Within the four branches of the Southern Praying Mantis system there is still a lack of a unified idea of ranking structure and how it should be defined by the art. We even see within Chow Gar SPM a divergence in the ranking structure. Within the Hong Kong representatives of the art we see 12 levels being used. The rest of the Chow Gar community uses 10 levels.
Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Ranking
The requirements vary slightly from instructor to instructor but the core principles that are taught at each level are very much the same. This can make the learning of the material a bit confusing but the body mechanics are the same for each level no matter what instructor you go to. The rankings are defined as follows outside of Hong Kong.
White – Stage 1
The basic mastery of the core principles begins at this stage. Showing up does not earn you this stage. The stepping and stance work help strengthen the legs and body. Basic iron hand training and body conditioning begin at this stage and continue throughout training. Training the initial techniques helps to teach the basic boundaries of the body. The initial attack principles as taught by the first 5 foundation techniques. The first core form, Sarm Bo Jin, contains all of these basic principles as well as body and power development and trained similar to Sanchin.
Red – Stage 2 and 3
Strength and endurance are increased at these two stages. Sensitivity training, kicking, and Chin Na are stressed here as well to give the foundation for these principles through the rest of the training. We also approach fighting principles and sequences to condition responses and train muscle memory. At the third stage we begin sparing practice.
Brown – Stage 4, 5, 6
Emphasis is on rhythm and timing with fighting concepts. Advanced skills and sensitivity exercises are taught at this stage. Breathing exercises and internal development including Iron Shirt begins at these stages. Floor fighting is also addressed at these stages.
Black – Stage 7, 8, 9
Serious expansion of the internal skills and weapons are taught at these stages. The focus is on heavy shock power development and physiological knowledge. Breathing and seated internal exercises are taught here.
Black/gold – Stage 10
The study of Dit Dar medicine and Say Yuet striking. All weapons for the system have been learned at this stage with two being specialized in. This is where the knowledge and understanding of the whole system is tested.
This is the basics of how the ranking system within Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis breaks down. As I have stated before, the actual requirements can vary from instructor to instructor but the core concepts will remain the same for each stage. The Chow Gar branch has a very vast wealth of information to learn and understand. This is not an art to jump into and expect to breeze through. You can expect to work hard at this art for quite a while to get anywhere within it.