Black Belt Gradings; elibility and promotion

[sensei8]

Yes it is to a point. This is in some instructors cases, a reason to slow down, slack off and take it easy.

However just because you don't take a test doesn't mean there are not requirements to meet. Teaching, contributions to the art (could be anything from producing high quality instructors to research to writing articles to sitting on the board, etc.), etc. The grade is not given without the board feeling that you are deserving of it. It used to be that Shinshii would determine these grades personally. There were a lot fewer slackers back then.

All curriculum is learned and tested for by Rokudan. Some like me continue to study the art further but others, like I said, use this as a permission to slack off.

Solid post, through and through!!