What a Black Belt Means "To ME!"

It is merely a "symbol." At a minimum it signifies that the wearer has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are serious about following the Way of the Empty Hand (this could be any physical/mental art form). They are ready to really start training as a "student" of the system. It signifies to all who are of witness that they are a serious practitioner.

It is a symbol that is personal to that individual. It has meaning and significance to that person regardless of societies perceptions. It symbolizes the senior-junior bond held between two individuals and those two individuals only. It will have some lesser significance to those who are members of the tribe called the dojo. The dojo where all who participate come under the guidance of that "one Sensei" only, no one else.

One can look to it as a "key" they were awarded to open a doorway to something unusual and demanding that will last them through out their lifetime. It demonstrates a faith in that individual that they now can "choose" a path. Choose by either inserting the key in the door and opening or laying the key down and turning away to find a different door/path/gate.

If a person chooses to accept that black belt they are opening the door and working to see within that dark and deep pathway knowing that the only light they have to "see" with is the one they carry within themselves. They understand that to "hear" all the opportunities that are hidden within that receptacle are there only if they choose this path/way/journey.

Although unique to the individual with its own unique meaning that it is something that cannot be removed for it is indelibly etched on the heart, soul and mind of that individual. No other dojo, no other Sensei, no other person can take away its significance regardless of the reasons. This particular black belt recipient has it and its symbolism for eternity even if they put on a new white belt.

What is a Sho-dan?

The defining term for my perspective on Sho-dan is the words, "naive, artless, unsophisticated and inexperienced."

Why? Because as been written in many articles one has barely achieved knowledge and a modicum of ability in the fundamentals of the particular system. A Sho-dan is naivety at its earliest stage; it is an artless form simply because a Shodan has not achieved anything greater than the mere physical, only a limited level has been achieved; the person lacks any true sophistication in the martial "arts" and they tend to lack any reality based experience which sometimes goes for an entire life time of practice and training - if your lucky.

What is karate?

Well, it is a system of physical activities utilizing as many parts of the body as possible. It is comprised of hand and foot techniques but is not limited there as the elbows, fingers, knees, etc. are also used and it is a system of study that advocates its usage in fighting.

Sometimes it advocates a moral stand before using it but sometimes not. It is also a sport where you can compete and receive awards, trophies, etc. for best performance. It originated from the island of Okinawa. It was used to defend in civil situations at the various villages.

It was created from mostly Chinese boxing but does or I believe it to be a composition/compilation of many influences since Okinawa was a center of sea going commerce in that area of the world.

At its core it is simply a physical activity much like boxing, wrestling, etc. It is not some mystical practice that provides for a way of life although it can be used as a tool to achieve it in broad terms outside of the physical practice.

It can and does provide for self defense in a sense as well as sport and if you take it outside the physical references it can demonstrate succinctly aspects of life and the world for training to achieve a life improvement, generally.

Is Karate a Martial Art?

Simply answered, "No!" It is considered a "fighting (sometimes combative) art." I, personally, believe it should be a "Civil Fighting Art." Civil being that fundamental form of self protection or self defense used by those who reside in communities/societal tribes if you will. It was not created for combat; it was not created to be utilized on a "battlefield."

I realize that many "glorify" their dojo, training facilities, arts into this mystical form of "warrior stuff" but it is not and never has been related to "warriors or combat." All those stories and/or sales promotions are great stories much like going to a good fighting arts based fictional movie where nothing is actually realistic or reality based but dramatized to appeal to the general public so they fork out the bucks to sit in a theater and watch the movie.

Most of that stuff is "fictional" at best and hurtful at worst when taught to unsuspecting students to give false sense of ability.

We can tell ourselves as many stories as we like. We can delude ourselves into believing it is so that it boosts our belief system for our karate practice but in truth it is not.

What is karate? It is combative, a civil art used by the Okinawan's in fighting. That fighting is usually, in the beginning, between villages in a contest manner (not the kind we do for tournaments which is not a contest per say but sport). One person wants to see if he can learn from another so they may have a contest.

Now, I know the story goes that they increased its development supposedly to protect themselves against the Samurai but I do believe that is also just a "story" to enhance and mystify its origins. Yes, the King's guards were adept at the indigenous art form of Okinawa, i.e. "Ti or Te." But in reality being the security or body guards for the King of Okinawa does not make it a Martial Art. It is combative in nature then, not now at least in most, and it was to become a "civil protective art" which when opened to the so called lower classes late 1800's to 1900's it started to change but not into a martial art.

