the training floor on those cold rainy nights while nursing half a dozen injuries are going to be completely worth it on promotion day. But not just that one night, every night like that. All the extra hours spent drilling moves, the expenses of training are going to be forgotten as soon as you get that new grade. And then, it starts all over again.

This cycle is an important part of training Wing Chun and it should be honored as such. So, acting out after a promotion is a big no-no for any self-respecting practitioner. So what if you’re now a 8th Grade? While it bears a certain weight, it doesn’t mean you can relax and not take training seriously.

Every Wing Chun promotion makes a student a greater advocate of the art. It’s not just about what happens, on the training floor, after a certain point Kung Fu is a complete lifestyle. Those that are fully immersed understand that it’s a furnace requiring constant re-fueling via hours in the training room, doing drills or forms or in front of the wooden dummy. Respect is a huge factor in Kung Fu, so make sure you demonstrate it correctly by training quietly and purposefully. Remember, you’re not just growing yourself, you also impact the growth of your training partners and the art as a whole.

“Top Dog” Behaviour

To begin with, whether you get a 8th Grade Student or even an Instructor Level, remember to stay humble. Anyway, Wing Chun has a way of reminding those that forget about humility. And it is not pretty. There’s always going to be someone better than you out there. It might be a seasoned practitioner that’s been around the scene for decades. Or, it might be a particularly talented new guy who is formally a beginner but still throw you around like a doll.

Getting promoted to a new grade is a mark that you have attained certain knowledge and are now ready for the next class. It is just like school but with sparring! The difference is, in Wing Chun you can’t cheat your way through because you’ll be brutally exposed. Keep your ego to yourself and keep training hard and discovering the art. . There’s no point in puffing your chest and walking around like Connor McGregor just because you’re now a 8th grade. . No, you do not know much more than you knew last week, and no, you won’t be able to beat every other guy out there straight away.

Actually, one more reason for humility is the notion that you’re now again at the bottom of a food chain. In the grander scheme of things, you might be near the Instructor Level near the top of the Wing Chun food chain. But in terms of your own level an those above, you’re still just “food”. And in order to avoid being the prey, you need to learn how to be the predator. But you need to become a true predator not just act like one. Because, once that act is exposed, you’ll be seeing the light and the end of a very long tunnel very soon!

Chi Sao without distraction

For everyone involved in Wing Chun, Chi Sao is by far the most fun part. Chi Sao is the time when new techniques are practiced, or competitive gameplans are getting battle-tested. It should be a time of pure focus and dedication.

No wonder instructors often fume when they witness higher ranked students teach and correct during Chi Sao. And they’re right to do so since the more experienced practitioners create a “comfortable” environment for both training partners. The problem with comfort is that it doesn’t build very good practitioners. On the contrary, discomfort and life outside comfort zones do. That’s what Chi Sao should be all about. When one student attempts to explain technical stuff during Chi Sao, both student’s suffer.

This doesn’t mean that mistakes shouldn’t be corrected by higher grades. However, it should be done after the round is over. A senior student can then provide feedback to help a less experienced practitioner learn more. Furthermore, it’ll force the senior student to remember exactly how the Chi Sao went which is a crucial skill that they need to develop if they ever hope of Instructor Level. So, Chi Sao without distractions and leave the analysis for later.

Skipping Class After A Promotion

The number one thing that annoys instructors of Wing Chun is the disappearance syndrome. This is a fairly common occurrence following a Wing Chun promotion. Getting a new grade is very often a reward from your instructors, in a manner of speaking. It’s a sign that they recognize the hard work you’re putting in, and a token for your dedication and perseverance. Remember that instructors went through the same path as you, so they understand completely the sacrifices that Wing Chun requires. Let’s face it, there’s no progress in Wing Chun without accountability. In easier terms, you have to show up in order to progress.

A Wing Chun promotion can be thought of like motivation for a student to push on harder. Getting promoted should restoke the fire you have for Kung Fu. It should be a driving force that pushes you to train more, not less. Every grade is a new challenge to conquer, and the journey doesn’t end at Instructor Level. Why would you take time off when it’ll only derail your Wing Chun evolution? Of course, injuries and other justifiable situations for absence are legitimate reasons that no one will dispute. It’s the “I’m at Chum Kiu Level now so I can just pop in from time to time” attitude that has no place in the world of Wing Chun. After all, the path is the same for everyone, so do not expect different treatment if you look to cut corners!

Higher rank brings about greater responsibilities, even if you’re not engaged in teaching. Higher ranked practitioners are examples that lots of new students look up to. So what does that mean for them when they see you train from time to time? They’ll never shake off the “novice” tag thinking they can get promoted with only a couple of sessions a month!