Time constraints on blackbelt

[Brady]

There is often a lot of talk regarding how short a period of time that some Dojos guarantee the recieving of a black belt. What about dojos, or systems, or senseis that gurantee that you WON'T have a black belt in a certain period of time? I study Shorin-ryu, and I hear alot about how long the system is, and how NO ONE gets a black belt in less than five years. I am respectful of that. One of the reasons that I chose the system was because of it's depth. But, let's pretend, just for the sake of dialouge, that I was really, really good (I don't think I am.) Shouldn't I be able to move along faster than the "approved rate?" Just looking for some thoughts on the subject.

[MartialArthur]

I am familiar with a number of MA schools in several states, and I have yet to hear of a school that guarantees a black belt to anyone. The one exception: several posts on this board about some un-named schools.

I don't believe that any real MA instructors guarantee a Black Belt in a certain time frame. Whoever posted that misunderstood the instructor (or the person who knows someone who's cousin's friend said that...)

I do think most instructors and most orgs have a minimum time to reach any rank, including Black Belt. I think that is appropriate, and there should not be an accelerated or fast-track program to Black Belt.

[red dawn]

There is often a lot of talk regarding how short a period of time that some Dojos guarantee the recieving of a black belt. What about dojos, or systems, or senseis that gurantee that you WON'T have a black belt in a certain period of time? I study Shorin-ryu, and I hear alot about how long the system is, and how NO ONE gets a black belt in less than five years. I am respectful of that. One of the reasons that I chose the system was because of it's depth. But, let's pretend, just for the sake of dialouge, that I was really, really good (I don't think I am.) Shouldn't I be able to move along faster than the "approved rate?" Just looking for some thoughts on the subject.

You also have to remember that getting a black belt isn't 100% about skill, it also takes experience, and experience cannot be rushed.

[Menjo]

Good posts above, in my school. Future black belts have many years because the time between each level is made so by the time the practitioner is the black belt, he/she would have already had to make some serious commitments. Our school does not garuntee belts of any sort though.

[pineapple]

I don't believe in time requirements, however I do believe in ability requirements.

I have had many students who had numerous years of prior training in numerous different schools and they performed the requirements for each belt much quicker than the students with no prior experience and I could see no reason to hold them back.

[karatekid1975]

I have been training 5 and a half years (in a few MA's. TKD for 4 years). In some TKD schools (Mcdojos) I should be a 2nd dan by now. I don't have a BB yet. Like was said above, "you also have to remember that getting a black belt isn't 100% about skill, it also takes experience, and experience cannot be rushed." And mental attitude. I am picky when I test (but I don't wait years either).

[Red J]

I do think most instructors and most orgs have a minimum time to reach any rank, including Black Belt. I think that is appropriate, and there should not be an accelerated or fast-track program to Black Belt.

I like this response as the exception to the above statement.

I don't believe in time requirements, however I do believe in ability requirements. I have had many students who had numerous years of prior training in numerous different schools and they performed the requirements for each belt much quicker than the students with no prior experience and I could see no reason to hold them back.

I belong to a school where promotions are based on ability. I came in as a brown in another style and was ranked as an intermediate student. I quickly learned the curriculum (I already had all the strikes, kicks, grappling, etc.) and tested for black in just over 2.5 years (if you add in my other training it would be @ another 3 years). Conversely, some of my friends took five to seven years to make black. I have a friend that has been training six years that just made brown. No promotions are made just for having time in, you have to have the skill and material.

Edited February 19, 2006 by Red J

[AngelaG]

I am familiar with a number of MA schools in several states, and I have yet to hear of a school that guarantees a black belt to anyone.

We guarantee a black belt to everyone... all it takes is a lot of hard work, attendance to lessons, knowledge, dedication, spirit, power... etc.

What I am trying to say is that we provide the raw material, it's up to you what you do with it.

[MartialArthur]

Yes, but you do not guarantee that an individual will receive a black belt, including slackers and poor students or bad attitudes. What if I work hard for 2 years and then die? Do I get my money back?

My point is that I think it's a myth that some schools guarantee a black belt in a certain amount of time. It just doesn't happen in real MA schools, even the ones that some may call a "McDojo".

[Red J]

I think if you walk into a school and they say that you will be a black belt in two years, you better think twice. A good school may give you an average range but will not make promises or guarantees of timelines.