Promotion
New to Wing Chun
Wing Chun is for people of all ages. U.S. Wing Chun is set to promote based on merit and knowledge of the system. There are 8 levels within the progression of the training program that a person could reach. It ranges from starting as a child in the Lil's Wabbit program to accomplishing Grandmaster. All levels are achievable and recognized under our branch of wing chun.
Each level represents a set of guidelines that must be demonstrated to members of higher rank level. The achievements are then recorded by our training administers and formally recognized in our system and online. A member typically starts out as a Level 1 student and progress through the system until that person is able to teach others independently at the Sifu Level. Years of training new members will be recognized as a Master in the U.S. Wing Chun system. The Grandmaster of the Academy is the Chief Instructor of the entire U.S. Wing Chun system that dictates the official training curriculum. The U.S. Wing Chun system is currently Grandmaster Chris Chan, founder of the academy.
Student Levels
Lil' Wabbit Program for Kids
The Lil' Wabbit Program is built for children ages 4 to 8 years old. It teaches them the core principals of wing chun. The program consists of training exercises that focus on form over power and conditioning. Children will participate in wooden dummy training at a young age using a "mini" Mookjong. They will learn basic concepts of striking, defense, sequencing, and techniques. They will NOT spar with others in this class.
Level 1 - Student
Level 1 students are beginners. This level builds the fundamentals into the students training practices. Members will learn the Siu Lim Tao (1st Form), Chum Kiu (2nd Form), Biu Jee (3rd Form) . The forms will be learned in a traditional standing empty hand form. Also basics of the Chi Sao (Stick Hands) drills will be taught. This is an exercise that develops hand sensitivity, reflexes, timing and centerline positioning through dynamic contact with a partner.
Level 2 - Student
Level 2 students is our intermediate proficiency level. This level builds and separates the independence of upper and lower torso. Upper being the techniques learned to defend and strike with your arms and your body. While the lower torso represents the core foundation using legs and knees. The concept is to separate and dominate by independently holding a strong foundation while using various Chi Sao and Combinations to attack. All forms are done moving. The student should also be proficient in the 108 Wooden dummy form as well as the Bat Jam Do form and 6 1/2 Point pole form.
Level 3 - Senior Student
Level 3 students are senior members of the academy. They demonstrate an understanding of all forms in a live method. There is no preset path of executing techniques as defined within the first two levels. All exercises, forms, combinations, wooden dummy, sword and pole sets should be refined. The senior student can take liberties in execution of the techniques within each of the sets. This level introduces the art of wing chun and allows the student to create their own sequences. The senior student also has the authority to teach other students of equal or lower rank level with the authority granted by a Sifu of the school.
SIFU Promotions
Level 4 - Sifu
Level 4 Sifu levels are instructors that have the authority to certify their own students. "Sifu" means teacher and may establish their own schools under the U.S. Wing Chun Academy. Senior students of the school will be promoted to Sifu once they have demonstrated their proficiency and expertise to other Sifus, Masters, and Grandmaster. Once a senior student has qualified for the Sifu title, they will be honored at a school sponsored ceremony and presented with a Sifu certificate that holds the authorities that it presents. They can also sign off on certifications for instructors.
Level 5 - Senior Sifu
Level 5 Senior Sifu levels are senior instructors of the school that have the authority to promote Sifu's and other students. They are senior ranking within the U.S. Wing Chun Academy. The title of senior is usually granted by the Masters and Grandmaster of the school. A Senior Sifu will be honored at a school sponsored ceremony and presented with a Senior Sifu certificate that holds the authorities that it presents. They can also sign off on certifications for instructors.
Master Promotions
Level 6 - Master
Level 6 Master level are accomplished senior Sifus that have demonstrated a mastery of the wing chun art under the U.S. Wing Chun system. Masters are Senior Sifus that have traveled the world, started their own lineages, established certified U.S. Wing Chun training centers, and promoted other Sifus. Masters are voted in by other Sifu, Senior Sifus, Masters and the Grandmaster. Masters have the authority to start new training facilities under the U.S. Wing Chun system. They can also sign off on certifications.
Level 7 - Senior Master
Level 7 Senior Master level is an individual that is well accomplished in our system. They are Masters that have demonstrated a mastery of the wing chun art under the U.S. Wing Chun system. Senior Masters are Masters that have traveled the world, started their own lineages, established certified U.S. Wing Chun training centers, and promoted other Senior Sifus. Senior Masters are voted in by other Sifu, Senior Sifus, Masters and the Grandmaster. Senior Masters have the authority to start new training facilities under the U.S. Wing Chun system. They can also sign off on certifications. With the knowledge that they possess, Senior Masters are required to provide a written literature on their beliefs, training, styles, exercises, travels that assist in developing and furthering the U.S. Wing Chun system. The material is presented to a committee comprised of other Sifus, Senior Sifu's, Masters, Senior Masters and the Grandmaster and ultimately voted for publication under the U.S. Wing Chun Academy. Upon acceptance, the material will be officially added into the standards of the U.S. Wing Chun curriculum.
Grandmaster Promotion
Level 8 - Grandmaster
Level 8 Grandmaster level is an individual that is well accomplished within the U.S. Wing Chun system. This is the chief instructor of the entire school and oversees the overarching curriculum of the U.S. Wing Chun system. This person has demonstrated a lifetime of experience and has shown selfless dedication to the promotion of wing chun around the world. The Grandmaster has shared their knowledge with other Sifus, Masters. The Grandmaster has the ultimate authority in promotion of individual rank levels and standards of the U.S. Wing Chun system curriculum. The Grandmaster is promoted by the students, Sifus, and Masters of the school by committee. The Grandmaster is honored at a ceremony during a school sponsored event.