Insight on Double Promotion

[Danielsan]

I think that at the lower grades there isn't a problem of speed promoting someone who is at the level of the highest belt awarded. The point of a belt is so represent knowledge, ability, and dedication. I think someone who trains whole heartily and excels deserves to be promote just as much, if not more, than someone who just goes through the motions and meets the minimums. Also, what do you do with someone who's had previous experience?

[blackxpress]

Never say never. For the most part I think double promotions should not be done. However, there are exceptions to everything. I myself was double promoted once. It was a small school and I had been training every night with a student that had been there longer than I had. When we tested there were just the two of us. He was testing for his blue belt (4th kyu) and I was testing for orange (3rd kyu). Before the test the Senseis agreed that I already knew all the material for the blue belt because I had been the other guy's uke for so long. They didn't tell me ahead of time but they agreed that they would put me through the same test as the other guy and if I did well they would move me from yellow to blue. When the test was over and they tied the blue belt around me I was honored and at the same time a little embarrassed. They said it was the only time in the history of that school that they had ever double promoted anyone but it was kind of a special circumstance.