SevenStar Posted May 19, 2003 Posted May 19, 2003 It's rightfully theirs when they posses the attributes - both physical and mental - that a bb should have - a kid just will not have those physical attributes.
monkeygirl Posted May 19, 2003 Posted May 19, 2003 Aside from that, there are other things, like teaching - how well can a 6th grader teach someone? I was in the 8th grade when I started teaching. However, who says that they have to teach, just because they're black belts? I know a few adult black belts who are great martial artists, but you would never want them to be instructors. Sure, they have an extensive knowledge of the martial arts, but they haven't the foggiest idea how to spread that knowledge on to someone else. It could be due to poor leadership qualities, or maybe they have a natural teaching inability (kind of the opposite of natural ability). "A Black Belt does not an instructor make." 1st dan & Asst. Instructor TKD 2000-2003No matter the tune...if you can rock it, rock it hard.
yojimbo Posted May 19, 2003 Author Posted May 19, 2003 Everyone has made good points. I think the point that I was trying to make was that it isn't good to generalize so much and say that someone under 16 shouldn't have a blackbelt. Some may deserve it and some may be able to handle it. That is for the instructor to decide.
Faunus Posted May 20, 2003 Posted May 20, 2003 I think it can also depend on the Style, some styles addvance faster than others, but if they really deserve there Black belt, then they deserve to get it. Head Kick....
scottball75 Posted May 20, 2003 Posted May 20, 2003 This is not an easy one to answer, but IMHO.... Martial arts is about more than just the technique. It's all very well being able to perform a kata for a specific grade. However, what is equally important is the mental attitude that is required, which some younger students may not have developed. "The ultimate aim of the art of karate, kids not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants" - Gichin Funakoshi
SevenStar Posted May 20, 2003 Posted May 20, 2003 Aside from that, there are other things, like teaching - how well can a 6th grader teach someone? I was in the 8th grade when I started teaching. However, who says that they have to teach, just because they're black belts? I know a few adult black belts who are great martial artists, but you would never want them to be instructors. Sure, they have an extensive knowledge of the martial arts, but they haven't the foggiest idea how to spread that knowledge on to someone else. It could be due to poor leadership qualities, or maybe they have a natural teaching inability (kind of the opposite of natural ability). "A Black Belt does not an instructor make." I do agree. For that very reason, I would never promote anyone to bb that didn't have at least SOME inkling of how to teach - it would be a pre req. When I was in longfist, we began at blue belt - blue belts would conduct the class warm ups and assist with kids clases. at red sash, you were teaching kids classes. In judo, I am now a sankyu brown belt - I help teach classes. In BJJ, blue and purple belts teach. When/if I decide to run my own club, it will be conducted in a similar manner to the places that I've trained.
SevenStar Posted May 20, 2003 Posted May 20, 2003 Everyone has made good points. I think the point that I was trying to make was that it isn't good to generalize so much and say that someone under 16 shouldn't have a blackbelt. Some may deserve it and some may be able to handle it. That is for the instructor to decide. it's not always up to the instructor - it may be up to the style. When I was in kali and jun fan, you had to be at least 15 to even start training. In Judo, at least according to the USJI, you have to be at least 15 to get a bb. (still to young, IMO though)
Bretty101 Posted May 22, 2003 Posted May 22, 2003 I got my black belt when i was 16, after 5 years training. To put things into perspective i was 6foot1 and 200pounds and knocking people out at tournaments who were twice my age. I honestly think i was better when i was 16 then i am now (22) Then i trained 2 hours every day because i had the time and the energy. Unfortunatel now i'm working i have other commitments. Maybe i couldn't talk the talk (instruct) at 16 but i could sure walk the walk. I think 16 is about right for a black belt judged on their merits. I must admit i really don't like seeing 7 or 8 years old blackbelts. Bretty
Bretty101 Posted May 22, 2003 Posted May 22, 2003 I got my black belt when i was 16, after 5 years training. To put things into perspective i was 6foot1 and 200pounds and knocking people out at tournaments who were twice my age. I honestly think i was better when i was 16 then i am now (22) Then i trained 2 hours every day because i had the time and the energy. Unfortunatel now i'm working i have other commitments. Maybe i couldn't talk the talk (instruct) at 16 but i could sure walk the walk. I think 16 is about right for a black belt judged on their merits. I must admit i really don't like seeing 7 or 8 years old blackbelts. Bretty
tommarker Posted May 22, 2003 Posted May 22, 2003 It's just a 1st dan folks, and the practice is certainly not going away. I'm no longer posting here. Adios.
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