DOJO STORIES SENSEI Gerardo Balves

FIN THE FACE OF THE CONCERN THAT HANGS OVER THE DIFFERENT EXISTING GRADUATIONS IN KARATE, AND BEFORE CONSTANT REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION, I HAVE MADE A COMPILATION OF DIFFERENT SOURCES THAT I HOPE CAN BRING A LITTLE LIGHT TO THIS CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT. Gerard Balves Most scholars of the history and evolution of Okinawan and Japanese Karate will agree that in the beginning there was no rank classification system and no uniform was used. If any sort of rank was established, it was most likely through the submission of manuscripts. It was a customary act in Japanese koryuju jutsu schools to give these scrolls and each was inscribed with the "secrets" of the master instructor. Some Ti masters may well have adopted this method of assigning rank to members of a dojo. There is no doubt that Dr. Jigoro Kano, an educator of that time, fully understood the importance of class differentiation in Japanese society and therefore knew that a similar system would serve as a valuable tool in his new art. martial. Therefore, in 1883 the founder of Judo, Dr. Jigoro Kano, began this modern rank system when he awarded the rank of "Sho-dan" to two of his oldest students, Saito and Tomita. But there was the drawback that even after the rank of Sho-Dan had been granted, there would be no method of distinguishing (except possibly some form of certificates) these men who had been promoted from those who had not. been promoted. And this would not take place until, in 1886, when Kano required all yudansha to start wearing a black belt. As the judo GI (Uniform) had not yet been created, the original Obi (Belt) worn by the yudansha was the traditional wide Japanese Obi, the same one used to keep the kimono closed. In 1907, Kano would introduce the judo-GI, which would ultimately be the predecessor of today's karate-GI and the modern Obi. By this time students used the white Obi to designate beginners and those who were not classified as yudansha or the black Obi which was used to designate those classified at the yudansha level. The kyu system and therefore the use of different colored belts would not come into force for several more years, until Sensei Mikonosuke Kaiwashi introduced them in 1935, when he began teaching judo in Paris. When Gichin Funakoshi traveled to Japan to demonstrate his art of karate in 1917, it was inevitable that he would come into contact with the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano. In 1922, when Funakoshi returned to Japan, he would realize how much he and Kano had in common and the two quickly became close friends. Both Funakoshi and Kano were school teachers, both studied martial arts, and both were interested in promoting their art to the Japanese public. Being educators, there is no doubt that these two men understood the importance of systematic training, as well as the importance of using a rating system in order to produce the best results in their students. On April 12, 1924, Funakoshi would adopt Kano's Yudansha ranking system, when he awarded Shodan to Tokuda, Otsuka, Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Gima, and Kasuya. The adoption of the kyu/Dan system and the implementation of a uniform (karate-GI), which was based in the first instance on judoGI, were two of the six conditions that the Dai-Nippon Butokukai (Arts Council Authority Martial) required before recognizing karate as a "legitimate" martial art. The first photographs taken during the training of Okinawan karate students reveal that in the early 20th century it was carried out in their everyday clothes and since the instruction rarely included women, the students

Sensei Gerardo Balves

often trained in their underwear. With Funakoshi's adoption of the Kano grading system, it was not long before he realized that the need went far beyond the technical differentiation of his students. He realized a very important factor, in Okinawa, the teaching of karate was normally carried out to only a handful of students. This made it easier to carry out the teaching (not to mention that many times the student's training was practically individual by the teacher). In this case each Sensei had no trouble remembering the technical skills of the student. But in Japan, Funakoshi soon found that the size of his classes was considerably larger than those in Okinawa, and the larger the student body, the more necessary was the implementation of assistive elements when conducting his classes. At the same time, each instructor knew exactly what technical level he had to teach each student. Almost every karate system in the world today makes use of this Kyu/Dan ranking system. Although the use of the Black Belt to designate the Dan grades is almost universal in all styles of karate, the same is not true for the Kyu categories and there are a multitude of colored belts used to indicate the various grades within each style. In most styles of karate the colors used to identify the minor kyu grade will be a light shade, such as a yellow belt. This light colored belt will become progressively darker (even brown) as the student progresses. The students of years ago did not change the belts in each promotion as the students of today do, but they kept with the same belt. Legend has it that the philosophical principle of color is based on the fact that the white belt turned green when the student came into contact with the grass during training. As the training intensified the grass would eventually die from contact with the student and the tape would turn brown with repeated contact with the earth. As the student continued to train the brown belt would darken to black. As the black belt got older (the student and the belt itself) and the practitioner's skill increased, the contact with the ground became less, since they were rarely thrown, swept or thrown, thus the black