What matters most for Grad school admissions ? Practical grades or Theory grades?
I may be suggesting the obvious but it will depend on your program and your level.

For a course based masters program with a practical bent I would imagine they would look upon your grades favourably. These tend to include some sort of practical capstone project required to earn the degree. If it's thesis based, it would tend to imply some theoretical work.

For a PhD, expect theory. Really, why else would they be PhDs?

Further, most of the applications I've seen (and submitted) tend to speak to a well rounded applicant profile. They want to know about the work you've done, volunteer experience, publications, and your academic history. 

But perhaps most importantly in your situation, they tend to want some form of personal statement outlining why you both want and deserve to be in a program. This would be your opportunity to convince them; much like a cover letter.

I'm in the western world however, and cant speak to institutions beyond that sphere.