RANKING SYSTEM
The NVTO ranking system is broken into three different phases: Student, Instructor, and Master.
Student Phase
The NVTO student program consists of twelve student grades aimed at building foundational skills in striking, grappling and counter-grappling, footwork, reflex-training, and practical self-defense. Later in this program, students are also taught how to deal with multiple opponents, armed opponents, and even how to apply soft defenses for controlling an opponent without inflicting unnecessary harm. Depending on the individual and the training intensity, completion of the twelve student grades takes between three and four years. Building on this foundation, the advanced student is then exposed to the higher-level material taught in the instructor and master programs.
Instructor Phase
NVTO instructors are ranked from First through Fourth degree. After finishing the advanced chi-sau (reflex training) programs dealing with the first two Ving Tsun forms, Instructors progress through the techniques and concepts contained in the Biu-Tze (thrusting fingers) form and the Muk-Yan-Jong (wooden dummy) form. Instructors who have completed the empty-hand aspects of the system will then learn the two Ving Tsun weapons sets known the Luk-Dim-Boon-Gwun (long pole) and Bart-Cham-Do (double knives).
Master Phase
Ving Tsun experts ranked at Fifth Degree and above are known as Masters. In addition to having completed the technical aspects of the art, a Ving Tsun Master is capable of generating considerable striking power and speed. Owing to decades of chi-sau training, they also exhibit a very high standard of automatic reactions. As a true representative of the Ving Tsun system, a Master’s physical skills should be balanced by martial morality and knowledge. Beyond having a thorough understanding Ving Tsun’s foundational theories, a Master will also be knowledgeable in the general theories of other martial arts. Therefore, advancement in the Master ranks is also linked to one’s accomplishments as a teacher, the furtherance of the Ving Tsun system, and to continued growth as a martial artist.
The National Ving Tsun Organization (NVTO) is a professional martial arts association whose purpose is to pass on the traditional concepts of the Ving Tsun kung fu system with a modern approach to training and development. Our founder and leader, Master Jeff Webb, brings more than 36 years of international training and teaching experience to our network of affiliated schools around the country. From the basics through the most advanced levels, the NVTO represents the complete system of Ving Tsun kung fu with a particular emphasis on quality instruction and true martial values.
Every NVTO Certified Instructor is tasked with maintaining high standards of personal skill and instruction, as well as keeping up to date on the latest developments in the training program. An ancient Chinese proverb which speaks of having “many knives, but none of them sharp,” stands as a stark reminder to focus on high quality in one’s techniques rather than a high quantity of techniques.