All the places I trained, we didn't have to use what they sold (some didn't even sell them). But I just don't see anything in the inexpensive uniforms that's not either straight cotton or a cheaper blend. I really liked the uniforms we used in Judo, so I've gone back to something like those (after using the cheap stuff and a couple of more expensive cotton ones). It's like wearing a carpet, but it never feels stifling to me. Maybe I'm just a masochist.
In his case, he has some fundamentals that are probably very rusty, but still probably better than a rank beginner. I've helped folks returning after many years get back into the swing, and they almost all are ready to move ahead much faster.It does matter while it doesn't
It may not mean anything outside your style (or even your school) but it'll mean you are getting access to training more techniques etc.
I'm personally not a fan of skipping grades, you might do the forms right enough, but there's much opportunity to miss out on some of the fundamentals - but really I suppose it depends on the curriculum and the individual.
Also, I have no idea what "high white" means...
“High white belt” is a white belt with a stripe or similar.It does matter while it doesn't
It may not mean anything outside your style (or even your school) but it'll mean you are getting access to training more techniques etc.
I'm personally not a fan of skipping grades, you might do the forms right enough, but there's much opportunity to miss out on some of the fundamentals - but really I suppose it depends on the curriculum and the individual.
Also, I have no idea what "high white" means...
Actually, our white belt curriculum (10th kyu) is pretty deep for a beginner. The 9th kyu isn’t, it’s more or less 1 kata that’s quite similar to the 10th kyu kata, 2 new 1 steps, and a handful of hand techniques. The 10th and 9th kyu are 20 classes minimum for each one, which works out to 2 months each. The minimum bumps up to double that at 7th-5th kyu or so. So rather than test, my CI just starts teaching 9th kyu stuff when he feels the student’s ready. Once they’re ready to test for 8th kyu, he tests them. I’ve never had a conversation with him about it; I’ve just never seen him test an adult for 9th kyu. I’ve overheard him saying it’s not worth the student’s time to test that soon together. And he probably doesn’t want to nickel and dime them for testing fees like that either. The students wearing an 8th kyu belt are worthy of that rank, so there’s really no difference in the end.Yeah, that's what I meant by individual and curriculum.
We have white (10th), yellow stripe (9th), then yellow (8th).
There's enough white belt material to grade to 9th kup to keep an average adult beginner going for the 3 month minimum time (or ~22 classes if that takes longer) in grade. Well, there is if you apply yourself to really learning it rather than just the minimum for the test
For juniors (people starting aged about 7 up to around 13ish iirc) there are 2 extra junior grade tests leading to 9th - with a 3-6 month minimum (depending how young) in each, so it's not like grabbing extra test fees by doing weekly tests for the kids...
I get what you’re saying too. I agree with you’re views. Maybe I haven’t explained my CI’s method right...
I just tested for and was promoted to 2nd kyu last night. Like all the other adults, I skipped 9th kyu. I also skipped 7th kyu. I was tested for each rank but those two. But there’s a catch... I was a 1st dan and preparing for my 2nd dan test when I left my previous dojo to go to grad school. Almost 15 years later, I finally had time to start training again. Different teacher, different organization. The curriculum is about 90% identical between them, as the head of my previous organization left the organization I’m now in. I remembered all my material (surprisingly) from back then; it was just a matter of getting the rust out and fine tuning it to my current organization’s ways. Other than the 2 skipped ranks, I’ve easily met the minimum time in grade for every rank. My current organization has a few things in addition to my previous organization’s syllabus, so for most ranks I’ve learned one or two new things. A lot of places would’ve fast-tracked me. Several offered when I made initial contact inquiring about their school. A different dojo in my former organization (my former sensei moved the dojo too far away) would’ve allowed me to wear my black belt. After all, I did earn it under them. I didn’t want any of that; I wanted a fresh start. One of the things that really turned me on to my current school was the CI said I’d start at white belt and progress at near a regular pace. I might jump a rank or two, but I’m not going to get a black belt in record time.Nah, that's fine.
I don't think I worded myself well - even I'm not sure I understand what I said
We don't pay a huge amount to test, and I think the 'easy' first grading is good prep for the later ones too - different setup to class, in front of different people.
Neither way is bad, and I'm not saying the OPs is either. In a way, it'd be like if a KKW type 3rd kup (for example) came to our place, they'd likely do some sort of conversion testing rather than starting from absolute square one.
It only gets bad when you're put onto some sort of 'accelerated scheme' where you don't actually get to learn the material properly (the term 'black belt club' springs to mind...)
And a lot of that there goes to the 'individual' part of my earlier statement
You had fairly extensive and relevant prior knowledge, which you chose to reinforce properly.
That's where a skip can be justified imo.
I’m faster, stronger, smarter, and can take a hit better.
I forgot to mention earlier... I never understood the whole “Black Belt Club” thing. Isn’t everyone there preparing for a black belt? Or at least they should be. For the ones who are black belts, do they need a club? Doesn’t the belt say that by itself? Other than making the teacher extra money, I’m dumbfounded by it. There’s probably something I’m missing here though.Nah, that's fine.
I don't think I worded myself well - even I'm not sure I understand what I said
We don't pay a huge amount to test, and I think the 'easy' first grading is good prep for the later ones too - different setup to class, in front of different people.
Neither way is bad, and I'm not saying the OPs is either. In a way, it'd be like if a KKW type 3rd kup (for example) came to our place, they'd likely do some sort of conversion testing rather than starting from absolute square one.
It only gets bad when you're put onto some sort of 'accelerated scheme' where you don't actually get to learn the material properly (the term 'black belt club' springs to mind...)
. Great to hear you're enjoying it, and also that you're looking after your body with extra warmups, and that you're conditioning is already improving. Keep at it
I understand the “black belt plans.” Those are where you pay a set amount, and it covers tuition and testing fees all the way through your 1st dan. A great idea on paper - pay a set amount, say $3k; no other charges until you’re promoted to 1st dan, except uniforms and other equipment. If it takes the quoted average of 4-5 years or 20 years to get your 1st dan, it’s still the same $3k.
He was paying monthly, then a year later figured out the black belt plan was cheaper, so he signed up. Oddly enough, once he signed that contract, he was promoted in less than half the required time, every time. They kept telling him he’s learning really fast and he shouldn’t be held back. 2 years in, and suddenly he’s ready for his 1st dan test. When he figured out their scam, he started telling them he’s not ready yet. He wore his red belt for 3 years, refusing to test for 1st dan. He figured they told him it would be 5 years, so it should take 5 years. Finally after his 5 year total, he tested and passed his 1st dan test. Then came another scam - his test was included in the fee, but the actual belt wasn’t (unlike the colored belts). They wanted $250 for his belt. He laughed and told them to keep it.
