|
1. Definition
Ranking is the evaluation of an individual’s progress toward the attainment of human perfection through the practice of budo .This evaluation is not based solely upon the physical techniques of karate. It encompasses the entire human being’s physical, moral, and spiritual development. Promotions in rank are awarded in proportion to an individual’s degree of development toward the karate goals of perfection. The established standards of progress and criteria for advancement are explained as follows.
2. Type of ranking
There are three types of ranking and they are as follows:
|
1. Regular Rank:
|
The stages progress of the human character as reached through physical and spiritual practice of budo .
|
|
2. Recommended Rank:
|
The stage of progress of the human character as reached through both an individual’s continued practice as well as one’s total contribution and services to the development of budo.
|
|
3. Honorary Rank:
|
An award of rank as a result either directly or indirectly of one’s service and support of the development of budo.
|
|
3. Regular Ranking Standards
The ranking standard for each development level is defined as follows:
|
Hachi Kyu (8th kyu)
|
This is the ability level wherein the individual is able to perform and apply the most simple external actions and techniques.
|
|
Shichi Kyu (7th kyu)
Roku Kyu (6th kyu)
Go Kyu (5th kyu)
Yon Kyu (4th kyu)
|
Each of this levels requires an increased stage of development of both technical and mental skills.
|
|
San Kyu (3rd kyu)
Ni Kyu (2nd kyu)
|
Must have the general ability to compete with controlled simple and effective technique.
|
|
Ik Kyu (1ST Kyu)
|
At this point, the individual must be capable of executing all fundamental body movements and techniques with proper application. This includes all hand and leg techniques.
|
|
Shodan (1st Dan)
|
This level necessitates a further saturation of abilities. All basic body movements and techniques, including hand and leg techniques, can be applied with extended force and proper application in basic combinations.
|
|
Nidan (2nd Dan)
|
This state requires the personal assimilation and performance of all basic body movements and techniques to such a degree that their application is in accord with the individual’s own unique body demands.
|
|
Sandan (3rd Dan)
|
At this position, the individual has acquired the understanding of the underlying principles in all basic body movements and techniques. Moreover, this understanding can be demonstrated in the application of techniques under varied circumstances and conditions.
|
|
Yondan (4th Dan)
|
The individual attaining this standing has exemplified knowledge of the principle body movements and techniques and their application under varied conditions to such a degree that the ability to instruct others have been gained.
|
|
Godan (5th Dan)
|
This is the level wherein research has been completed in some limited area. This research includes its application in a manner that is both relevant and applicable to the individual’s particular physique.
|
|
Rokudan (6th Dan)
|
The attainment of this position necessitates the performance of karate research in an area that by its nature has a universal benefit to be derived by its application.
|
|
Nanadan (7th Dan)
|
To achieve this level, the individual must have undertaken advanced research through actual application and extensive testing of the general research technique.
|
|
Hachidan (8th Dan)
|
At this point, research must have been completed in a new and previously unknown area.
|
|
Kudan (9th Dan)
|
The requirements for this standard call for an uncommon dedication for an extended period of time to the areas of individual achievement, research and technique. This dedication must have culminated in budo achievement and development of the highest and most extraordinary order. Moreover, this accumulated knowledge and expertise must have been utilised in the general service of budo development.
|
|
Judan (10th Dan)
|
This is the stage where the individual has finally neared the highest image of budo development. This has been brought about by the continuous practice and pursuit of the truth that is to be found in the human ideal.
|
|
Remarks
- Basic Techniques : Includes all stances, punching, striking, blocking and kicking.
- Each level of ranking requires that the individual has accomplished all preceding ranking requirements.
Recommended Ranking Standards
- Has applied oneself by hard work, through continuous practice to achieve a high spiritual development. However, there is a physical limitation or handicap.
- Has provided distinguished service through instruction and continued practice but is lacking in technique for respective rank.
- Has fulfilled necessary regular ranking requirements but through circumstances has been unable to be evaluated under required ranking procedures.
- Any other circumstances other than described above and has contributed to the advancement of budo, such as research, development, practice, etc.
Honorary Ranking Standards
In general must have the respect of the Community by virtue of one’s good character. The following is a detailed order of such ranking conditions.
|
Shodan (1st Dan)
|
Has provided indirect support of budo at the local community level within a country or territory.
|
|
Nidan (2nd Dan)
|
Has provided direct support of budo at the local community level within a country or territory.
|
|
Sandan (3rd Dan)
|
Has provided indirect support of budo at the national level.
|
|
Yondan (4th Dan)
|
Has provided direct support of budo at the national level, or may be a local dignitary or leader who has provided indirect support.
|
|
Godan (5th Dan)
|
Has provided indirect support of budo as a national dignitary or leader in such areas as social, educational and financial, or may be a local dignitary or leader who has provided direct support..
|
|
Rokudan (6th Dan)
|
Direct support of budo by a national leader.
|
|
Nanadan (7th Dan)
|
Indirect support of budo by a national sovereign or top leader or highest official.
|
|
Hachidan (8th Dan)
|
Direct support of budo by a national sovereign, top leader or highest official.
|
|
Kudan (9th Dan)
|
Indirect support of budo by an international leader or internationally respected figure.
|
|
Judan (10th Dan)
|
Direct support of budo by an international leader or internationally respected figure.
|
|
|
