Ranking
The Club is one that maintains the centuries-old traditional ranking system for kung fu schools back in China. There is no belting system, and no belts are required (other than those to hold one’s pants up) . Each individual progresses at his/her own pace.
The ranking system is very similar to the relationship between members of the same family. It can be grouped into two different categories:
- Within the school
- Outside the school
Within the School
This is very much like being inside a family, i.e.-, head of family, sons/daughters, brothers and sisters. The following illustrates the structure:
Sifu – Head of the family and is the chief instructor/head of the Club
Si-mou – Wife of the Sifu
Tsor-Kau – Instructor level; one of the Senior Disciples of the Sifu who assists in teaching
Si-hing – Your kung-fu brother who is ranked senior to you
Si-Tser – Your kung-fu sister who is ranked senior to you
Si-Dai – Your kung-fu brother who is ranked junior to you
Si-Mui – Your kung-fu sister who is ranked junior to you
Tou-Dai – Disciple level; one who has been officially accepted into the family and will begin learning the Wing Chun way
Hock-Tou – Trainee level; a novice under probation not officially accepted into the family yet. A person at the novice level will only know what the system is about, and maybe even some of the techniques, but will not understand the philosophies behind the system nor the application of the techniques.
There is no minimum standard duration before a Hock-Tou is promoted to a Tou-Dai. Promotion is entirely dependent upon an individuals loyalty to the school/system, dedication to training, respect for others, self disciplining, and attitude. A Hock-Tou may be promoted to Tou-Dai anytime.
Unless otherwise stated, all students must join the Club at the Hock-Tou level.
Note: A ‘senior’ kung-fu brother/sister is one who was accepted as a Tou-Dai (Disciple) before you. However, this does not necessary imply that his/her skills are better than yours.
Outside the School (Within the same lineage)
This is like the family tree. The following illustrates the structure:
Si-Jou – An ascendant of your kung-fu Sifu
Si-Gung – Your Sifu’s Sifu
Si-Fu – Your teacher
Si-Bat – Your Sifu’s senior kung-fu brother
Si-Sook – Your Sifu’s junior kung-fu-brother
Tou-Dai – Disciple (You are here in the chart)
See-Hing-Dai – Your junior and senior kung-fu brothers