(Approx 2 minute 55 second read) For many, earning a dan grade is the pinnacle of their journey. It feels like a mountain climbed – years of effort, sweat, and achievement wrapped up in a black belt and a certificate. And for a time, that feeling is enough. . After the novelty of the belt…
Tag: Rank
When Tradition Becomes a Crutch: The Danger of Blindly Following The Past.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) In a world that’s moving faster every day – and feels more unstable than ever – traditions matter more than ever. They give us something steady to hold onto, offering a bit of order and comfort in the chaos. . Tradition is really just a belief, a habit, or…
A Lifelong Commitment: Tie The Belt, The Path Could Be Long.
(Approx 2 minute read) Most people who start martial arts don’t stay. Some quit after a few months, others after a few years. A rare few keep training for life. Why? . Kenwa Mabuni once said, “空手は生涯の研究です” – Karate wa shōgai no kenkyū desu (“Karate is a lifelong study”). Many of the early masters believed…
Not All Grades Are Equal: A True Grading Tests Understanding, Not Just Memory.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) In an ideal world, a grading should reflect genuine progress in understanding and skill. A student advancing in rank should be able to demonstrate not just physical ability but a deeper comprehension of their art. . They should be able to apply what they’ve learned, adapt techniques under pressure,…
More Than Just a Number: 10th Dan – A Life in Karate.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Achieving a 10th Dan in karate is an amazing accomplishment, symbolizing a lifetime of training, teaching, and contribution to the art that person practices. . So why is it sometimes controversial? . Maybe it is because of the subjectivity of the process. The teacher with a 10th Dan grade…
No Pads, No Limits – The Way We Trained.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Those of us who have been around in the martial arts for a while remember a time when there was no equipment. We never wore gloves, helmets, or protective gear of any kind when we fought. We had no pads to hit – we hit each other. . We…
The Crossroads of Independence: Breaking Free and Knowing When It’s Time to Go Alone.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) There comes a point in time, after many years of hard work, teaching, and dedicated training, when instructors begin to entertain the idea of going it alone. It’s a natural progression in any art or profession. After decades of practice and immersion, the question arises: What’s next? . What…
Let Humility and Respect Guide Our Actions: Imagine Approaching Every Interaction with the Mindset of Helping Others, Expecting Nothing in Return.
Ego can be a significant challenge in martial arts. Earning a new rank, like a black belt or high dan grade, is a proud moment, but it’s easy for that pride to turn into arrogance. . Rank is just a symbol of progress; it doesn’t define who you are as a person or a martial…
Back to White: When Values Matter Most.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) A couple of years ago, I was going through a moment of madness – I seem to have many of them. I felt like I needed a new challenge and briefly considered swapping styles. A new organization had just been established, and I had a massive amount of respect…
Earned or Given: The Belt Without Merit. Is A Grade for Sale?
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) In the world of martial arts, grades, are viewed as a reflection of a practitioner’s journey – a combination of technical ability, deeper understanding, and personal character. . Yet, there are times when we encounter individuals whose grade seems to far outshine their skills, knowledge, or behavior. Such instances…
Respect Cannot Be Self-Appointed: If You Call Yourself Sensei, Have You Missed the Point?
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Someone commented on an article I wrote, suggesting I was “getting carried away” and advising I should “spend time in Japan” to better understand Japanese traditions. . Assumptions often lead to misunderstanding and conflict. His comment was based on a misreading of my article; and he doesn’t know me…
Karate is in the mind. Karate is in the heart. Karate is never about what you are wearing around your waist.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) A few months back, a Nidan we knew contacted us after his instructor passed away and asked if we could grade him to Sandan. . From the outset, I had reservations. Even though he was part of our US association through his instructor, I didn’t know this person, he…