Shuto
Purple Belt
Another problem with these things is the implication that anyone who joins the club is somehow guaranteed a black belt at some point in time. I personally believe that not every schmoe who walks in the door will eventually merit the rank, regardless of how hard and long they train. For many people, for many reasons, they simply will not live up to the standard. There is no shame in that. They can still train and get a lot of value from it. But a club like this implies that it is guaranteed at some point, and I have a real problem with it.
You would have a problem with our school then. You are pretty much guaranteed a belt if you put in the time. I agree that there is no shame in not attaining that rank but some people are motivated by the belt and they seem to benefit from the training, both physically and spiritually, at least according to my observations.
I have given some thought to this promotion process and I am at peace with it.