What Does it Mean?
I recently read an article claiming that Karate is not a martial art. It is a brand. The author posited that, as we all know, “a punch is a punch and a kick is a kick.” The real difference between the styles is just the way punch and kick are dressed up.
The article also pointed out that the belt system of rank is really just marketing. Most of the world needs to see progress and wants a symbol of that progress. Very few can just train and learn for the love of the discipline.
In defense of the color belt system for student, or kyu, ranks, these belt ranks do have a utilitarian purpose in the dojo. The group people of similar knowledge levels and experience together. In a large class (50 students in one class was not unusual at Wyoming, We had a whole gymnasium to work in.), at some point in that class period, we would break into smaller groups to work on specific grade requirements and Kata. Being able to break into these groups by rank made the class more efficient.
How about black belt, or Dan ranks? It is well known that the founder of Shotokan, Gichen Funakoshi, never claimed rank higher than 5th Dan. After he passed away, his organization, Japan Karate Association, decided to go to a 10 Dan system to be more in line with what other styles were doing. Tsutomu Oshima disagreed and formed Shotokan of America, maintaining the 5 Dan rank system.
[“Belt colour is only a system to help motivate the beginner student. Later on, students are telling me that they don’t want the more advanced belt because they don’t feel that they deserve it. Sometimes I ask them to test and they avoid it because they get to a stage of ‘I know nothing’ and this is the essence of Karate: It’s an unending search through technique. I want them to search and practice until they die, infinitely. I, myself have many areas of uncertainty.” – Hidetaka Nishiyama Sensei]
If your prospective sensei’s rank is important to you, you should first ask if the style or branch you are contemplating is using a 5 Dan or 10 Dan system.
One well respected high ranking black belt says that, in a 5 Dan system, Sandan is your peak and Master level for teaching and knowledge. 4th and 5th for the system head.
Another knowledgeable karateka told me that the highest ranked guys aren’t always the best at everything. He also reminded me that promotions above 5th or 6th Dan (3rd Dan in a 5 Dan system) are based primarily on character and a person’s value to the community.
Shodan, as we all know, means you know your basics and are ready start the real study of the art. Beyond that, nothing can be stated 100%. I suggest that you get to know the sensei as a person and as a teacher. Signing up for an intro class is not a lifetime commitment, though it might become one if you find the right sensei.
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