Your opinion doesn't matter unless you're a black belt

[darksoul]

I don't see it like that, I was awarded my Nidan in 2000, finished training in Shorinji Karate in 2004. I only started again in 2012, this time in Shito Ryu and Shukokai Karate. I believe if you don't train in a style anymore you can't hold the grade or wear the belt. I'm a proud 6th Kyu green belt in Shukokai now. I have 25 years of experience in three Karate Styles, Kobudo and Wing Chun Kung Fu. I am respected by my Sensei as a Martial artist, but I enjoy my beginner mind.

Just because you hold a black belt doesn't mean you shouldn't have a beginner's mind in the dojo. Truth of the matter, you are Nidan in Shorinji Karate. Nothing, and no one, can take that away from you. You are 6th Kyu in Shukokai.

I'm Shodan in Shaolin Kempo and believe me, I still feel like a white belt at times, and that, I think, is exactly what propels martial artists to be better. The journey doesn't stop at black belt, it finally starts.

[DoctorQui]

The journey doesn't stop at black belt, it finally starts.

This this this!!!

[Harkon72]

My 15 years of studying Shorin Ryu is very valuable to me. I am proud of my Nidan and all the experience I have. My classes with the Shukokai Sensei are interesting and he respects me. I pass on my knowledge to his Dan grades all the time. Thank you for your vote of confidence. Osu!!

[Reaper6]

Every student has something to teach, and every teacher has something to learn. I try to be open and aware for the the teachable moments I may encounter along the way.

[ShoriKid]

It happens to the kyu ranks. And, it continues to happen with Dan grades as well. I've seen 1st and 2nd dan cut out of conversations with 4/5th dan folks. A lot of the "you just started really training" gets thrown around then. Never mind that some of those 1st & 2nd dans have as much, or more time training as those with more stripes. As long as there is respect all the way around, everyone should have a chance to express their opinion. At the proper time.

[Nidan Melbourne]

i noticed that a lot from a lot of dan graded karateka's. But to me i have always asked any student (even white belts) to watch my kata and give me any feedback they thought was necessary.

Even if it was them asking what a technique (or sequence of techniques) does.

[ShotokanMaster]

everybody has the right to say their opinion weather your a black belt brown belt green belt why just because your not a black belt you dont have the right to say whats on your mind or opinion of course you do right

[bushido_man96]

everybody has the right to say their opinion weather your a black belt brown belt green belt why just because your not a black belt you dont have the right to say whats on your mind or opinion of course you do right

The key is being respectful when you go about it. Asking a question just between you and the instructor can be a better option than blurting something out in the middle of class. Every scenario is different, so make sure to approach each one accordingly.

[CredoTe]

everybody has the right to say their opinion weather your a black belt brown belt green belt why just because your not a black belt you dont have the right to say whats on your mind or opinion of course you do right

The key is being respectful when you go about it. Asking a question just between you and the instructor can be a better option than blurting something out in the middle of class. Every scenario is different, so make sure to approach each one accordingly.

Totally agree Respect is the key issue, and respecting all means upper level karateka being open to listen to opinions / insights from any other karateka regardless of rank.

I know several already responded to this image a while ago, but...

This graph is EPIC...

A friend of mine made this handy guide to how GENERALLY uptight different ranks are about getting input from others, especially low ranks.

http://www.niceboots.org/~evergrey/Kyokushin/takingcomments.jpg

[sensei8]

everybody has the right to say their opinion weather your a black belt brown belt green belt why just because your not a black belt you dont have the right to say whats on your mind or opinion of course you do right

The key is being respectful when you go about it. Asking a question just between you and the instructor can be a better option than blurting something out in the middle of class. Every scenario is different, so make sure to approach each one accordingly.

Yes, however, the question asked might be a question that other students were afraid to ask for whatever the reason(s). Be respectful, but ask nonetheless!!