belt began It was beginning to wear down and turn gray just like the karateka's hair. The color of the belt over time continued its transformation until finally returning to its original color of white and in a sense, the belt as well as the student had returned to the starting point. General Category Recognition: 1. Mudansha: (Kyu) Term used to describe students below the rank of Black Belt. 2. Yudansha: (Dan) Term used to describe those students who have acquired the degree of Black Belt. 3. Kodansha: (Higher Dan) Term used to describe those students who have advanced to the highest Rank of Black Belt. 4. Mu-dan: (Beyond grade) Term used to describe a very high ranking martial artist who renounces the same. This occurs when the senior martial artist succeeds the senior master of the style or school. In many cases, this person is called Soke, once the master dies and becomes his legitimate heir, since on many occasions he can be the successor of his own father or his lineage. The degree is suspended and the person will be considered Mu-dan. Yudansha - Black Belt Degrees There is very little written information regarding the various types of belts used to identify the Yudansha or Black Belt (Obi). In several of the Okinawan and Japanese Karate systems you can see a variety of types of belts used for the various categories. It is very common to see Japanese kanji on all belts of the Yudansha degrees. Information such as the wearer's name, rank, organization, hierarchy, style, and/or school is

included in the writing on these belts. Belt letter colors can vary, but are most commonly gold, white, red, or blue and can appear on one or both ends of the Obi. The writing (in most cases) will be adjusted so that it can be read when the belt is tied. There are no set rules or regulations that apply to all styles of karate in reference to the types of belts to be worn, as well as the methods of using stripes to designate the different grade levels. The recognition method is almost as vast and complex as the styles themselves. Be that as it may, the following information should help readers recognize the methods generally used to identify the different ranks and levels of students, instructors, and teachers. Black belt: A black belt is the belt most worn by members of the Yudansha ranks and regardless of the Dan level of the Yudansha everyone is considered to be what is known as a "Black Belt". The Black Belt has become the universal meaning for those who have learned and/or teach the basic techniques that make up the karate systems. Japanese Styles, Dan (Yudansha level) Stripes: Many styles of karate, especially Japanese styles use horizontal stripes at one end of the black belt to designate the grade level of Yudansha.These like red or gold can be used especially when the bands are embroidered on the ribbon. With this type of band system the Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) would only have one band near the tip of one end of the belt, while a Go-Dan (5th Degree Black Belt) would have five separate stripes starting near the end of the belt. from the tip of one end of his belt and moving toward the center of the belt. Okinawan styles, Dan (Yudansha level): Most Okinawan styles of karate make use of a separate type of band system than that used by Japanese styles of karate. In most Okinawan styles, stripes are not used to refer to the ranks of Sho-dan through Go-dan. To designate the rank of Roku-Dan (Renshi) a gold colored band is worn horizontally on each side of the belt. Two gold colored bands are worn on each side of the belt to designate Nana-dan and Hachi-Dan (Kyoshi) and for Ku-Dan and Ju-Dan (Hanshi) three gold colored bands are worn on each side of the belt. Striped Yudansha Belts: Central horizontal stripes for some systems that make a difference between a female yudansha and a male yudansha for which a red or white stripe is used in the center of the black belt or a red belt with a black stripe in the center of the red band along the entire length of the women's belt. It was believed that by using this identification the wearer of the tape could be clearly perceived as male or female from a distance by the Sensei. Although this type of belt is rarely used today. There are only a few systems that still use it as an identifier for female students. Junior Black Belt ID There are also systems that use a horizontal stripe to identify a "Junior" "Yudansha" Black Belt or those who are below the minimum age requirement for the yudansha level in their respective organizations. The stripe used in this case is usually a horizontal stripe. white, although some organizations use a red stripe, this stripe is in the center of the entire black belt. Vertical Sectioned Blocks or Whole Horizontal Stripes: Yon-Dan and Go-Dan: Some systems identify the 4th and 5th degree of black belt by the use of a Black Belt with wide red sections of approximately 12 to 15cms. away on the belt. Red/black stripes with stripes or blocks run the length of the belt from end to end in black, red, black, red, etc. Some systems identify the YonDan, Go-Dan and Roku-Dan: by the use of the red and black colored belt. The colored stripes on these belts cover the entire vertical belt from end to end and in this case either red or black can be worn upwards to designate 4th, 5th or 6th Dan and then when student advances to the next level in band rank carried opposite side up. This belt can be Black on one side and when turned all the way around it allows the student to change her belt color to black by simply turning it. Some systems identify the Rokudan, Shichi-Dan and Hachi-Dan by the use of a red and white belt in stripes approximately 10 to 20 cm long. These blocks are across the entire belt from end to end in white, red, white, red, etc. Some organizations use a striped belt like the one described in the previous paragraph, except that the red sectioned area is black.

