The Leung Ting WingTsun® kung fu grading system is divided into four stages:
- The Student Stage
- The Technician Stage
- The Practician Stage
- The Stage of Enlightenment
The Student Stage
The Student Stage, comprising twelve Student Grades from the beginner to the graduate. Each of the 12 Student Grades is represented by a colored plum-blossom patch/emblem:
The Technician Stage
The Technician Stage, from the Primary to the Fourth Levels, referring to the standard of technique training attained by the holders, known as the Technicians. The degree holders of these levels are regarded as having learned the techniques of Leung Ting WingTsun® kung fu and are able to use them, though not necessarily efficiently enough to apply them at will.
The Practician Stage
The Practician Stage, incorporating the Fifth to the Eighth Levels, which reflects the standard of practical training and combat power training. Leung Ting WingTsun® kung fu experts who hold these degrees are known as Practicians. They are regarded as being able to apply their techniques with absolute proficiency and adeptness, besides having a high standard of striking power. The higher in level a Practician is promoted, the more he knows about the theories and techniques of WingTsun™. At this stage, a Practician is able to understand the theories of kung fu styles other than his own, and by comparing the different theories, he will have a better understanding of his own system, thus will be able to improve his WingTsun™ techniques.
The Stage of Enlightenment
The Stage of Enlightenment, comprising the Ninth to the Twelfth Levels, which reflect the degree holder’s understanding of the theories of both WingTsun™ kung fu and other martial arts systems. At this stage, the WingTsun™ practitioner should have a thorough concept of the Leung Ting WingTsun® system to such a depth that he will be able to explain any theoretical problems, and to research into the strong and weak points of the theories. Still further, he is able to blend theories, not only of WingTsun™, but also of other martial arts, in a scientific and rationalized manner, into a sublime level of philosophy.