Why Test?

Article by Sigung Keith Kernspecht Translated from German publication WT-Welt #2, 1982.

Sifu Asad Mir: I have updated and substituted examples in the article

Often enough it seems to us that our whole life consists of tests. And tests are likely to be important events in any person’s life. Tests set the stage for the future, are responsible for deep impacts and changes in our life. School tests, confirmation, dares, high school diploma, college, university, job interviews, meeting your girl- or boy-friend’s parents, the death of close relatives, losing touch with or being disappointed by a close friend... All these are tests that leave an impression, that force us to accept consequences, which require our courage. One can prepare for many tests. If you did your homework, if you are prepared, you have little to worry about.

But one can also prepare for life’s tests, life’s injustices (even if not quite so directly). A firm belief, a philosophical look on life, an understanding of human nature through experience or books, all these are a good foundation for dealing with these issues. If all life consists of tests, should there not be tests in the martial arts, which reflect life?

There are twelve student grades, each grade being more demanding and difficult than the last. A student requires on average three months of training per grade. (If the student takes private lessons he can of course considerably speed up the process). The WingTsun™ organization wants to make sure that students have a good foundation that they can build upon. This is why they should only learn new material after they have practiced their old three-month program sufficiently.

The WingTsun™ Kung Fu student passes his first test when he tirelessly continues to practice the first sets of the Siu Nim Tau form, despite all the difficulty and perceived senselessness of it. The actual test for the first student grade is then the second test. The student has to demonstrate hand techniques, footwork, partner drills and combat techniques and also minimal theoretical knowledge.

The WingTsun™ Kung Fu instructor acts irresponsibly if he teaches the next program before the old one "works", because he is not helping the student but actually diminishing his progress. The student often does not have this insight and only wants to wear the next colored WT patch as an outer sign of his progress and standing. He then becomes disappointed and angry when – in his own interest – he is asked to first get rid of basic gaps and weaknesses in his practice of the old program. Local instructors would be in an uncomfortable position, should they refuse the next level to the student because of the aforementioned reason.

This is one reason why local instructors cannot test their own students on every level [unless they have achieved a high ranking and demonstrated over a period of time that they are up keeping the level of quality determined by the organization- editor’s note]. This prevents the local instructor from having to make the choice of possibly advancing the student without adequate ability for that grade, worrying that the student will leave the school if he does not pass.

Another reason why only the Chief Instructor can test all grades [apart from the fact that he is usually more advanced than the local instructor – editor’s note] , is the goal that all students should be measured by one yardstick. The ideal examiner must have an overview of all WingTsun™ schools. If he is only familiar with the standard of the local school, he will either judge too leniently or harshly.

Is it the driving teacher who examines the student at the driver’s test? No! Only a qualified and impartial (incorruptible) examiner is authorized. It is the same principle with the IWTA-NAS. There are three National Instructors who tour the WingTsun™ schools in the U.S. and Canada to test all student grades. The National Instructors would have to put together an examination committee to test higher than Third Technician level. The rule is that the examiner has to be at least three Technician grades higher than the person being tested. Only if the examiner has this kind of lead on ability and knowledge can one expect him to have the necessary overview and be able to correctly gauge the efforts of the student.

A looming WingTsun™-Student Grade test often has the positive effect that students concentrate intensively and critically on their individual three-month program. They practice at home in front of the mirror, ask their instructor for help. This is often when students begin to interest themselves for basic techniques, and much to the joy of the instructor they toil away on their footwork, turning stance and forms. These students soon realize they are doing themselves the greatest favor as they notice their technical advancement.Very rarely will the examiner notice no mistakes. WingTsun™ Kung Fu is too intricate and there are too many details to consider. Even those who pass should be aware of their mistakes and weaknesses. In the ensuing classes after the test the students should work on chipping away at them with the help of their instructor. What at one grade was a minor mistake could become a significant mistake at the next grade, which requires a higher degree of exactness.

The student has to perform the entire first form of Siu Nim Tau at the third grade test. But if he performs the form exactly the same way on his fourth test as he did on the third, he will be in for a surprise. He will take note that on the fourth test the examiner will suddenly "see" mistakes that hadn’t been "noticed" on the third. The reason: with every advancing level one expects a higher degree of exactness (meaning improvement!).

While the first and second grades are relatively easy, the third and fourth offer the first real hurdles. Whole body movement/coordination like attacking step with chain punches, chain punches with turning alone and with a partner as well as Dan-Chi (one-armed Chi-Sau) can sometimes lead to frustration. [With the fourth grade the student is also introduced to the second form, the Chum Kiu – editor’s note]. To skip or let slide these immensely important basics would mean to not do the students a favor but actually betray them.

The fifth and sixth tests deal with a totally different matter. Here the student is expected to ’master’ the basics and is tested for being able to use the techniques practically. Now it is not about whether the technique itself is correct but if the student can successfully use it. With the completion of the sixth grade the student completes the basic training and his ability to defend himself has generally magnified significantly.

In levels five through twelve, the students deal with Chi-Sau, applications of Chi-Sau, WingTsun™–specific sparring, defense against multiple attackers, armed and unarmed defense against an armed attacker and soft methods. These programs are much more demanding and often require a lot of patience both from student and instructor. Yet the student should be able to test after three months (again, shorter periods of time can be achieved if the student takes private lessons or participates in intensive seminars). Programs nine and twelve probably require more like five or six months instead of three because they are very demanding programs.

The student is aware ahead of time of the WingTsun™ Student Grade testing date and should have sufficient time to prepare. In the end, if in doubt, he should consult his WingTsun™ Kung Fu instructor as to whether the student is ready or will be ready to test by the testing date. At the examination the students are bringing an effort to the table, which they will be rewarded for if they have trained well. They will graduate to the next WingTsun™ Student Grade and be allowed to learn the contents of the next level.

Thus, step by step, the martial arts student advances in WingTsun™ Kung Fu, with tests ensuring his progress and motivation.