These black/white, black/white sections run through the entire length of the belt from end to end. This type of belt is generally used to identify wearers ranging from Go-Dan to Hachi-Dan. These Ribbons are used by some karate organizations, but more often by Jujutsu or Aikijujutsu systems. But some systems use the order in which they are ordered to identify the degrees, for example: if the tip ends in white it is a Roku-Dan and if it ends in red it will be a Shichi-Dan. For high level belts like Ku-dan and Ju-dan some systems use a red colored belt. Some Yu Dan in certain circumstances can be seen wearing a golden belt. Formal Karate Titles 1. Sensei: Master or whoever was born before": This title is the most frequently used title in karate and generally refers to someone of the Yon-Dan level. Many high-ranking instructors will state that this is the most honorable title a student can use to refer to her teacher. The title Sensei implies a close bond between student and teacher. 2. Shihan: "Expert Master": It is important to understand that this denomination is for someone who has perfectly mastered and assimilated the basic and advanced principles of a particular style or system. The title of Shihan does not mean that this person has stopped learning , because he already knows all the answers. On the contrary, he considers himself to be more serious and dedicated than most students. The title of Shihan is generally considered to be a title only in his organization and does not make much sense outside of style or of the organization. 3. Renshi: "Senior Expert Master": This is the first of three generally used titles. Although this title is independent of rank, it is rarely given to anyone below the rank of Roku-Dan. 4. Tasshi or Tesshi: "Master's Apprentice": This title was originally used instead of of Kyoshi. It is now sometimes used between the Renshi and Kyoshi levels by the Dai-Nippon Butokukai. 5. Kyoshi: "Master of Masters": This is the second of the three titles used in general. Although this title is independent of the ranking system, it is rarely given to anyone below the rank of Sichi or Nana-dan. 6. Hanshi: "Senior Master": This is the third and highest of the three titles used in general. Although this title is independent of the ranking system, it is rarely given to anyone below the rank of Ku-Dan. In reference to the three titles Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi: Ren = A trainer of the Way Kyo= A Master of the Way Han= A model of the Way Other names of Karate are also: 1. Seito Deshi or Deshi: A student, pupil or disciple of a martial art. 2. Uchi Deshi: A personal student who lives and trains with the Master of a martial art. 3. Kohai: A title used to refer to someone who is lower in rank than oneself. The opposite of Senpai. 4. Sempai: A title used to refer to someone who is higher in rank than oneself. The opposite of Kohai. 5. Kancho: A title sometimes given to the head of a dojo or organization. This title is independent of any rank, but in most cases this person is a high-ranking student. In most cases the person holding this title will be the highest ranking instructor of a specific Ryu-Ha or Kai-Ha. 6. Kaicho: This title generally refers to the director of a style. You can also at the head of an organization or association. 7. Taiso: The term used to designate a great master of martial arts. 8. Kaiso: The founder of a particular style or an organization or association. A senior advisor to the founder may also hold this title. 9. Soke: Founder of a system or style. This title can also be used by the successor of the founder of a style or system. This person will be a Ju-Dan in most cases. 10. Shoshu: The title used to designate a master of a particular art. 11. Saiko Shihan or Shihan-Dai: This title refers to the person who has been designated as the Superior Chief. 12. O-Sensei or Dai Sensei: This title means Grand Master, or the highest and most respected teacher. This title is spoken by students in honorable reference to the founder of traditional martial arts. 13. Sosai: Highest and most honorable position of an organization. 14. Soshi: Title used to designate the Chief Master of an organization. 15. Shidoin: Title used to refer to a Head Instructor. 16. Meijin: Title used for a master of martial arts. 17. Kensei: Holy Fist a title used by Chojun Miyagi, founder

