Student Grades,
Technician Grades
Master &
Grandmaster Grades
Student Grades
The WingTsun curriculum consists of twelve student grades which cover the first two forms, Siu Nim Tao and Chum Kiu, as well as the related Chi Sao training and applications. In addition to the hand forms there is also a standardized set of leg forms that are learned with the Siu Nim Tau.
The student grades can be split into three sections, based on the topics they cover:
1st - 4th, Learning fundamentals across the three ranges.
1st - Basic fundamentals of movement and style, long range engaging, beginning of Siu Nim Tao.
2nd - Long range fighting, with bridging, all of Siu Nim Tao.
3rd - Transitioning from Long to mid-range attacks.
4th - Transitioning from mid to short-range attacks, beginning of Chum Kiu.
5th - 8th, Ranges applied with movement and transition.

5th - Short range attacks, and fighting with two hands simultaneously.
6th - Poon Sao, Chi Sao
7th - Chi Sao 1st attack
8th - Chi Sao
9th - 12th, Application of the style, against kicks.
9th - Against a single attacker.
10th - Against multiple attackers.
11th - Against a single attacker with a weapon.
12th - Against multiple attackers with weapons.

At student grade 9 the student is considered to not only know the style ( as in grade 8 ) but be able to apply it effectively against an attacker. The subtle, but important difference between these two grades means that either one of these, depending on the school, can be considered equivalent to the “black belt” rank. There is no consensus, as there is no direct formal comparison.

Instructor Grades
Following the student grades are twelve instructor grades. At the instructor levels, the student begins training in the more advanced programs of Wing Tsun:
Biu Tze
Mook Yan Chong Fa (Wooden Dummy)
Luk Dim Boon Kwun Fa (”Six and A Half Point Pole” or Long Pole)
Bart Cham Dao (Eight Cutting Broadsword or Butterfly Sword)
The instructor grades are themselves split into three sections:
1st - 4th Technician
5th - 8th Practician
9th - 12th Philosopher
Each instructor section name describes the focus and idea behind the quality of fighting that is expected at that level. A technician is expected to fight with technique, a practitioner is expected to be a complete practicing fighter, and a philosopher should understand the mental, and spiritual, elements of the style.