AS IT SHOULD BE... AND AS IT IS
By Master Hidetaka Nishiyama
In English history a man of valor and dignity who excelled in the arts of combat and social amenities was rewarded with the title of Knighthood. A designation which let it be known to all that he was a man not only of honor, but also of great fighting ability. This was true in Japan where the same type of men were called Samurai. In neither country was the man nor his rank to be taken lightly. For the prowess and title of each commanded respect! At this time both of these countries consisted of feudal states in which men, like the knights and samurai, were a necessary product of the social conditions in which the lived. A situation which does not exist today. Yet the desire for a man to excel in a martial art, for discipline and self-defense, still exists.
Today a man strives initially in the martial arts to become a "Black Belt" in karate to learn to fight. But as his training progresses he should become aware of a stronger calling, the molding of himself into a better person, not only in fighting ability but also in dignity and honor. This has traditionally been the goal of the martial arts student. The black belt is an award or honor given to the modern knight or samurai who has sacrificed many hours in disciplining and honing his body and mind to achieve the epitome of physical and mental attainment. The black belt is the symbol of an expert.
Originally, the ranking system was established to provide a series of levels by which students could measure their progress. The first black belt awarded for karateka is known as a "Sho-dan". This means the student has mastered the basics of the art and is now ready for a more advanced form of training. The student who continues training will now receive "Dan" ranks or degrees of black belt as he progresses.
However, this ranking system also has developed some problems. First, there is a disparity of standards. A proper ranking system should remain universally constant; just as on a ruler one inch is always equal to one inch, so should the standard of rank be equal. However, it must be remembered that the ranking in the martial arts consists of testing human reaction and because of the individuality of each person it is difficult to declare a definite set of standards. Yet this is what must be done if the rank of black belt is to have meaning.
Judo and Kendo have one international standard of testing which prevails through the world. But with karate there were many different schools with each having its own set of standards. This made possible a situation in which unscrupulous individuals were able to set up their own organization in which they handed out black belts to many unqualified students. The end result is that many black belts are a disgrace to not only themselves but to the art of karate.
Since the public is not aware of the differences in ranking, they are easily lured into clubs which will award a black belt to students after only a short period of training. This is not only dangerous to the student but degrades the quality of all karate. In a reputable club a black belt can be earned in three to five years of hard work and only under competent instruction.
It is for these reasons that karate should have a standard system of testing as soon as possible. Each karateka must realize that the black belt is not a gift, but a goal, a symbol of one's great effort. The knights and samurai of old allowed nothing to tarnish their honor. Should the Sensei and black belts of today desire anything less?
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