Now, long before the following I have come to this understanding but the points I put in this post that come from a Japanese Koryu practitioner does apply and is valid, in my viewpoint/opinion.

1. Technically speaking it was not created or practiced, especially on Okinawa, by professional warriors.

2. It was not created by or for "a martial group." On Okinawa it was not organized into any groups at all. The Naha, Tomari, and Shuri designations didn't come about until late 1800's at the very earliest. In most cases it was called just "Ti or Te." The styles of Goju and Shorin didn't come about until later either.

3. It was not meant for direct application on a battlefield. In most cases it was maybe known by the King's body guards and maybe it was utilized by Okinawa sailors on ships to protect, if sword was lost, etc., against pirates.

The Martial Art designation was used by those who had no clue and decided that it had this mystical aspect that glorified what was practiced and taught which was a huge draw in the sixties and seventies. It also got promoted by the various magazines, i.e. karate illustrated and black belt, etc. not to forget the movies and television shows, i.e. Bruce Lee and Kung Fu with David Carridine, etc.

Like a lot of legends and stories that sound good, we have a few in Isshinryu, they tend to get out of hand and grow exponentially to where they become an intricate part of practitioner belief systems and once there they will fight tooth and nail to refute anyone saying otherwise but in the end it is true that Karate is NOT a martial art.

Also, those so called "martial arts" of the Marines can be referred to as "Martial Arts" because they fit those three items above. The MCMAP were created and are practiced by professional warriors, the Marines. It is a creation of a martial group, the Marines. Finally, it is designed to be used in battle on the battlefield, by Marines. No, it is NOT karate even tho aspects of the striking arts are there just like aspects of Krav Maga, MMA, etc. ergo why it is a creation and practice of Marines; so don't go there.

Karate is NOT a martial art so "get over it and move on" it does not demean or demote or lessen what you do or practice. It is still a unique system of fighting and it is called "Karate!"

Bibliography:
Lowry, Dave. "The Essence of Budo: A Practitioners Guide to Understanding the Japanese Martial Ways." Boston & London: Shambhala Publications, 2010.

Is Karate a Way of Life?

No, it is not but ... go here and read.

Do you have to bow and all that stuff to learn karate?

No, you do not. If the facility you practice at requires it then you should respect that requirement. If someone does not require it this is no indication as to authenticity. It is something that was a part of the Japanese customs and courtesies and only shows up in a Japanese dojo as that, not some special formality/etiquette for the practice of a martial art.

Our society likes "novel" stuff. This etiquette stuff smacked of Asian mystique and so we decided to incorporate it into our teachings and practice even tho it was not original to Okinawan karate.

Traditional Okinawan karate did not use such formalities in the dojo as a requirement. It was simply an every day custom and courtesy between Okinawan people. Once greetings were done everyone got down to business and practiced/trained in karate.

For my style, the person who created and named Isshinryu ran his training in his yard outside the porch of his home. As a Okinawan courtesy Marines bowed, standing bow, upon entering his yard which was respectful of his home. They bowed to him on the porch basically as a courtesy saying "Hi Mr. Shimabuku!" and then broke off to practice and train. No seiza, no mokuso, no formalities between practitioners and/or the instructors.

There were no set hours of practice, Marines/Military came and went all hours of the day and evening to practice and train. No one called Tatsuo "Sensei" but instead the accepted "Papa-san" until a Marine who knew of the Japanese use of Sensei told everyone it was proper and then required them to use it with Tatsuo.

In the end all the bowing and scraping and Sensei'ing, etc. is just something Americans added to their teaching. In my opinion it was merely a "sales sound bite" to draw customers, etc.

Why would I want to take Karate lessons?

Good question, what do you want out of your lessons? What I would suggest to you as someone interested in taking fighting arts is to do some research on the Internet to find out as much about it as possible from as many different sources as possible. Compile a bunch of questions and then return so you can ask and I can answer.

There are many aspects of karate or any fighting/marital art for that matter and whether you attend this facility or another will depend on your questions and my answers as they either meet or not meet your needs, desires, and ultimately goals.

Note: There are tons of questions about karate I could cover that you may ask but in the end it comes down to this answer here, research and gather questions as some sites may answer them for you anyway. If you are serious then the research will be easy enough.

What do you mean when you say "focus" Sensei?