of Goju-ryu, by his students. 18. Mukyu: Someone who has no rank in karate. 19. Shokyu: Secondary grade level of learning such as Sho-Dan. 20. Chukyu: It is used to refer to a student who is at a secondary level and in full training to ascend to the upper intermediate grade. From Ni Dan to San Dan for example. 21. Jokyu: advanced degree. It is used for a Yon-Dan Sensei who is in training for promotion to the higher rank and is on assignment abroad. 22. Hokai: Used to refer to a student below Dan grade. 23. Nyumon: Training to access the level of Sho Dan. 24. Kyoren: A San-Dan grade student, who is not in training course to be an instructor (Yon-Dan) 25. Ani-deshi: Senior Disciple

HOW AND WHO GRADUATED THE FIRST MASTERS (Source: "How the Masters Got Their Ranks: Origins of the Karate Rank System") Throughout the course of our Karate-do training, we take for granted the grading system that confers our belts and titles. Sometimes this system is overtly personal, with the director-and only him-granting each promotion directly, according to his own rules. Often the examination and award of a degree is a more bureaucratic affair, with a committee performing a perfunctory service in a formally standardized ceremony and even without the routine forms, and yet more informal. The recent writings of Hanshi Richard Kim of the Butokukai (Martial Virtue Association) showed how the da/kyu degree system was adopted by modern budo (martial arts) systems, promulgated by the Butokukai, and codified in its final form to Japanese Karate-do by the Federation of All Japan Karate Do Organizations (FAJKO). To truly understand this rank system, it is important to gain a good understanding of how the various teachers earned their degrees, as that is the basis of our degree. This is what we know for sure: On April 12, 1924, FUNAKOSHI Gichin, "The Father of Modern Karate", awarded the first black belts in Karate to seven men. Among the recipients were OHTSUKA Hironori, founder of Wado-Ryu Karate-do, GIMA Shinken, later Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu, and TOKUDA Ante, Gima's cousin, who received the second dan (nidan) black belt. Like Gima Shinken, Tokuda had trained extensively in Okinawa before coming to Japan. The others were Kasuya, Akiba, Shimizu, and Hirose. In these beginnings there was a very personal, although formal, ceremony in which Funakoshi is said to distribute many black belts among his disciples. Yet there is no indication that Funakoshi himself had any budo rank under the dan/kyu system. Actually, Funakoshi was greatly influenced by KANO Jigoro, the aristocratic founder of Judo, and creator of the dan/kyu system. Kano was a highly respected individual, and Funakoshi prided himself on being a polite and correct man who he believed to be acting correctly. Kano's system was not only being applied to Judo, but to other budos as well under the auspices of the Butokukai and the Japanese Ministry of Education. Funakoshi, then, simply adopted what was the order of the day: a grading system officially approved by the most important entities in Japan in the field of martial arts. Funakoshi's own rank was of no importance, as belt ranks were apparently something for students only, not teachers. For its part, the Butokukai issued licenses for instructors: the titles Renshi (lowest), Kyoshi, and Hanshi (highest). It would be a while before the dan/kyu system became universal in Karate. Towards the end of the 1930s, every karate group was invited to register with the Butokukai for official recognition, and in 1938, a meeting of the official karate-do leaders of the Butokukai took place in Tokyo. The objective was to discuss the norms for the granting of degrees in his art. Present were, among others, OHTSUKA Hironori from WadoRyu, MABUNI Kenwa from ShitoRyu, KINJO (Kaneshiro) Kensei and UESHIMA Sannosuke from Kushin-Ryu, YAMADA Tatsuo from Nippon Kenpo, KONISHI Koyu from Shindo-Jinen-Ryu, and a young YAMAGUCHI Gogen of Goju-Ryu. Most of these men were founders of their own styles, and as such they automatically became the highest grades that contemplated their respective and agreed norms. Yamaguchi assumed the leadership of Goju-Ryu because, we are told, he was personally asked by the founder of Goju-Ryu, MIYAGI Chojun, to take charge of the direction of the style in Japan. Around this time, Funakoshi also finalized the grade standards for use in his Shotokan Dojo. Of course, the Butokukai continued to directly authorize the head teachers. This, however, was not without controversy, as Konishi was on the committee that awarded

