Let me clear up something I said in my last post. The views I expressed were only meant to apply to myself. Others have a different view about what 10th dan represents. I don’t question most who wear the highest of ranks. Red flags for me are generally those who gave it to themselves (or received it from their own students); were vastly underage for such rank (in all reputable organizations and systems I am aware, one must be at least in their mid to late 60s); had insufficient time in grade; changed instructors for each new rank (we all know how that deal works – “Your instructor doesn’t think your worthy. But if you leave him and train with me, I’ll promote you”. Part of the reason I have written on this specific subject is because I have been offered promotion to 10th dan by some and wanted to explain my position on the matter); or clearly possessed skill and knowledge far below the minimum needed for such a lofty rank.
As I mentioned last time, I see 10th dan as recognition that one has reached perfection in a given art or style, meaning there is no or little room left for improvement. Perhaps I’m missing something. If so, please feel free to enlighten me. My mind is always open to correction. In fact, I’ve always encouraged it. It is often our enemies more than our friends who help us the most. Friends seldom tell us where we go wrong, not wanting to hurt our feelings. Enemies have no such qualms and, as such, or often more helpful in this regard.
I’ve always preferred to keep vistas open in front of me, unknowns just around the next corner in need of discovery, curiosities capable of motivating me to continue working and moving forward. When I don’t have them, I’ll often create them for myself. I want to always have some unknown secret just around the next bend to discover. One of the things that attracted me to the martial arts and kept me working for over 55 years is the many facets to our arts – kihon, kata, bunkai, kobudo, kumite, history, philosophy, and so on. Tenth degree represents to me the pinnacle, the end of the road, and I am a long way from that destination and always will be.
As I said, this is just my position. I have no question with others, who have put in the time and achieved the skill and knowledge levels to reach 10th dan. God bless them.
Let me stop for now, before I get into reasons for working to achieve a high dan degree. Again, thanks for reading my humble ramblings.
I've always understood the 10th dan to essentially mean that you are the leader of that particular style. I could be very easily mistaken as I've only been practicing Karate for the past 2 years. However, all the research I've done seems to be in keeping with this view. I still have a ways to go to reach shodan. Unfortunately, life has kept me from training as much as I would like, however, it's only season.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input. Generally, dan grades are separate from organizational positions. There are traditional titles for these positions. Kaicho and kancho, for example, are titles for organizational heads. Usually, those who hold such titles are also high dans. But they are often not 10th dans. Thanks again for reading and participating in my blog. I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteHello Jim, congratulations for your performance. I grew up in a poor city and practised boxe and karate.
ReplyDeleteLater, I made a temporary job (escort VIP).
It is very rare to have such a level (9 th dan); respects.
Melvin
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Greatness in the martial arts knows no economic limitations. There are great men and women around the world, teaching our arts. Good luck to you, Jim
ReplyDelete