To understand the reasons for the promotion of Karate students to a higher rank, we look to a thousand years of tradition from small Asian villages and their need to rank their warriors. The most experienced warrior assumed the role of teacher when he became too old to fight. He was considered the most valuable member of the village society. As his army became more experienced, his students then became teachers and he became the “Master.” When they had their own division, they too became a Master while the original instructor was advanced to the rank of “Grand Master.” When the Grand Master died, the most senior student assumed the title. All of the students and soldiers were ranked by belt or sash color. The darker the belt in color, the more advanced. At the time, the dyes to color fabric for uniforms and belts were, green, brown, red and black.
Just as the ancient peasant warriors used the ranking system, our modern military has adapted the same basic concept. The lessons of the past show that a ranking system for learning Martial skill develops confidence, self control, a sense of order and the unification required to survive invasion and warfare. The actual physical training helped develop power, speed, focus, and situation aggressiveness.
Students at Kinney Karate are being observed for rank promotion at every workout. Every effort success, and failure helps the student progress. The actual testing is completed well before the student is actually promoted in rank. There are time requirements of three or four months for each grade of belt (each belt has two grades with the most experienced indicated by a stripe). When students feel ready, and have met the time requirements, they may request promotion, or we may insist if the student is qualified.
The following list of ranking and promotion information should answer all of your questions. If not ask your instructor personally.
About Rank and Promotions
Always perform your best in class. This is how we will test you.
Concentrate on making your basics perfect. This will result in faster learning at higher ranks.
Never compare yourself with someone else at the same belt rank. Everyone is different. Skill is different with each person.
Never rush to be promoted. The quality of your skills is most important.
Kids age 4 through 6 have a different set of requirements. Kids this age have difficulty in retaining the material in forms.
The charge for the examination and graduation is $30.00 per grade for promotion (for grades below black belt candidate). This covers the cost of the testing/graduation ceremony. Students receive belts and certificates. The exam fee also covers the cost of insurance and staff participation. Spectators are free.
The graduation ceremony is a like a recital and if you make a mistake, the world won’t cave in. You have already been promoted. Relax when demonstrating your skills to the audience.
Students can only receive their belts at the graduation ceremony. If you cannot attend please make arrangements through your instructor. Missing an exam graduation is discouraged.
This is your opportunity to shine. Bring cameras, camcorders and anyone you want to impress. This experience is vital to the development of a students skill. We make sure that it is a positive experience for students and spectators.
Parents should never decide when a student can test or be promoted. It is the job of our staff to determine when a student can participate in rank advancement. Parents should not use belt advancement as punishment or bribery.
Expect the graduation to last approximately 2 hours. Students are expected to stay until the end of the promotion. This is very entertaining for spectators, they will not be bored.
It is rare for a student to skip a rank and it is not possible to skip a belt. Please do not ask.