Funakoshi the rank of Renshi, and Konishi had been a student of Funakoshi. Of course, Konishi had internal ties to the Butokukai by virtue of birth, something the Okinawan Funakoshi could not have. In Okinawa, the dan/kyu system was not really established until 1956, with the formation of the Okinawa Karate Association (OKA). CHIBANA Chosin, the first to name his system Kobayashi Ryu (ShorinRyu), was the first president. According to the historical data of the Shudokan (a Japanese group started by TOYAMA Kanken in Tokyo), Chibana and Toyama were officially recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education to award any degree in the art of Karate, regardless of style. Chibana helped organize the OKF, and it was then that mainstream Okinawan groups generally began to distinguish their black belt degrees as more than just a distinction between students and teachers. Toyama, a talented and, some would say, colorful man, gave some lavish certifications to Dojo directors in Okinawa and Japan. These were normally shibucho ("superintendent" diplomas, from the title of feudal area commander). These certifications accredited socalled individuals as leaders of their own All Japan Karate-do Federation faction and, by extension, of their own groups. SHIMABUKU Eizo, founder of the Shobayashi-Ryu / Shorin-Ryu (a mix of Tomari te / Shuri te Kyan style and ShorinRyu) faction, points to his own 10th dan as a Toyama certification. Shimabuku's assumption of tenth dan, and the fact that he wore a red belt, was a matter of dispute. It was controversies of this sort that led most Okinawan leaders to eschew the red belt almost entirely. The AJKF did not last as a unified group of different styles in Japan. Toyama's raid on Okinawa later led to the formation of the AJKF - Okinawa Branch faction with the help in organization of TAMOTSU Isamu. Tamotsu became a student of SHIMABUKU Zenryo (of Kyanstyle Shorin-Ryu) and would come to be known as the soke (style leader) of the Japanese faction of Shorinji-Ryu. In 1960, the Okinawa branch of the AJKF was organized with SHIMABUKU Zenryo as president. A constituent group of this AJKF was the Okinawa Kenpo League led by NAKAMURA Shigeru and SHIMABUKU Zenryo as a loose confederation of several Dojos sharing techniques. Like other organizations, the AJKF - Okinawa Branch handled the graduation of its member instructors. It operated as a rival to the Okinawa Karate Federation. However, it did not last long either and the schools that belonged to the organization broke away and formed other alliances. However, his emblem did not die. The same shield is still used by CHITOSE Tsuyoshi's Chito-Kai. The core leaders of karate continued on their own or became part of other groups, using authority inherited mostly from members of one of the original Okinawan organizations, the most significant being All Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Rengokai. Formed by HIGA Seitoku as a successor to the Okinawa Federation in 1967, the Okinawan detail of the emblem was used to distinguish each member group. OYATA Seiyu can be seen wearing this emblem in Dojo. Chitose was a founding member of the original Japanese AJKF, but his 10th dan was awarded to him in 1958, according to Chitokai, by All Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Rengokai. He was awarded his Hanshi title by the same group in 1962. However, this is confusing as the AOKK-Rengokai was not formed until 1967. It grew out of an earlier group: the Okinawa Kobudo Federation which was founded in 1961. The latter group it was organized by HIGA Seitoku (of various Shorin-Ryu related lines) and UEHARA Seikichi (Motobu-Ryu). Higa had been a graduate of Toyama while living in Japan and may have been associated with the original AJKF. As we know from Richard Kim, the most significant event in the use of the system: dan/kyu was the formation of the FAJKO in 1964. All the major groups and factions of Japanese Karate-do were brought under the umbrella of the FAJKO. Around 1971, a rank structure was adopted that standardized all systems. High ranks were awarded to FAJKO member instructors by the organization's committee. In this way, the leaders of the constituent organizations could be promoted, as in previous attempts at confederation. An earlier, but smaller, confederation of schools with degree-granting authority

