MyPlace

The Chinese styles, or tongs, never received rank but were classified on their time with the group. A tong was generally headed by a master who set the standard for conduct as well as technique. Ranking, as we know it today, is a Japanese creation called the Dan system. Two approaches to study at this time were the budo and the bugie. The samurai used the bugie method, which was not graded upon steps, but upon survival during battle. Dr. Kano, the founder of Judo, started the Dan or budo system. His purpose was to provide an incentive to his students and to show the differences in ability between them through colored belts with black being the highest level.

Unfortunately, the development of "Corporate Karate" has made it nearly impossible to have a successful Martial Arts school without issuing colored "Karate Kid" belts. The problem with ranking systems is that many pursue the rank and not the knowledge. Even most "instructors" are teaching watered down versions of real Martial Arts or throwing together a bunch of unrelated techniques and calling it Freestyle Karate just so they can collect money from testing fees. If an instructor does decide to award belts for advancement within a style then the question arises what should a Black Belt represent? The student must decide by what standard he or she wishes to be graded.

When one accepts an instructor he or she must also accept the standard by which the instructor gives rank. There is no absolute rank in the Martial Arts. One accepts rank because one allows oneself to be given rank. Obviously, rank means what the student wants it to mean.