The lists above give you an idea of what a general progression through the different styles can look like. Of course an exhaustive list to summarize such a large curriculum is quite difficult to assemble. This is because of the interplay between the different modes of training between empty hand, weapon, and internal systems. A good foundation in the basic training of the external system is optimum. However, from that point on, there are many options available. Even when designing a specific path there are some things that may need to be taken into consideration. For example, if your direction brings you to learning spear, this can be done after fundamental skill building with the basic forms, but to truly and comprehensively understand the techniques, it may be beneficial to have learned the forms Xing Yi Quan and 8 Immortals Staff prior. Xing Yi employs the same body structure for technique development and staff will introduce the practitioner to double handed weapons. Likewise, learning a form like Monk Spade (listed above as "Shovel") is best after having learned basic training, staff, and halberd though it would also be an asset to have learned a conditioning form like BaJi Quan. Also it would be beneficial to have been introduced to the soft body fajin techniques in TaiYi Quan as it will help the student to round off their practice and not develop weakness. 

Qigong, on the other hand, should be something that is trained in tandem with whichever system that you focus on. The benefits of this practice and how it complements training in general should not be underestimated. Qigong, and other "soft" practices like Taiji Quan and Meditation, help one to develop stability and balance. Without even going into the deeper levels of internal alchemy and just treating these arts as a physical practice, we can see the advantages that come with a regular and balanced training routine. 

With all of this said, one can see how having a knowledgeable and experienced teacher is of paramount importance when designing your own training plan. Students learn at different rates and excel in different skills. Being able to judge and guide a student through this process is the responsibility of the teacher. Having this understanding and trust within the student-teacher relationship is something that benefits both parties. It brings steady progress and improvement to the student and it allows the teacher to offer the best possible path for success.

However, it should be noted that developing gongfu requires time and commitment and this comprehensive path may not be for everyone. This is also ok and this is part of the communication with the teacher that needs to take place. While it may be recommended, and possibly even necessary in the traditional sense, that students follow whatever path is laid out before them, this is not always the case. For students with a specific interest in a certain aspect or even a certain form, this may be communicated and the training plan adjusted. What is organized and stated above is simply a more traditional path.