It will depend on what you are doing at the time. In a nutshell is means you need to bring your attention fully and completely on the task your are practicing. This is especially important at the beginning phases because your attention to what is taught and what you are doing will help you to achieve progress. It can mean the difference between proper technique, i.e. punches, kicks, that are effective vs. sloppy technique which will end up being ineffective.

Focus can also mean your general alertness when out in the world. You can have a focus that takes in all your surroundings say the entire block before and after where you are and are going. It could also mean when you detect anomalies in the block surroundings that you now narrow down your focus toward your immediate area. In the end, if you unavoidably encounter an attacker your focus now is narrower, i.e. focus on that person, their body language, trying to discern their intent be it just posturing or actually gearing up to attack. If a surprise attack your focus how has to be on acting, acting to either get away or overcoming the attack to get away safely and alive.

Focus is no one particular thing but many things a karate-ka must develop to make his/her karate work.

What will training and practice entail?

I don't mean to be vague when I answer some questions but a lot will depend on what your goal is in taking lessons. It will depend on what you wish to get out of the training, i.e. self defense, sport, spiritual, etc.

I will use one aspect, the Way, the more involved aspect of using karate as a tool to achieve a way of life which is what I try for in my practice. It not only required I attend sessions at the training hall at least three times a week at two to three hours each session but it required a commitment from me to go beyond the minimal stuff, it required me to seek out more outside the training hall. It required me to practice many more hours outside of the dojo.

It also requires me to dedicate myself to my practice and training. It is almost like a full time way of life, i.e. balance practice with relaxation while continuing to strive for perfection in the way I practice and train to provide guidance in striving to perfect the way I live.

All in all, to achieve a level of proficiency, knowledge, experience, etc. in karate-do to include self protection, i.e. fighting ability, I have spent on average outside the training hall about two to three hours a day practicing and training. If you take in my research and studies which are a part of it then you can add at least two to three hours daily doing that as well. This is what most would say borderlines on obsession but to me it is just interesting and fun so I do it and the benefits for me are immense.

So, depending on your goals, etc. you can just attend classes or dedicated "some time at your decision" to practice outside training to get where you wish to go.

Do I need a uniform to learn karate?

No, not at all. Okinawan's originally did not have or use a uniform. It is, in my facility, an option that the student decides for themselves. If you do not want one then attending in loose and comfortable clothing will do just nicely.

What is Ki? Do I have it? How do I use it?

Ki is energy, simple and straight forward. Karate training and practice build your ki, energy, simply by creating a healthier body and mind through the exercise of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, etc. What I am saying is the overall development of the body through exercise.

You have it, all things have it, it is energy. There is energy in all things of this earth because even at the subatomic level, say a rock, has energy although not manifested in a form we can see, hear, feel, touch, etc.

You do not learn to use it, it is used by your body and mind to perform both physical and mental stuff. What some seem to mistake and misunderstand is that the apparent or perceived power and wonderful things karate-ka can do does not come from some mysterious "ki" that karate enhances but is enhanced by learning to utilize your entire body and mind at an optimal level for each of you.

Professional sports participants also by their practice and training increase and optimize their bodies and minds to achieve a higher level of performance so you can say they are enhancing their Ki or energy levels.

The energy you generate is related to health, physical fitness, attitude or mind, and by some of the things you do such as the fuel you put into your body to achieve optimal energy generation or burning of fuel to generate that energy. Karate-ka "seem" to develop these abilities that are perceived by the uninitiated as magical and/or mystical in nature simply because their imaginations go wild when they see the uniform and feats performed.

I remember once telling someone that my ability to break three two inch boards was because I had great Ki. In reality, now that I know better, it was more knowing the physics of the material I was working with in breaking. That application of knowledge along with being physically fit allowed me to break the wood and dazzle the audience.

Ki is ENERGY, that's it!

How long will it take to get a black belt?

Ok, the sagely answer is ten years. When you ask if you really work hard how long I will respond, "Twenty years." Sound familiar, well the truth is it depends....arghhhhhh you say.

It depends on who is evaluating you. Who he/she has to provide the results to if this person and facility is a part of some bigger organization. Everyone has their own standards and requirements which in most cases is driven by both outside requirements but a lot of times by the ego's and monetary gain one or the other thinks they can get from you.

In reality, if you want a black belt you can just send for one from a karate store on the web, they will gladly send it when you pay them for it and they will not ask or want any type of certification or validation from you or anyone.

A black belt is a subjective thing. Once you choose a facility then it is a matter between you and the instructor. When he/she does award you the black belt it is for life, as far as I am concerned, and no one can take it away from you.

