Good afternoon.
It was excellent to see the students training hard at the seminar last night. It was an interesting (and, I feel, very productive) session last night; I will write more about this in due course. Today, however, I would like to clarify any misunderstanding regarding the grading.
I have heard from one of my teachers that it seems that not all the students are completely clear about what the grading represents. Although I have written about this quite a number of times, perhaps it might be beneficial if at this stage I highlighted a couple of the most important points.
Firstly, for those who are successful on Sunday their certification will be presented at the Graduation (which takes place on 12th December). This is the most important event of the Chinese Wing Tsun year and something which all students are required to attend as a member. It also happens to be a very special event - those who have attended classes will be aware of this. It is readily apparent, but those that do not grade will not be able to take part in the same way as those that do. This event only happens once, so it is not something that you can catch up on if you miss out.
Secondly, and more importantly, students must understand that the grade itself means nothing – it is what it represents that is significant. I have mentioned this, but I cannot stress this strongly enough, having a different coloured uniform or a signed piece of paper does not make you a better martial artist or indeed better human being.
Students need to know that I do not give my signature without meaning – it certainly cannot be bought, charmed or persuaded. I think twice before I give any grade, including the beginner grades, and it is then only awarded when I have reason (and evidence) to believe that a person is of the correct standard to be a representative of the true Chinese art. Indeed, I give up far more of my time on the grading itself than anyone else I know (excepting my Sifu) to ensure that this is actually the case.
The responsibility on grading is not something which I take lightly. Personal feelings do not come into whether a student passes or not, nor does the repercussions of failing a student. I have been faced with the dilemma quite a number of times in the past that if I fail a student s/he might leave, but my decision is always the same – the reputation of Chinese Wing Tsun is more important than the hurt feelings and ego of one individual. Indeed, I have failed senior students for not bowing three times when it was appropriate – this is simply not acceptable as they should also be role models. I make this sound very harsh, and perhaps it is, but the upshot is that the students have a level that means something.
There are actually two reputations at risk when I grade students – that of Chinese Wing Tsun and my own. Both are important to me and no money can compensate me for the loss of either of them - as the old saying goes it take years to build a reputation, but only minutes to lose it.
One thing is sure, teaching an authentic Chinese martial art in the West world is extremely hard; its concepts and foundations are completely different from that of the world around it. But it is certainly achievable if you are prepared to stand up and make the right decisions, even if they are hard ones. I cannot speak for other teachers, but I believe that the world of martial arts would be a much better place if more people did the same.
To summarise: in the schools all the gradings are examined on an individual basis - they not mass produced or impersonal and stand for the traditional Chinese art. Each level, whether it be Grade 1 or the Technician levels, stands for something special. Now that, I believe, is something worth striving for...
Sifu