Isshinryu88 Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 If this is a subject that has been dealt with before, I apologize. I couldn't figure out a search to find out what I was curious about. My question is what differentiates a Nidan from a SHodan and a Sandan from a Nidan. Do you see it as small journey on a continuum or is there a vast difference between each rank? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shorinryu Sensei Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 You don't generally see huge differances between one belt rank and the next usually, but there should, as you progress, be subtle refining of technique, control, power, etc. Between the dan ranks there can be differances that would only be apparent to someone familiar with tht particular system. To give you an example from my own experience, I am ranked as a sandan and my senior student is a nidan. I have been involved in the arts for nearly 30 years, and he has been my student for about 12 or so. He knows just about everything I know and can teach him, but there are differances in movement, crispness of technique, reactions and control that a lot of people wouldn't see without knowledge of the system we practice. He's very good, 13 years my junior, physically stronger and in some ways faster (mostly kicking)...but he's only defeated me once in light, medium or full contact sparring. Why? Well, partly because I'm a sneaky old bastard I guess , and partly because my body reacts better than his does at this point and more naturally. If you were to watch us in class, you would probably see little differance between our techniques, but where you'll see it the most is in sparring/kumite. My nightly prayer..."Please, just let me win that PowerBall Jackpot just once. I'll prove to you that it won't change me!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G95champ Posted July 31, 2004 Share Posted July 31, 2004 I disagree I think the jumps in Dan grades are huge or should be. This is sort of our differance not necessarly trus just how we explain it. Shodan - you have a basic understaning of all techinqes and kata. Nidan - the big thing here is you can teach and test. Sandan - IMO Sandan is the rank you hit when you are at your best. I think a good third degree should be about to go one on one with anyone and do ok. Yondon - More knowledge. Godon and up basically are age ranks based on exp and the place you hold in a give org. But from my exp. we see a huge differance in first, second and thrid dans. (General George S. Patton Jr.) "It's the unconquerable soul of man, and not the nature of the weapon he uses, that ensures victory." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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