You need to know that I say this because in most instances when you leave this facility and go elsewhere, i.e. say you move to another state, even if you find the same style in all likelihood that instructor will not honor your black belt and may even require you do all his stuff all over again to prove your are worthy in his dojo.

Sorry, that is the way it is, for now. Ok, now I will answer your question if you were my student. If you follow my criteria to the letter I expect, depending on your abilities, etc., you to achieve a black belt from one to two years time.

What are the injury risks for karate?

Again, depends but I would venture to say that it is moderate to high because karate requires contact between participants. Mistakes happen and accidents occur. Hopefully it will mean bruises, all the time mostly, cut lips, sprained fingers and toes and hands, etc.

Really serious injuries in my teachings are rare. In my twenty plus years teaching for the special services groups about many military installations, i.e. for military, dependents, and civilian staffing, I can say that I have seen only about three semi-serious injuries and none that were debilitating, either temporary or permanent.

Remember, in my training you are not required to participate in kumite, fighting, nor tournaments, etc. You never have to actually go one-on-one with anyone else. Yes, you can still achieve a black belt with out actually having to fight. The understanding that black belts are fighters is not true.

If you do not fight then how can you earn a black belt?

Black belt requirements like earning a black belt above is extremely subjective so again it depends on the source. I can only tell you that on Okinawa many persons earned a black belt while never participating in kumite, both dojo and tournaments.

One story which may or may not be true was a black belt who was asked if he were going to participate in a kumite match said, no way, this stuff can get you killed. Tatsuo did not require it and if you learned everything else, i.e. basics/fundamental, kata, drills, etc. you could be a black belt.

I seen other aspects of achievement to much to put here I would use to award a black belt much to the consternation of other martial artists.

I know of a fellow who just cannot learn the kata and has to be reminded time and again about what to do and how to do it but on the whole he knows the few he knows with limitations. He has been attending regularly and with such an attitude of persistence and diligence and desire and motivation; six years when I saw him last and to me he is a black belt although his instructor does not think so, hmm go figure.

I have some physical limitations, can I still practice karate?

Yes, with one caveat which actually applies to anyone taking karate. All participants whether a physical and doctor's approval is required should see their personal physician and tell them what you plan on doing and get their ok to proceed. Your health and well being are far more important than your participation in karate, my training and facility, so get it for your self to make sure you have no physical issues that could get you hurt unnecessarily.

Do I have to test for promotions?

Yes and No. No, not in mass, i.e. with others in front of everyone. Yes, subjectively if that says it correctly. Here is my idea of how I will, now and in the future, evaluate a person for a specific level of proficiency as represented by colored belts.

In lieu of say time in grade, which by the way comes from the military influences on karate, where one has to have been involved in a rank/level for say two years, i.e. two years time in grade as Sho-dan to be eligible for Ni-dan, etc.

He (Rob Redmond) suggests, I agree, that in order to qualify for the promotion in lieu of taking a test they have to have to spend a specified number of hours in practice and training, i.e. both in the training hall and outside on their own. This means that the individual has to spend a specified number of hours actually training and practicing in order to advance to the next level.

Couple this with the observations of the instructor, which is still subjective but you cannot have perfection and this keeps is a personal relationship between instructor and student, then you have "actual experience" being the bar to which you must reach to be promoted.

Lets say that you require 6 hours attendance in the training hall. You then require from 6 to 12 hours outside practice and training, on their own, so you estimate that at a minimum they do about 12 to 18 hours training and practice a week. Figure this at 52 weeks for one year for a minimum total of 624 to 936 hours of actual training and practice. Now you just have to find the hours you figure are necessary to achieve the level of rank involved be in the lower "kyu" ranks or the higher "dan" ranks.

No testing just logging in the required hours. Now what I suggest in this post is to determine a minimum amount of hours and in reality those hours can be achieved anyway they wish. If they take ten years to get the hours then they get that rank/level/rating at ten years. If a practitioner gains those hours in a very short time span and proficiency shows, in both cases this would need to be true, then they achieve it then, i.e. two years say.

At least with this formula the person actually has to do karate for the time involved. The effort will show in the training hall under the watchful eye of the instructor so just doing the time will not do it and this will keep things honest. After all, how do you prove they did or did not do the outside hours of training and practice?

One additional aspect he states is if I am unable to observe adequately in the training hall then we would set up a separate and private time to have me check proficiency and knowledge outside of normal training and practice times.

