Universal Martial Arts Grading System

[VeteranNinja]

How do people feel to have a grade system like the kyu/dan system used in japanese/korean martial arts to be used for all martial arts, including those such as boxing that may not necessarily use a grade system other than through proffesional fights? the reason i ask this is because, i think it will make it easier to compare skill levels of a person, and acknowledge how long they have been training for and a guide to see how far they are along with their training, as well as giving a person a sense of accomplishment and another qualifcation to add to their acheivements. this can also give a student something to work towards if they may not want to go into the competitive side of things. So, will it be worth it if ALL martial arts has to have some form of a grading system for students to take part in if they should choose?

[MasterPain]

I've heard of kickboxing schools doing this. I see nothing wrong with it, although people will look at you funny when you tell them your belt rank in the art of Scottish Shinkicking.

[kensei]

The problem lies in the quality and expectations of what a black belt is. Our system requires that you understand the basics, know your Kata and are able to defend yourself in Kumite. Some styles are so easy to get a black belt in and you only have to show up wiht a payment on occasion....then BJJ you may make it in 10 years IF your instructor likes you and you have some skills...they make it very hard.

So, you say "Hey, I am a black belt in (TKD/Karate/Judo/BJJ) and they all mean different things to different people!

And lets face it those scotish shinkickers are trouble and scary at the same time!

[sensei8]

If an instructor of any MA doesn't know the levels of their students without a belt system; that instructor has no business being an instructor at all. Not now and not ever!!

[kensei]

If an instructor of any MA doesn't know the levels of their students without a belt system; that instructor has no business being an instructor at all. Not now and not ever!!

True and very wise!

[MasterPain]

If an instructor of any MA doesn't know the levels of their students without a belt system; that instructor has no business being an instructor at all. Not now and not ever!!

And yet belt systems are everywhere.

[sensei8]

If an instructor of any MA doesn't know the levels of their students without a belt system; that instructor has no business being an instructor at all. Not now and not ever!!

And yet belt systems are everywhere.

Yes they are, and I use one. Still, I know exactly what my students' levels are W/O a belt system; the floor gives away everything.

[VeteranNinja]

Although Im not too fussed about grades these days, as i have learnt that experience and knowledge/skill level is more important than rank, , I admittedly though enjoy the fact that there is a grade system in place in the places I train, as it gives me a structure for my training, as well as motivation and a sense of accomplish every time I graded and earnt a new grade. Saying this though, i have found many places where people cared more about how long left until they get their next grade and black belt than their actual training, and i myself fell into that influence for a VERY short period of time. I realised that this is damaging for martial arts to an extent, as people focus more on belt colours than the true meaning of martial arts. However, i still think its a good idea to have a common grade system; BUT ONLY so that it is easier to acknowledge a person's experience when going to train with other clubs/seminars for example. As long as the emphasis isnt on the grade, but ultimately on the person's experience, then all is fine, as I am fully aware that different clubs will definitely have different standards for grades, even for the same grade in the same style.

[kensei]

Why the belt system should not be about WHO IS BETTER

Two stories, the first is about Donna, she is a 59 year old student who has been training since she was 40. She is not as flexible as she used to be but has dedicated herself to Karate for 19 years and while she knows all the Kata she is not great at the dynamic ones and often does not do jumps in Kata anymore because her joints are not doing so well. She wears a black belt becaue she is dedicated and has been going to the Dojo, helping with teaching and been working out to the best of her ability for nearly two decades!

Neil is 19, not even old enough to drink in most states! He has been training for 9 years, about half the time he does not show up but he is a gifted athlete and often shows at tournaments and wins them. His Unsu is shocking and dynamic and he is great when sparring, fast and sharp. He earned the black belt level testing under masters that just ranked him number one in his state for Kata. He is a natural and often gets board in class and never helps out with any marketing or planning events, he just shows up to train when he feels like it and competes hard to win.

Both own Nidans....both wear the same brand of Gi and Obi...but they are not the same.

Belt ranking is also different in different arts.

For instance...I train 4 years in Karate and get my Shodan...4 years in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I might MIGHT get my Purple belt!

[JusticeZero]

Why should I have an alien and non-traditional system from a foreign country..

..that I know little about and that knows little about where my art originates from..

..imposed on my students..

..just so that the people from that foreign country can try to convince themself and others that they can judge how good my students are..

..without ever having to stoop to learning anything about what I do?

That doesn't sound very appealing to me, and I doubt it would be appealing to you if I said "I don't care what kyu you say you are. Here, wear this yellow and green twisted rope tied at the side instead. That's the only way we're going to know how good you are. Maybe one day you might be able to wear a white rope instead!"