UKKFF Grading Seminars, Spring Term 2006
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The weekend of 20th-21st May 2006 saw the end of our first full term as the UK Kung-Fu Federation. We had implemented a brand-new procedure for testing students at our last set of gradings in February 2006 and so for the last three months our students have been well aware of how thoroughly they were going to be scrutinised. In addition we had also implemented our new methods of teaching the Kung-Fu programmes, with renewed emphasis on practicality & a higher training work-rate in classes. On the surface things seemed to be much improved, as classes were busier, students were happier, and a wonderful feeling of freedom & independence pervaded everyone's training. However this set of gradings would prove crucial in discovering just how well our students had responded to our new ethos. Would they rise to the challenge?
The UKKFF grading method calls for more individual attention & feedback rather than mass-groups, so each grade arrived at a set time throughout the weekend at our New Malden HQ. 5-6SG intermediate-level students were first to be tested for 2 hours, then 7-8SG for 2 hours and onwards through 9-10SG & 11-12SG. At the intermediate level we test forms, footwork, striking & chi-sao on an individual basis, with each student in turn entering the testing room and going through their paces with the examiner, who in this instance was the UKKFF Head Instructor. The grade group is then tested on Lat-Sao & practical applications all together, with lots of different partners and with a good degree of pressure. There is nowhere to hide, and failure is a distinct possibility if you cannot do the programme. Imagine then just how happy we were to see all candidates perform superbly under pressure! The incentive of a proper, personal test coupled with a structured, focused class training schedule was starting to pay visible dividends in student ability. All candidates at the intermediate level passed, feeling much better for having to pay for their certificate in effort rather than cash! (Check our grading fees here!) Remember also that the UKKFF requires intermediate level general class students to spend 6 months perfecting each grade, so only those who'd done the time chose to test. Once again this policy proved it's worth - everyone demonstrated a deep knowledge of their programme and are well prepared to move forwards.
Next were the advanced-level students testing for 9-11SG, who each receive a personal one-on-one test covering all aspects of their programmes. Our dedicated advanced classes showed their worth too, as each student really proved how much effort they'd put in over the last 12-weeks or more. It's also no surprise that advanced students are the ones who have the most regular private lessons too, a necessary thing to become really proficient at WingTsun Chi-Sao & its many varied applications. What was most noticeable was the major improvements in the forms, both in precise positioning and in correct fluid movement. Well done to all advanced-level students for spending the time & effort on this most important area.
Finally it was the turn of Assistant Instructor Andy King to take his 12SG test, which is the final test of the WingTsun Student Level. The UKKFF takes this milestone extremely seriously, so Andy was going to have to work hard for his pass! Every aspect of the 12 student levels were checked, including forms, all steps with various hand techniques, fast, relaxed & fluid chi-sao in completely free combination, and Lat-Sao applications of each of the previous programmes performed with a good level of speed & power. His knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories & mottos of WingTsun were also put under the microscope. The last hurdle was a 30-minute free sparring session with LPH, which ended on the floor with Andy in a triangular-choke, but he performed fantastically well and should be proud of his 12SG certificate. He now begins the training for 1st Technician.
So with Saturday complete, the Sunday began at 10am at our Wimbledon school with a group-test for 1SG-2SG basic-level students, then continued at 12 noon with those testing for 3-4SG. Even though we have a lot of people at the basic level, the day is split in this way so as to keep things as personal as possible. Even a basic test is far from easy, as we expect a high work-rate from all candidates and a desire to really show what they can do. Concerted effort goes a long way, as the martial arts are all about effort, the desire to improve oneself, and the will to continue driving forward. All basic-level students were tested on form, footwork, striking (lots of striking!) and applications vs. a good, powerful set of attacks. 3-4SG were also tested on their Dan-Chi-Sao programmes, and 4SG students got an extra overall test to mark the end of the WingTsun Basic-Level stage. It was wonderful to see so much sweat & determination over the course of the day, and I heard afterwards that many basic-level students spent the remainder of the afternoon celebrating together in a local bar! Congratulations to you all.
For me I feel very strongly that our methods of teaching & testing have moved forwards, helped in no small part by the influences of the Alliance WingTsun Masters such as Dai-Sifu Allan Jensen, Sifu Morten Ibsen, and Sifu Benno Westra. Based upon the results of this grading & the way our students performed, I have no doubt that the UKKFF is moving in the right direction, accompanied by a whole host of friends, colleagues and like-minded martial artists across the world.
If you attended the grading, please give us your feedback via the dedicated thread on our Student Resources & Discussion Forums. Let us know your thoughts and we can help everyone to improve.
- Author: Lee Heron
- Sources: None