Achieve or exceed the requirements for each level and they get the promotion. No tests, no pressures, nada except qualifying per this hours and evaluations. Seems so simple and easy that something must be missing or wrong or its just my cynicism. It fosters a personal relationship, a professional one, that benefits both parties with out others coming into the picture.

Is this the best karate to take?

I am going to cope out here by quoting Tatsuo, "All bottles are good, they all serve a purpose." To explain, all martial/fighting arts are good as they all serve a purpose. What I usually tell folks who ask this question after the quote is that all forms of karate have distinct personalities and what a person needs to do is find that one version that fits their personalities and then train in that.

Some times that is not possible as I realize that in a lot of instances around the country there are few training facilities with many of one particular form of practice/training. If you truly desire to learn then take what is available as it still has value and can help you achieve proficiency. It is up to you.

As to my form of teaching, practice, and training this Isshinryu fits me perfectly, I like it personally, but it is not the best or the worst form of karate practice. I can say emphatically that any karate or fighting/martial art is "what you make of it." It is exclusively up to you. You can either let others influence you and suffer the results or you can take charge of your life and enjoy what ever form you decide to practice regardless of others and what they think and say.

Will I learn self defense in karate?

Again, depends. All martial/fighting arts "claim" to teach self defense/self protection techniques, etc. but few actually teach it properly. It takes a lot more than teaching a few specific techniques for a few specific, and mostly unrealistic, scenario's.

I can say that I "thought" I was teaching self defense for a lot of years only to discover these last four or five years I was NOT TEACHING it correctly or accurately. It was great stuff academically speaking but for street defense, either school yard stuff or violent stuff, it was crap.

You really need to be aware and careful as to what "constitutes real self defense" before assuming what you train in actually provides it. Don't fool yourself and don't let sales crap fool you either. I can have you get up with me in a class and dazzle the heck out of you with my abilities BUT it would be razzle dazzle to get you to join and it would set you up with misinformation which is just not fair, to you and to me.

Buyer beware!

Do I have to fight to learn karate?

The answer I have for this one is going to upset a lot of folks but NO, you do not have to spar, kumite, fight or participate in the contact aspect of karate training. You have to fully understand what it is you are giving up, the possibility of it providing self defense capabilities but it is possible.

In my teaching if you don't do this part then there are other parts that I would emphasize a bit more for you to acquire, assimilate, learn, study, etc. to be a good black belt. It would also mean you would not be recommend to be a teacher if you some day wished to do that but as long as you understand what type of black belt you earn is then you can do it.

"All bottles are good, they all serve a purpose!"

How much do I need to practice to be good at karate?

I have no idea! I can just say that it differs between each individual and also their goals. This question assumes you wish to fight and to learn self protective aspects so again it might depend on you. Just a hint, some folks are naturally inclined to physical activities and can achieve great things in a short time span while others have to work real hard at it. I know of a guy who has practice for about eight years and still cannot achieve more than one or two kata let alone any real kumite and it doesn't matter; he has spirit and determination.

If you have spirit, determination, desire, positive attitude, and due diligence in your efforts you will always succeed.

Can I learn about the weapons first, do I have to learn karate first to learn weapons stuff?

No you do not, these are two completely separate disciplines and as long as the fundamentals are taught properly you can devote all your efforts to the weapons aspects.

It is lumped under the karate heading because it is easier and in some cases those who do it are misinformed and think they are both the same, i.e. karate. This is not true. You also have to understand that a lot of facilities are earnings oriented so they tell folks they have to learn a certain amount of empty hand to learn weapons. This is the commercialism speaking here and it is not necessary.

How much will karate lessons cost me?

The canned response you will hear often is, "If you have to ask you don't want to do karate." You may hear something like this or some other crappy answer to unduly influence you into signing contracts or what ever but as for me, in all my years of teaching I never earned one dollar for providing training in karate.

Some will say, it can't have been any good cause you really have to pay to get good lessons in karate! Not true, I was lucky enough as a Marine and as a Civilian working on military installations to be allowed to teach for the "special services" departments which provide military, family of military and civilian employees mostly free stuff like karate. Some places required nominal fee to be a member where the lessons were available for free.

There are some places in the civilian sector as well that work like this but for me during that entire time my services were voluntary, free, not commercialized.

As for most out there, depends, go ask them.

Can anyone learn karate?

Yes, if the instructor is will and has the knowledge and experience to handle unusual cases. Each person is unique and the instructor needs to have a session with them before they begin to find out what is needed to train them properly.

