How does the ranking system work in kung fu,eg. a Grand Master 12th degree? outside china.?

Answer 1

There is no belt ranking system in traditional Kung Fu. There are of course, different levels of proficiency between students. However, to establish arbitrary student classifications by using belt colors or a similar ranking system is improper in keeping with the true philosophy of Kung Fu. No student will be categorized but accepted and treated as an individual.

Answer 2

In China there's a official ranking system in place. Each rank is graded by your achievement and contribution to the Wushu Society. A China National Wushu competition Elite will be rank in the area of 4-7 depending on their achievement.

While a grandmaster of any particular sect will be bestow certain rank according to his status. So far there's only 3 9th ranked masters in China, but my knowledge might be obsoleted cos I stopped Wushu 3 years back.

As for individual school's rank system will varies and of no importance, except to the students of that school.

Answer 3

My understanding is that in China during the old days, one who establishes his own school and style is considered a Grandmaster after his senior students becomes masters themselves and open their own school and have their own students who do the same. It is more of a status than rank, much the same as between Grandfather, father and grandson. It was only when the martial arts was introduced in the west, that the term Grandmaster became a rank to aspire to by following a series of exams and requirements to qualify for said rank.