Where is the line from brown to black?

[obiwansbane]

i just wanted some input from you guys... since i am in karate, info from other karatekas would be most appreciated but all other styles i would like to know how you guys judge your students also...

my question is... what differs one of your brown belts, from another brown belt that you have told is belt testing for their first degree black...

where is that line where you find a brown belt capable of having a black belt around their waist.. all they have to do is prove it under pressure

[bushido_man96]

Many times, it is to see if the brown belt is willing to put in the time to wait to get the black belt. I have seen many students taper off or just quit after getting their black belt, thinking they have reached the pinnacle. If a student has to put in one year between brown and black, then you can tell if they are in it for the long haul.

Also, they have to show maturity to handle the pressure of being an example in class, and helping out, and learning how to teach in some instances.

[lordtariel]

I kind of see it this way. When you get your brown belt,(3rd kyu) It's the same as any other rank. When you get to your second brown belt,(2nd kyu) You've learned the techniques necessary for your black belt. At your third belt(1st kyu) you're focusing on getting ready to test for black, sharpening techniques, building power, improving timing, ect. This isn't to say that someone who has a brown belt isn't necessarily ready for the black belt. I've seen a couple people in our dojo jump a rank or two and be allowed to test for black belt based on attitude and performance,(on the recommendation of a panel of masters during a gasshku) but that is an exception, not a rule.

[Shotokan-kez]

Yes i totally agree, from 3rd to 1st kyu is a battle for the student and they must show maturity and perserverence. Being a 1st kyu myself it has been a long fight and i haven't finnished yet, it gets harder and harder and it's down to the student to prove they are up for the task.

Like Lordtariel said sometimes there are exceptions when a student excells and is virtually ready to wear the black belt sooner. I find this situation to be rare, well it is in our club anyway. We do have a rule that no skipping is allowed from 3rd to 1st kyu.

I think for me i wouldn't want to be one of those students, i much prefer to wait.

[bushido_man96]

Good explanation, guys.

[cathal]

Something else I have noticed is that one day they will come to class and there will be a change in their attitude, their technique, their presence.

That's when you know.

[bushido_man96]

Something else I have noticed is that one day they will come to class and there will be a change in their attitude, their technique, their presence.

That's when you know.

That's one of those moments that make you feel tingly as an instructor.

[Shotokan-kez]

I wouldn't know about that, as i'm not an instructor but i do see where your coming from. My sensei doesn't compliment very much, if he says nothing or just 'good' then you know your ok, if he doesn't like what your doing..you better watch out lol.

I can often look around the class though i think to myself 'man he's good, or she's good'.

[cathal]

Well that is how you know your instructor is a good one. An instructor that constantly praises or constantly gripes isn't a good sign.

[Shotokan-kez]

Yeah i guess so Cathal, sensei has just turned 60, im dreading when he decides to retire! If you look on our website then click video on the side it shows him performing Unsu...he is still awsome at 60!