Is it safe for a child to take karate? How young can they start? Can a child get a black belt in karate?

My opinion and mine alone, NO! I would not allow anyone under the age of sixteen train with me. I would interview them and their parents first to determine if the sixteen year old had enough maturity to train. Often I said no. Usually I would find that the parent had the misconception that is was a child care type situation so they could drop them off and go off for some free time away from the kids. I would kill it immediately, my training hall is not a day care center.

As for the black belt, it has a status and perception in society be it accurate or just crap but I don't believe a person under eighteen should be awarded one. My opinion, mine alone. I no longer use all the colored belts either so it is either no belt at all or if you want to use them I award green, brown, and black. After that, you can do what you want. I do, I like to wear the red/white belt, why? Cause it looks good ;-)

How often do I need to attend classes to get a black belt, one day a week, two, three or ?

Depends, again, on where you go and who is teaching you. Many still advocate time in grade and certain requirements depending on the contract, etc. Me, I now use the hours of training and private evalutaions which you can read about here.

No, I don't do organizations but then again I don't have a training hall at this moment. That in itself is another question I may answer someday.

Why do you practice karate?

Why I practice is complicated and is a personal thing but I can provide you some things I consider as to reason I enjoy karate. These seven things comes from an article I read on a blog called, "Memoirs of a Grasshopper," which you can read by clicking on the title.

I enjoy my practice for these very reasons and more ...

U.S. Psychiatrist Bill Glasser (1976) talked about positive addiction (PA) which he believed could be beneficial for physical and psychological health as long as it fulfilled some of the seven following criteria:

1. it is something noncompetitive (in my case I do compete with myself :-) that I choose to do and I devote approximately forty five minutes to an hour a day to (actually in most case more hours);
2. it is possible for me to do it easily, in the sense of organizing to do it, and it doesn't take a great deal of mental effort to do it (I deliberately do more mental gymnastics because I believe mental training imperative to karate training) ;
3. I can do it alone (more rarely with others) - but independently of others - not depending on their presence or encouragement to continue;
4. I (strongly)believe it has some value (physical, mental, or spiritual) for me;
5. I believe that if you persist at it you will improve but this is completely subjective - you need to be the only one who measures that improvement;
6. the activity must be one I can perform without negatively criticizing yourself (I do criticize myself as it does lead to improve, you have to be able to see mistakes, omissions, errors or you mislead yourself);
7. it must be undertaken several times a week (for me it is a daily event) until you reach "the PA state".

Mind:No-mind

Often, through out ancient Chinese classic books, translations of course, we find mention of such things as "mind no-mind" states one works to achieve to develop themselves into sage like lives. In the world of the martial arts one hears such references in addition to such as "developing mushin." Mushin is loosely defined "freedom from discriminative thinking."

Another martial art reference is "Zanshin" which also means, loosely, "remaining mind: mental and spiritual awareness: state of relaxed alertness: vigilance, etc."

How often have you heard this set of terms used in training and just wanted to yell out, "What the f#$% are you talking about man?" I hope to alleviate your discomfort in this post as to exactly what this means, to me, in my training, and in my life training.

Mind-no-mind is simply "mindfulness." It is being mindful of your attention. Where it is at the "present moment." Not somewhere in the past or future but in this exact moment. It is placing your full and compete attention in this exact moment with no outside disturbances or most especially inside ones, i.e. your chattering monkey mind.

It is training, consciously, the mind/brain to stay where you put it and when you want shifting it to some other present moment thing. It is allowing the mind/brain to fully focus all of its innate ability to full awareness of the present moment.

The reason the ancient classics refer to it as mind with no mind is because that was the most accurate way to describe this ability in words where words do not do it justice. You need to train the mind to shut out all distractions to it can remain present and fully involved in the situation occurring in the exact present moment.

If you start to think, "Oh this guy is good and is going to clean my clock," you are not present, aware, and alert to what is occurring in your immediate zone of awareness. These types of thoughts are the monkey brain kicking in the fear factor and distracting you toward insignificant crud. Tell the monkey to shut up and go away but before this moment, in practice, not in combat as that is too late.

If you start self-talking in any way it is the monkey brain kicking in, stop it, put it back in its cage. This is the goal of training so when it comes to combat all you are doing is emptying the mind of distractions and allowing your entire being to absorb through all senses the present moment. Your training, hopefully, will kick in instinctively when action is required, hopefully. In a school yard scuffle your chances if training went right excellent but if in true violent attack hopefully!

