Rank and Testing in the grappling arts

[yoriki816]

I was curious after reading a rather lengthy tpic about how many people feel that rank testing and the involved fees etc are a scam what the consensus was with the students of the non-striking systems. It seems that grappling styles such as Aikido, Judo, and Jujitsu take longer to acchieve rank in than other styes such as Karate, Tang Soo Do, and Tae Kwon Do. My question is whether or not the difference in the amount of time in study required for a student to acchieve the upper ranks, also effects their opinion on rank and belt testings.

 

I don't plan to list what I have observed in the other forum so as to get more unbiased feedback. But I will share my thoughts on testing in the studio where I train.

 

In our system the instructor decides when a student is ready for promotion, and while there is a minimum amount of practice time spent in order to be elligible, it is exacty that merely a minimum. Very few students test within just a few hours of that required allotment. Exams do cost more as you progress in rank, but it covers registration with the international organization and a certificate fee. Sensei's in most cases buy the new belts in preparation for the test out of their own pocket. I for one have given all of my old belts to promising new students who I have enjoyed teaching. The only belt I still have is the one I wear now. And when I pass a belt along to a newly promoted student it is with the stipulation that he pass it along in turn to a student he or she feels is deserving to wear it.

 

I have observed that many people seem to feel that rank exams and the belt system are merely tools for the commercial dojo to make money. I disagree.

 

For one, in randori I can tell in an instant what range of techniques a particular students can fall from and which attacks he or she can defend against, all based on the color of the belt they are wearing. This safety feature allows for a more realistic practice without undue risk of injury.

 

I do agree that in the goal oriented society we live in many people need short terms goals and the recognition that comes from acchieving them. But is that such a bad thing if the accomplishment and accolades are earned rather than simply part of an agreement made when signing a contract to train for "x" number of years. As long as the instructor is awarding rank based on performance and nothing else where is the harm in it.

 

Another advantage to rank exams is it shows how a student handles performing technique under stress. I personally found that the further along in rank I went the easier it was for me to put my stress and worry about failure aside and just do what I had been practicing like nothing was riding on it. I personally think that this particular aspect of testing can very easily bleed over to confrontations. If you learn to puch you emotions aside and perform with a clear mind the risk of needlessly hurting someone or being injured yourself is greatly reduced.

 

With all of that said I'm looking forward to hearing everyone else's opinion on this topic.

[Freestyler]

It really depends on the dojang... some dojos hand them out as long as they get the $$$ - which I don't agree with.

 

Others hand them out based on what the student can do. I know all belts in my dojo are definitely earnt, 'cause after blue belt which you have to pay to test for, you get awarded stripes for your purple/brown belt whenever the instructor thinks you're ready for free. I think I might actually grade next time, I set myself a goal to be at blue belt level by my 21st birthday.

 

But, yeah, I don't need the belt system to motivate me, or tell me how good/bad I am - I know what I can & can't do.

[Kyle-san]

In the Aki-Jujitsu dojo that I train(ed) in my sensei would just tell people when they were advanced enough to be moved up. "[Name], you're in the wrong line. Move up with the [belt colour]s"

[dc1]

My feeling on rank is that your belt only covers 2" of your ass the rest you have to take care of yourself.