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From: Frances
Date: 16 Sep 2007
Time: 23:30:45 -0400
Remote Name: 64.12.116.17
Very interesting your thoughts on the ranking system. I guess it is a sense of accomplishment. I agree with your thoughts about criteria. For me, the all illusive shodan is a goal that I would like to someday achieve. I do see that ranking is VERY important in and out of the Martial Arts world regardless of what Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid said that belt in is your heart, not something you wear around your waist good for holding up pants. I find myself having to research the titled rankings like Renshi, Kyoshi, Hanshi, Shihan etc. often used in place of their name or a title before their name much like Dr. or something. Title MUST be important or they would not be used so often. I know it should take years of dedication, practice, and hard work to obtain the knowledge and ranking, but you can only wait for the Sensei, Hanshi, Renshi, etc. to 'know' that you are ready and recognize you through certificate and ceremony for promotion. I suppose it's the journey that matters. We are all the same but yet not the same. Yes I believe attendance is important but what if someone was born for this, for martial arts and is a natural? Not only do they exceed in their attendance but in their ability too? Would they be promoted along with the others or do you advance them according to their ability and knowledge? I wonder often about criteria. I have just seen a 6 and 7 year old black belt this weekend and could not see how? and can't help but to wonder??? Don't get me wrong, I don't agree with putting an age to ranking because I think that everyone is different and limiting people can't be right. It is the individual that should be looked at and not necessarily the age. I don't know, just my thoughts...