was the Japan Karate-do Rengokai, which still exists and is a member of FAJKO. Following the birth of FAJKO, the JKA increased its own degree requirements to accommodate. Sixth and eighth dans were awarded in the JKA in the mid-1960s, and NISHIYAMA Hidetaka in Los Angeles was one of those promoted at the time. Although not all groups currently participate in FAJKO, most are still tied to that organization in terms of rank structure and authorization. Others, not so linked, have adjusted to the FAJKO standards and criteria as well. Shortly after FAJKO was created, Okinawans formed the All Okinawa Karate-do Federation as a successor to the old OKF. Members of both the OKF and AJKF - Okinawa Branch became part of the new association. Some of the top Okinawan Karate leaders made up the AOKF committee. These included NAGAMINE Shoshin, SHIMABUKU Zenryo, YAGI Meitoku from Goju-Ryu, UECHI Kanei from UechiRyu, and HIGA Yuchoku from Shorin-Ryu. They adopted a dan/ kyu system and Renshi, Kyoshi, Hanshi (plus a Hanshisei) almost identical to that of the FAJKO. The Okinawa Rengokai, formed by HIGA Seitoku, also adopted standards very similar to those of the AOKF. Higa organizations had certified as Hanshi - and thus supreme instructor - several who were style or group leaders in their own right. these included KANESHIMA Shinsuke of Tozan-Ryu of Shuri-Te, SOKEN Hoan of Matsumura Shorin-Ryu, MATAYOSHI Shinpo of Matayoshi Kobudo, NAKAIMA Kenko of Ryuei-Ryu, TOMA Shian of ShorinRyu (Kyan style) and Motobu-Ryu, SHIMABUKU Tatsuo from IsshinRyu, KINA Shosei from Uhuchiku Kobudo, and SHIMABUKU Zenryo from Shorin-Ryu. It is clear that the degrees in Karate arose from several original sources - something relatively modern built on an ancient martial art. They were issued by individuals and institutions with established standards that were recognized by other prestigious individuals and groups. And this is the crux of the matter: for a degree to be recognized, the one who grants it must be someone recognized in the Karate community. It must be based on tradition, and linked to an authorized body or individual who is above reproach. The rules under which degrees are obtained and awarded must be recognizable, and in accordance with the rules already existing in the hierarchy of Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. Anyone can print or write a great certificate, but without any government or legal guidelines. It is the recognition and acceptance by existing groups and institutions that gives each group or individual its legitimacy. The development of the rank system is a typical human development, with rivalries and contradictions, and our own masters received their degrees in different ways. The highest grades of the old masters could not receive the 10th dan of their "styles". They were invariably graded by other people and applied this grade to their own groups. This is still true. As in European medieval chivalry, originally any knight could name another knight, and later majestic institutions were in charge of that task. However, it is the skill and knowledge that get the degree, not vice versa. The search for the degree, in itself, makes it lose its meaning. There is a story that reflects the meaning of karate. It is a parable about the Do (way) and an insignificant man. A karateka asked Sensei about him. O master who has walked the path: What is the difference between a man of the Do and a little man? Sensei replied: "When the little man receives the first Dan black belt, he quickly runs home shouting the fact to everyone. After receiving his second Dan, he climbs the roof of his house, and shouts it to everyone. Third Dan, he will go around town telling as many people as he can." Sensei continued: "A man of the Do who receives his first Dan will bow his head in gratitude; after receiving his second Dan, he will bow his head and shoulders; and when he reaches the third Dan, he will bow to the waist, and in the street, he will walk along the wall, to pass unnoticed. The greater the experience, ability and power, the greater will also be his prudence and humility".

Gerard Balves 7th Dan Kobayashi-ryu Kyudokan Coordinator of the International Group of Dojos Kyudo Mugen Kyudokan https://www.facebook.com/ gerardo.balves