Sometimes this present moment stare, looking with out thoughts at an opponent, is that stare old stories tell of masters who stop a duel simply with it. It might have been an elaborate story to simply convey that the master had complete control over the present moment and the mind emptied allowing the brain to use the training and instinct to duel with the opponent. It may have triggered a doubt in the mind of the opponent causing them to drop out of the present moment clearing an opening, etc. Maybe!

One additional comment most never know about yet discuss, the subconscious. To remain in the moment is also to train so that the subconscious is not influenced by the situation, environment, or what the other person is doing, etc. We as humans are susceptible to subconscious suggestions which can be visual, audible, etc. so to remain in the present moment with no-mind includes the subconscious. How do you train that, another blog post and a long one at that, stay tuned.

What criteria do you use to evaluate someone for promotion?

First, read through the section above on "Do I have to test for promotions?" as it discusses the first part of this answer, i.e. the hours required for promotions. I also touch on it here at the end of this answer as well.

Promotional Standards - Universal Practices for all FMA

As I continue to read, first time, through the book, "Advanced Karate-Do," by Dr. Elmar t. Schmeisser, Ph.D I find that his rendition on rank and promotions to be such that they could be used as the "standard and practice" of all martial/fighting arts in this country.

In lieu of either quoting directly or redacting the data it is better to read chapter 12.4 Rank. Overall my assessment of this book is that it should be a primer for all practitioners. It may not be fully understood to beginners and maybe it should be held back till brown belt level or at least provide a caveat to beginners that not getting it now is ok as it will clear up as they progress is a good way to handle the reading of it by kyu's. Regardless, it is a great source of fundamental learning of karate-do.

To me, once again returning to the topic, it expresses a generalization that could be used as the standard for all promotions regardless of style, organization, training hall, and teacher/instructors while the particulars could be determined at the lowest level, the dojo or training hall.

If only it were possible. Oh yea, for those who wish to achieve proficiency as a teacher his book is great in creation of a syllabus and/or lesson plans that students, etc. can view as a guide in training/practice. Now, couple this with the previous post on hours of training to achieve higher levels/grades you have a good, solid standard practice for promotions/rankings, etc.

Maybe the reason the system cannot come to a consensus is because we spend to much effort defining the details when these standards leave open, as they should, the particulars to the individual instructors/dojo's. The standard is general and open enough to allow for individualization.

WHITE BELT (10th to 7th Kyu):

10th & 9th Kyu: The student learns fundamentals (basics).

8th & 7th Kyu: knowledge of what to do with techniques; demonstrate clear understanding of the differences between the various striking concepts; the difference between various stance concepts during execution of various techniques. The novice must simply demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental differences between various concepts.

GREEN BELT (6th to 4th Kyu):

6th Kyu: The student leans precise, correct posture and technique trajectories and timing with no mistakes, even if without full power.

5th & 4th Kyu: The student should demonstrate more sophisticated refinements of this level as well as the beginning of free sparring and the growth of real speed and focus. Demonstrate correct shapes for every stance and fundamental technique. Demonstrate knowledge of sequential techniques that are done cleanly sequential with no blurriness between when one technique ends and the next begins, etc. The student shall demonstrate clarity in demonstration of basic one-step sparring as well as in the kata appropriate for the grade/level.

BROWN BELT (3rd to 1st Kyu):

3rd Kyu: This level is based on power - clear expression of stance stability and force transmission from the floor to the target with all basic techniques. Strong legs with out wobbling knees; commitment of the body weight moving forward, backward, etc. with out leaning, etc. "critical"

2nd & 1st Kyu: Round out the physical learning of the fundamentals and stress application of the basics in varied situations, e.g. sparring. Demonstrate clean entry from free-style stances into full basic stances for technique delivery followed by a balanced recovery for both individual and partner practice. Practice the longer, historical and more advanced kata without he requirement to be able to apply the principles of movement learned with fundamental techniques into complex techniques not obviously related to punching and kicking.

Note: In general, the minimum hours between each kyu grade should be about thirty hours of training. The general understanding, all things being equal, the time/hours from 10th Kyu to 1st Dan are about three to five years (assuming a minimum of three, one hour training periods a week for about 45 weeks per year). All this depends on the individuals ability and other more esoteric values.

FIRST DAN:

This step involves a mental one which is referred to as the "conscious experience of Kensho." The full awareness of the release of a technique into an opening without having planned it consciously. In the use of individual techniques, it should appear that the techniques are "doing the person" rather than the person doing the techniques, i.e. fully internalized so that doing them consistently and correctly is instinctual and spontaneous.

