How strict are Shotokan gradings?

[sensei8]

In the Shindokan, there are NO SUBJECTIVE selections whatsoever. Every Testing Cycle candidate has to apply to the Hombu/SKKA through their CI, first and foremost. The CI then must sign-off on each and every Testing Cycle Petition by and before the date of the upcoming Testing Cycle as set forth by the SKKA/Hombu.

Then, once the SKKA/Hombu receives said signed off Testing Cycle Petitions in hand, they are then forwarded to many departments, including its highest department, Administration, in order to determine if said Testing Cycle candidate qualifies for consideration for ANY Testing Cycle.

No, no CI can conduct a Testing Cycle in their own dojo without the explicit written permission of the SKKA/Homu as long as that CI/dojo is a card carrying network dojo with the umbrella of the SKKA/Hombu.

Any Testing Cycle candidate that's been denied consideration, the CI must file a Testing Cycle Waiver to the SKKA/Hombu. That waiver states by the CI the reason(s) why said Testing Cycle candidate shouldn't be considered. At the discretion of the SKKA/Hombu, the SKKA/Hombu will formally contact said CI enquiring about said student(s) as to why a Petition wasn't forwared to the SKKA/Hombu for consideration. That CI better have a solid cause as to why said proper paperwork wasn't forwarded properly in a timely manner.

The SKKA/Hombu carries each and every students Hard Card in a very secure room that very very few have access to, and at all times, two must be present in the Hard Card Room. The Hard Card carries to the Nth degree information about said student. The SKKA/Hombu knows everything and anything about that students history within the SKKA/Hombu...and I mean everything, no rock is left unturned about any and all Testing Cycle candidates. The SKKA can and will deny any and all candidates that do not meet the SKKA/Hombu extremely strict protocol.

A CI and/or student can file an Appeal of Consideration, but very very rarely does see the daylight of round 1 of arbitration, and there are 3 rounds that any and all Appeal's go through.

Why all of this?? Integrity!! Integrity that goes way beyond the scope of any Testing Cycle. The integrity of the SKKA/Hombu and its CI's aren't for sale in any shape, way, and form. Testing Cycles, and the like, are just an infinitesimal part of Shindokan/SKKA/Hombu; there's so much more important things for both the Student Body and the SKKA/Hombu to consider other than if a student ever attends any Testing Cycle.

Rank is WAY WAY WAY WAY UNDER knowledge and experience.

[SLK59]

Why all of this?? Integrity!! Integrity that goes way beyond the scope of any Testing Cycle. The integrity of the SKKA/Hombu and its CI's aren't for sale in any shape, way, and form. Testing Cycles, and the like, are just an infinitesimal part of Shindokan/SKKA/Hombu; there's so much more important things for both the Student Body and the SKKA/Hombu to consider other than if a student ever attends any Testing Cycle.

I could not agree more. In Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), white and brown belt (kyu) gradings are held twice a year, in April and November. Students are asked to test by their instructor when he/she thinks that they are ready to do so. Black belt (dan) gradings are held once a year at Special Trainings (gasshuku). Candidates are invited to test, and are graded by senior members of the Black Belt Committee. Also, SKA does not charge grading fees - ranking is considered to be a benefit of membership in the organization.

As SKA founder Tsutomu Ohshima said, in his book Notes on Training:

“the exam is not our goal; it is only one kind of practice for us. No matter where, no matter what, we have to express our best.”

Cheers,

Scott

[sensei8]

Why all of this?? Integrity!! Integrity that goes way beyond the scope of any Testing Cycle. The integrity of the SKKA/Hombu and its CI's aren't for sale in any shape, way, and form. Testing Cycles, and the like, are just an infinitesimal part of Shindokan/SKKA/Hombu; there's so much more important things for both the Student Body and the SKKA/Hombu to consider other than if a student ever attends any Testing Cycle.

I could not agree more. In Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), white and brown belt (kyu) gradings are held twice a year, in April and November. Students are asked to test by their instructor when he/she thinks that they are ready to do so. Black belt (dan) gradings are held once a year at Special Trainings (gasshuku). Candidates are invited to test, and are graded by senior members of the Black Belt Committee. Also, SKA does not charge grading fees - ranking is considered to be a benefit of membership in the organization.

As SKA founder Tsutomu Ohshima said, in his book Notes on Training:

“the exam is not our goal; it is only one kind of practice for us. No matter where, no matter what, we have to express our best.”

Cheers,

Scott

Solid post!!