double grading

[jacksonsalt]

what do u guys think about double grading i have done karate before and i just started a new style but many of the katas are the same.

[username8517]

In all honesty it depends on what your sensei feels about the situation. When I went from one type of karate to another I started out as a white belt as I'm assuming you are from what I gather in your post. And like you, there were many katas that were very similar to what I had done in the past with slight differences here and there.

I was lucky enough to do double testing for the first few kyu ranks because of the similarities between the two styles. However, this was a decision made by my sensei without any input from me. I never brought up the notion of a double test and was never informed until after the testing that it was a double test.

If you're concerned about "repeating" material you already know, I would just say go with the flow. There are bound to be even slight differences between styles that you'll need to work on.

Alternatively, you could ask the sensei if he/she can allot 10 minutes with you after each class and run through one or two the katas that are the same, asking to be shown the differences and what the bunkai behind them are. Then practice, practice, and practice some more. When you have those down, move on to the next kata or two, etc etc. But never bring up double grading as it could possibly be taken the wrong way. Instead, show that you deserve to be double graded through your hard work and dedication.

In the end, just remember that your sensei is probably just wanting to make sure he/she's feels is best for you. I don't think I've met one sensei who's ever wanted to hold a student back unjustly.

[jacksonsalt]

ty bearich i wasnt going to ask my sensei anyway though as i also thought he might take it the wrong way.

[bushido_man96]

Double grading is kind of a nice courtesy by the instructors who recognize that you have prior experience, and are willing to get you to the rank equivialent of their style.

[lordtariel]

The way I see it. If you can meet the proficiency requirements, there's no real reason why you shouldn't, at least at the lower rankings. I can understand a sensei not wanting people to go to their dojo, test all the way to black belt in a few months and just leave.

[shukokai2000]

i've heard of students who are Blackbelts in a particular style, then go to another simialar style get the same Dan grade with in the year an so forth, then advertise thay are blackbelts in several different dtyles, surley this is the back door of aquiring grades...

[obiwansbane]

i've heard of students who are Blackbelts in a particular style, then go to another simialar style get the same Dan grade with in the year an so forth, then advertise thay are blackbelts in several different dtyles, surley this is the back door of aquiring grades...

well you see in the year that they were training they have, using their prior knowledge of the martial arts, been able to master to their dan level, the subtle nuances between the styles... this being said, if they can execute the same technique in both styles and can explain the difference, they deserve to be bragging about 2 belts

[bushido_man96]

i've heard of students who are Blackbelts in a particular style, then go to another simialar style get the same Dan grade with in the year an so forth, then advertise thay are blackbelts in several different dtyles, surley this is the back door of aquiring grades...

well you see in the year that they were training they have, using their prior knowledge of the martial arts, been able to master to their dan level, the subtle nuances between the styles... this being said, if they can execute the same technique in both styles and can explain the difference, they deserve to be bragging about 2 belts

I think this is the reason why you see friends in other styles just getting together to work out and trade ideas, as opposed to attending each others' school and attaining rank.

[Shotokan-kez]

I did double grade when i had a short time in shukokai. I had always dont shotokan but gave shukokai a try, i skipped from white belt to yellow. Still...i decided to stick to what i was better at and went back to shotokan.

Like others have said, if you are good enough and show it, there is no reason why you shouldn't double grade.