Spirit of Gradings

THE SPIRIT OP GRADINGS

The subject of gradings to those who practice the martial arts is highly emotive. There are those who feel they are unnecessary because they corrupt the motives of those taking them or maybe they have a fear of failing.

Grading are invaluable as a measure of physical achievement but perhaps more for the development of spirit. Gradings mean nothing if they are too easy or if they are awarded on technical merit alone - any puppet can show a technique.

Unfortunately the martial arts attract many of those whose sole aim is to strut around in a black belt that elevates his or her status and corsets their ego. They might prefer gradings to be easier rather than be pushed to the limits of their physical and emotional stamina. Sadly, many see their gradings as the honours degree instead of the secondary school gate. The master not the student. Martial artist are students of life - for all of their life.

We go to gradings to give our all, to stretch ourselves to our physical and emotional limits so we can learn about ourselves and humble ourselves. Only then can our grades be accepted, not with a swagger but with gratitude for what we have learnt and honour for what we have achieved. Partaking in the martial arts is to share in the experience of our sensei - he who has gone before and to share our own experiences in return.

Not everyone who starts off on the grading ladder will climb to Shodan. Some will drop out due to other commitments or waning interest. Others will carry on with their training despite the fact they lack the physical or emotional requirements of the higher grades. A grading syllabus should be flexible but not to the point of jeopardising standards. An older person joining the martial arts may find that he can achieve his dan grade in Tai Chi for example but must accept that the Karate shodan is probably out of his reach. We must accept our limitations and not expect the requirements to be compromised to bring the black belt within our reach. This too is part of stretching ourselves. We must learn humility and practice the respective arts for reasons other than attaining the ultimate material accolade "the black belt".

To train at any level is rewarding, to push ourselves to our highest achievable level, whether this be orange belt, blue belt or 5th Dan! The spirit with which one trains is what makes the grade worthwhile. To view the Dan grade as a measure of a person's worth makes a mockery of the system. The person who after years of dedication to his art finally reaches 3rd Kyu has gained more than the 18 year old 1st Dan who no longer wishes to learn. It must be accepted that the high grades in the hard martial arts such as Ju-jitsu or Kung-fu are far more attainable for the physically adept. Where arts such as Tai Chi or Iaido take years of spiritual training to attain perfection, with physical attributes playing a lesser role.

The grades are not a measure of an individuals value. They are merely a means by which to log our achievements and an endurance test by which to widen our experience.