I no longer test for ranks.

This seems to draw some strange reactions, so let me explain — and note that I do not encourage or solicit anyone else to these ideas.

The two martial arts that I study are Aikido and Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu. The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O’Sensei, stood under five feet tall (he failed to meet the minimum height requirements to join the army). Anyone who has seen pictures of him would also consider him fit and robust.  The founder of modern Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu, Sokaku Takeda, stood four foot eleven inches and weighed 114 lbs. Obviously both of these martial arts masters relied on “something else” other than strength … and, both wore white belts until they passed.

Sure, it is nice to progress, it’s a visual confirmation of growth and learning … but the kyu/dan grading system used in modern martial arts is a product of the past 100 years. When Jigaro Kano introduced coloured “sashes” into his judo, and unified grading into a kyu/dan ranking system, little did he know it would be adopted world wide by virtually all martial arts. The original number of mudansha ranks (kyu) and yudansha ranks (dan) cannot be determined (at least my any research I’ve done), but it seems that five kyu ranks and five dan ranks formed the basis of the early 1930’s ranking system.

Today, most mainline martial arts clubs have up to 10 kyu ranks, and 10 dan ranks. The are some clubs that have as many as 15 kyu, and 15 dan ranks — plus stripes in between. It’s clear this strategy is to generate revenue.

Add to this the many federations and associations that exist. Each with its own set of rules and regulations and need to expand membership. There are countless stories of Japan based groups expanding outside of Japan and offering “accelerated” training programs designed to get black belts on instructors of their brand of martial arts quickly — effectively they were selling ranks to produce members.

There is so much politics involved in testing and grading that it has devalued both the process and the end result. As for me, I am disillusioned by grading and tests.

I’ve seen young students with extraordinary skills overlooked at grading time simply because they didn’t have the “minimum” classes required to grade at that level. More classes equals more revenue for the club … doesn’t it.

I’ve seen older students with mobility issues who have graded well past their “minimum” class requirements. Their skills are clearly unacceptable, yet they pass the grading.

Not to offend, there are also many young students who meet minimum class requirements and don’t have the minimum skills and in like fashion there are many older students whose skills are exceptional.

But it does point to a major flaw in grading — the criteria is subjective, the minimum requirements are often ridiculously adhered to, the minimum requirements are often overlooked … Judo seems to be the only martial arts discipline that have this aspect right. That’s probably the reason they are an olympic sport. A judoka Shodan in any part of the world is equivalent to another Shodan half-way around the globe, or across the street.

In the martial arts I have chosen, the grading requirements across regions and countries is vastly different.

I try to visit other dojos when I travel, but I often shudder just before entering the dojo. I wonder whether I will train with someone set to rip my arm off, or if I will have to pull back and not hurt anyone.

Back to my original comments. If the founders of the two martial art disciplines I study were ok wearing a white belt, who am I to want more? I’m considerably taller than either, more than likely weigh quite a bit more too, and more than likely am stronger (if size is a consideration). Yet, by all accounts from what I read, either could have easily planted my face to the ground (and maybe even a bit further…). I’m just happy to be training.

Modern grading and ranking? Much of it is bullshido.

I have had discussions about grading … and completely see the points there are many benefits to honing skills in preparation for testing. I also consider that the skills attained are based on kata (form) and conform to the standard of only the grading instructor. Preparing for testing takes a long time and during that preparation time, learning new skills, learning “by stealing with the eyes” takes a sabbatical. Some good points, some bad points. And I again maintain that in kobudo times, everyone wore a white belt. In the movie Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi says something to the effect that captures my sentiment: that he bought his belt at Sears to hold up his pants … Achieving mastery of an art should be displayed in practice — and in older times, on the battle field.

PS. I hold the rank of Shodan in Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu and wear a black belt. I often wonder what I did to deserve it and am humbled at how little I know. I often think of returning it to the Chief Instructor and return to wearing a white belt just to keep my uwagi (gi jacket) and zuban (gi pants) tied together and up around my waist.

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Addendum: Only posted a few hours and already I have received some emails on this post. To answer the questions:
1. No, none of the clubs I belong to cause me any concern about grading, testing, or awarding ranks.
2. No, as a Shodan of Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu, I do not award any ranks … I will participate in reviewing students tests if requested by the Chief Instructor and provide my feedback to him. I do not get involved in decisions on awarding grades.
3. Yes, my opinions are formed from personal observation. In one case, a Shodan candidate passed his test in a public seminar. The candidate did not meet the minimum requirements and performed his test poorly. However, because of a switch in dojo affiliations, and his claims of significantly more classes than the candidate had accumulated, he was allowed to test. It’s also interesting to note that the seminar leader was from another association whose grade awards are recognized by our association. I have personally seen tests in public seminars where a large group of candidates ranked — their test was for an unusually long time. Roughly 50% of the candidates passed. Of those that passed, many did poorly on their tests. Of those that failed, some should have passed. This suggests poor note taking and poor paperwork on the part of the grading instructors. I am also aware of students who have been held back from grading — they far exceeded the minimum requirements, had ability and skills that matched or exceeded the rank they should have graded for … but were held back for unknown reasons. I am not talking about students with attitude problems … ideal candidates held back. I have also seen a candidate pass his test for Sandan that clearly should not have passed — not even close — in a test that lasted less than 5 minutes. Clearly, to me, this suggests the ranks attained devalue any rank I could try to reach for. In general, the heyday of the current process passed some decades ago.

* Note: I don’t want this to sound like I have any animosity towards grading. The value is in the training and I approach that with joy and cheerfulness.