First of all, the idea of recognizing rank in the martial arts is an imperfect one.
Societies have rank. It assists in the function of group. Whether you are the Alpha male in a wolf pack, the queen bee in a hive, or an employee of a company, there is a hierarchy. There are roles to fill.
The military uses insignia and uniform variations to indicate ones rank, companies may use office location, uniforms or parking spaces to physically recognize status. In martial arts we use belts and uniforms.
In the Dojo rank helps us train more safely and efficiently by identifying those with more experience and those with less.
Important things to understand are:
Rank is not a reward. It is for the convenience of others. Rank helps others to interact with you in an appropriate way and can guide you in fulfilling your own role and responsibilities.
The role of rank is to differentiate responsibilities and to facilitate safe practice. Those who have received the most training (and therefore have higher ranking) should be most involved. It is essential to identify where you can help, where you should help, and then do something with it.
So where do you fit in? Do you just come to take? Do you know of things that should be done or people who could use help, guidance, encouragement, or just a kind word? Are you developing your leadership abilities? Are you reaching out? Remember that the higher you rise in rank the more your training is about something bigger than yourself.
Rank equals opportunity. View your rank as something to fulfill, an opportunity to be involved at a higher level.
How do you advance in rank?
Basically, it's simple. Try to practice what you are taught, try to notice and correct the things pointed out to you during class. Each time you come to the dojo you are evaluated- while you are on the mats and off. When you demonstrate adequate improvement you will be notified that you are eligible for advancement in rank.
We all have different abilities, experience, attitudes and learning rates. Don't compare yourself to others.
Sometimes I will ask someone to skip a rank. Don't worry about it. I just try to place people where they most belong.
You do not need to accept a promotion. You can stay at any rank as long as you like.
Rank and ability go hand in hand, but everyone is different. Some lower ranked people will be better at some things than people with higher rank.
Rank is not about fighting ability.
The rank awarded to young people is just as valid as that awarded to adults. Try to learn from everyone.
Rank and Belt Colors
White Yellow Orange (kids only) Blue 6 roku-kyu Blue 5 go-kyu Green 4 yon-kyu Green 3 san-kyu Brown 2 ni-Kyu Brown 1 i-kyu Black 1 shodan Black 2 nidan etc...
One more note about rank...
Most of you know that we used to practice karate at the Kodokai but have switched to the art of Motobu Udundi. What this means is that many of the belts that you see worn in the dojo were awarded in the art of karate.
So, don't be surprised that yellow, blue or green belts may know more about what we are doing than some green or brown belts. Some of the karate ranked people have made considerable progress in Motobu Udundi, others are only dabbling in it. Progress, of course, is entirely up to the individual.
So the bottom line is......don't worry about belt colors!
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