Time in grade

[sensei8]

I ran a school that used a stripe system with colored belt ranks, but we only gave out 3 stripes; one for the required techniques of the rank, one for the form, and one for the one-steps. They were nice, because you could just glance at the students belts, and know what they had down, and what they would need to work on. Only 2 stripes? Sorry, test next time.

Brian,

Are these stripes awarded in the order that you've described here? If, not, how do all of the instructors know who knows what?

Typically, Bob, yes, the stripes were earned "in order," mainly because of the natural flow of things in the class. Basics, then forms were learned, and one-steps followed. However, if there was some deviation, say, one-steps were learned first, then I would put that stripe higher up on the belt, and leave room for the other stripes below it. That usually worked out well for me.

Aha! I see! I like the format! As you said..."because of the natural flow of things in the class. Basics, then forms were learned, and one-steps followed."

Thanks for the info!

[bushido_man96]

You're welcome, Bob.

[Dobbersky]

OSU,

In my school (I am the Senior Instructor - Nidan, I've trained in different arts which adds upto 13+ years) Shodan usually takes around 4 years although in my Wado Ryu Class (I cross train in that) it has taken me 4 years to get to 4th Kyu Purple belt. The Wado Club's been grading everone only 1 time per year - I'm at a plateau (I feel like I'm not moving on, I'll be Sandan in my own style before I even get near to Shodan in Wado) as I though its going to take me atleast 4 years longer to get to 1st Kyu and atleast 1 more year to get Shodan. so in total 9 years.

I'm thinking that if I joined another Wado Club, if they acknowledged my 4th Kyu Grade I could get to Shodan in 2 1/2 years or there abouts so that I can begin to learn what Wado is all about.

I've already taught myself Naihanchi and Niseishi, I can learn Passai, its just Kushanku, Seishan and Chinto that are the issue as well as the Ohyo and Kihon Gumites.

I am also contemplating starting at new style's club under a different Instructor completely as I am sure I will reach Yudansha grades quicker. To me as I am already Yudansha I know that the kyu grades are a way of measuring how well you know the techniques for each grade untiil you reach shodan and then that's when you start to learn.

Am I wrong to feel like this? I keep questioning myself, I am the "best" in my school regards techniques, kata, and all other requirements for my style. But I am just feeling that my own Yudansha grade is treated like its not worth the paper its written on in their eyes. It burning me up and I don't wish to leave the club on bad terms

Appologies for my rant and if you have any advise I will gladly take it.

Arigato gazimasu

[ShoriKid]

There is nothing wrong with feeling that way. Seems the Wado club your in grading just once a year, and if I'm understanding you correctly, one kyu grade at a time. If that's so, they are basically just holding people back for the purpose of holding them back. I'm of the opinion, and people can disagree, that your not controlling standards at that point, just dragging out the process for reasons that have nothing to do with skill. As a nidan with a lot of time in(same situation here, 16 years time, a shodan since 96'), if your coming from a similar art, once you have the small changes down, you should progress fairly quickly.

Chasing color(promotions/rank) is not a good thing, but if your wanting recognition for the hard work and skill you have, and that is what rank is meant for, you should get it. I can see some time requirements in grade for new students, and at some upper yudansha to have a chance to continue to polish techniques. But, at a certain point, you are arbitrarily holding people back.

I'll continue with more thoughts later. Time to go to a cookout.

[Dobbersky]

Thanks Shorikid-san

Its much appreciated. It is kind of hard especially when you spent a year practicing the same thing, for the first few months it is good you put the effert in etc but after a while you loose the "heart" in it. I never felt like that whilst I was going through the grades of my core style, and I still feel the joy of practicing the techniques even now

arigato gazimasu

[bushido_man96]

Dobbersky:

I think that ShoriKid does bring up a good point. I was in the same boat with my current TKD organization. My instructor had asked the GM to allow me to "test ahead" at the black belt level, because my technique was where it needed to be. At that point, it was pretty much a matter of being able to perform the requirments, and have them memorized. But, the GM declined, citing that I would be a better instructor with the extra time in. Whether or not that is the case, eh, whatever. But, I just took it and went on doing what I was doing.

At the same time, the concerns you mention bring us all back to the "rank doesn't matter" arguement that becomes so prevalent at times. Rank never matters, until it does matter (if that makes sense).

So, I would say, if you enjoy the training, and it is good training, then don't let the lack of recognition by rank worry you. Your skill and ability will be recognized, regardless of the color around your waist.

As sensei8 would say, "the proof is on the floor!"

[nanook660]

White Belts Grade every three months. Once you hit the Coloured Belts it is every 6 months. You can only Grade if your Attendance is good.

[RichardZ]

I could never understand such a grading and time set forth applied to everyone. I would think that peple progess differently than others.

[WireFrame]

Beginner to 1st Kyu, minimum of 3 months training twice a week required.

Between 1st Kyu and 1st Dan, 6 months required.

Between 1st Dan and 2nd Dan, 1 year required.

3rd, 2 yrs.

4th, 3 yrs.

5th, 4 years and so on. Whatever your current dan, that many years.

[Toptomcat]

Why have 'time limits' between belts as anything more than a suggested measure of how long it will take the average person to reach a certain level of competence? A talented, motivated, and physically fit student studying full-time as a live-in student at your style's honbu dojo could easily be expected to reach the level of proficiency expected of a shodan in as little as six months. Conversely, a listless, unfit student studying infrequently in an overcrowded class with an underqualified teacher will likely never reach that level.

The intent behind them is good, but such time limits are unhelpful, vague indications at best of the true ability of a karateka.

A minimum number of active hours spent training would be a much more sensible and useful metric.