Jukyu - Ikkyu

[sensei8]

Let's not ever forget the Mudansha ranks because without them, there is no way to obtain any Yudansha ranks. I've always felt that white belt was the most important belt of them all because without white belt, the other belts are unattainable! To those who are in a style of the martial arts where rank is common and/or part of that particular landscape, let's look at some basic Mudansha generalization criteria:

Jukyu, Kukyu, and Hachikyu: This is the ability level (novice/beginner) wherein the individual is able to perform and apply the most simple external actions and techniques.

Nanakyu/Shichikyu, Rokukyu, Gokyu, and Yonkyu: Each of these intermediate levels requires an increased stage of development of both technical and mental skills.

Sankyu, Nikyu, and Ikkyu: At this advanced level of ability, overall technique in all areas should beging to take on a very clear a distinct understanding.

Opinions? How close is your style's Mudansha criteria to those listed here?

***Please refrain from speaking ill of those styles of the martial arts and/or the practitioners that do use the kyu/dan ranking. If your particular style doesn't use the kyu/dan ranking, then possibly this topic isn't for you. In advanced; I thank you!

[sensei8]

38 views and no replies...okie dokie. It would seem to me that kyu ranks are more unimportant than I thought.

[DWx]

I'd agree with your break down of it Bob. We assign meanings to the colour of our belts using an analogy of each stage of a plants growth. 1st couple of belts is laying the foundation, then development, then maturity before reaching a level of proficiency.

[Rateh]

We also use the plant growth analogy.

White Belt (11th Kup & 10th Kup) - Brand new seed

Yellow Belt (9th, 8th, & 7th Kup) - Seed is beginning to grow and sprout

Green Belt (6th & 5th Kup) - Seed is growing into a tall tree with green leaves. The tree begins to provide shade and protection for the seeds below it.

Purple Belt (4.5th Kup) - Tree begins to grow fruit. The fruit provides nourishment for others.

Blue Belt (4th & 3rd Kup) - The sky is the color blue and provides oxygen for all living creatures.

Red Belt (2nd Kup, 1st Kup, & Red/Black Belt which is black belt candidate) - The sun provides heat and life to the whole earth; however, the sun can be very dangerous as well (There tends to be a vast amount of knowledge and technique but little control with Red Belts).

Black Belt - The universe. The possibilities are endless and the expanse of the universe is limitless. There is room for creation and innovation. At this rank students must give back to others what they have been given. Black belt means teacher.

This is quoted directly out of our curriculum. (Although I added the kup numbers for everyone's benefit). Students testing for purple belt are expected to be able to explain what each color represents, as well as how that applies to their training.

I know there has been debate in other threads about whether black belt = teacher. In our system students are taught how to teach and become assistants starting at purple belt. Students are not tested to black belt unless they are also able to and regularly teaching. So the statement "black belt means teacher" applies for us.

White-green belts spend most of their time learning material. Purple belt they go back over everything they have learned and try and take it to a new level of technical ability. Blue belts they learn more material again but keep that higher level of ability. Red belt they really refine their techniques to prepare for black belt.

We also have a temporary black belt. Which isn't a kup, and isn't a dan. All students, adults and juniors, must spend 1 year as a temporary. These students further refine themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually before testing for their 1st dan. They also have a few additional forms that temporary black belts do not test on.

Edited for spelling

[sensei8]

I'd agree with your break down of it Bob. We assign meanings to the colour of our belts using an analogy of each stage of a plants growth. 1st couple of belts is laying the foundation, then development, then maturity before reaching a level of proficiency.

Meanings of the belt color!? Interesting. Can you give me an example. When I took TKD in high school, GM Young Ik Suh, for example, said that the yellow belt meant "spring beginner". Is that what you mean?

[sensei8]

We also use the plant growth analogy.

White Belt (11th Kup & 10th Kup) - Brand new seed

Yellow Belt (9th, 8th, & 7th Kup) - Seed is beginning to grow and sprout

Green Belt (6th & 5th Kup) - Seed is growing into a tall tree with green leaves. The tree begins to provide shade and protection for the seeds below it.

Purple Belt (4.5th Kup) - Tree begins to grow fruit. The fruit provides nourishment for others.

Blue Belt (4th & 3rd Kup) - The sky is the color blue and provides oxygen for all living creatures.

Red Belt (2nd Kup, 1st Kup, & Red/Black Belt which is black belt candidate) - The sun provides heat and life to the whole earth; however, the sun can be very dangerous as well (There tends to be a vast amount of knowledge and technique but little control with Red Belts).

Black Belt - The universe. The possibilities are endless and the expanse of the universe is limitless. There is room for creation and innovation. At this rank students must give back to others what they have been given. Black belt means teacher.

This is quoted directly out of our curriculum. (Although I added the kup numbers for everyone's benefit). Students testing for purple belt are expected to be able to explain what each color represents, as well as how that applies to their training.

I know there has been debate in other threads about whether black belt = teacher. In our system students are taught how to teach and become assistants starting at purple belt. Students are not tested to black belt unless they are also able to and regularly teaching. So the statement "black belt means teacher" applies for us.

White-green belts spend most of their time learning material. Purple belt they go back over everything they have learned and try and take it to a new level of technical ability. Blue belts they learn more material again but keep that higher level of ability. Red belt they really refine their techniques to prepare for black belt.

We also have a temporary black belt. Which isn't a kup, and isn't a dan. All students, adults and juniors, must spend 1 year as a temporary. These students further refine themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually before testing for their 1st dan. They also have a few additional forms that temporary black belts do not test on.

Edited for spelling

Very interesting...and I like your post. Shindokan doesn't have meanings for each belt color, we're so boring and plain.

[DWx]

I'd agree with your break down of it Bob. We assign meanings to the colour of our belts using an analogy of each stage of a plants growth. 1st couple of belts is laying the foundation, then development, then maturity before reaching a level of proficiency.

Meanings of the belt color!? Interesting. Can you give me an example. When I took TKD in high school, GM Young Ik Suh, for example, said that the yellow belt meant "spring beginner". Is that what you mean?

http://www.comdo.com/reference04.html

[sensei8]

I'd agree with your break down of it Bob. We assign meanings to the colour of our belts using an analogy of each stage of a plants growth. 1st couple of belts is laying the foundation, then development, then maturity before reaching a level of proficiency.

Meanings of the belt color!? Interesting. Can you give me an example. When I took TKD in high school, GM Young Ik Suh, for example, said that the yellow belt meant "spring beginner". Is that what you mean?

http://www.comdo.com/reference04.html

Aha, that is what you mean. I really liked that Danielle....and I thank you!