SECOND DAN:

The practitioner can, at will, enter this state and spar effectively without preplanning the individual combinations. At this level the goal is to make the karate techniques "intuitive" rather than simply a learned skill.

THIRD DAN:

This is considered the first "teaching" rank and the end rank of the technical requirements. The practitioner must have a clear knowledge of how to get a student to and through the 1st Kyu to 1st dan transition. The individual is or will start to develop that "personal" style of practice and training. The goal here is to achieve the ability to utilize techniques so they are seemingly invisible, i.e. a less trained person will not be able to perceive, predict or react in time to any movement.

FOURTH DAN:

The ability to develop a 1st dan into a 2nd dan.

FIFTH DAN:

The ability to develop a 2nd dan into a 3rd dan instructor/teacher.

After 5th dan: Mostly an administrative advancement, the practitioners overall skill shows continued improvement allowing for changes according to the aging process.

It should be understood that specific ranks are only relative shifts of what precise level of understanding and capability are necessary for each grade.

Other benchmarks taken into consideration are the mastery of the fundamentals at the kyu to dan grades, which include master of the mental basic of being able to experience the release of a techniques as opposed to the planned execution of a technique. As well is the individualization of the techniques at some higher grade, generally at the conferral of teaching certification. The actual grade held is essentially irrelevant outside the organizational structure.

Lastly, white belts are expected to "not fall over" either mentally or physically while performing the required techniques.

Green belts are expected to do the techniques correctly, with proper sequencing of body components in space and time.

Brown belts are expected to show power in addition.

Black belts are expected to show that the techniques are (so to speak) "doing" them, rather than they doing techniques, i.e. completely internalized.

Where did the karate uniform come from?

Not much can be confirmed other than Funakoshi adopted the Judo-gi from Kano Sensei, of Judo fame, along with the belt system. The earliest I see photo's of the "gi" is 1924 at the Japan Kenkyu Club and a group shot with Funakoshi Sensei in 1924 as well. This seems to confirm the first uses of it. Funakoshi Sensei provided the Japanese a demo of karate in 1921.

I would surmise that this was the correct time span of meeting Kano and adopting the uniform when he actually set up a dojo at a University, etc. It is seen again in 36 for his book as well.

All in all the uniform we wear today is basically a Japanese creation for Judo and adopted to Okinawa Karate by Funakoshi Gichin Sensei, creator of Shotokan Karate. It could have migrated to Okinawa at any time thereafter by students of Funakoshi Sensei who may have traveled back and forth to his dojo in Japan.

As for Isshinryu, the uniform and belts didn't appear to "catch on" until the late fifties when the Marines got involved heavily in his dojo and training. It was a Marine who gave him a uniform and a Marine who gave him an obi to wear, etc. but this may not be when he had one but maybe when he started to use one on a regular basis. Earlier photos show Tatsuo in a gi, i.e. there are pictures of Tatsuo in gi, i.e. 1954, but as to exact year, etc. it is still not verifiable. Other photo's such as of motobu in 1944 where a student appears to be wearing gi pants. Itosu Anko Sensei died in 1915 but a picture of him has students apparently wearing gi's.

Judo gi: originally derived from traditional Japanese clothing. Kano took the "kimono" as well as other garments and created the judo-gi or judo uniform. Comprised of three parts; a heavy jacket; lighter weight pants; a cotton belt. The jacket is heavier with double/extra stitching to keep it from coming apart in the judo practice. The pants have double layer of cloth for knee patches.

The judo-gi is of course the precursor to the karate-gi worn by first Funakoshi and his students and later on the island of Okinawa by those karate teachers. Not much else is available as to its history. It can be thought to extend into the history of the kimono, etc. since the basic design comes from that garment.

While I am posting on the uniform we must include the obi or belt. Originally the colors used in Judo were white and black (On April 12, 1924, Gichin Funakoshi, the "Father of Modern Karate," awarded karate's first black belt dan upon seven men) which connects to Tatsuo's first use of the belt system where he advocated the white, brown and black with green coming in a year or so later.

It is believed Kano first awarded black belt in or around 1886. Apparently at that time his students still practiced in kimono's which seems logical to have been adapted to the current judo gi of today. His close scrutiny of the kimono in Judo training most likely inspired his development of the judo uniform. In 1907 Kano introduced his rendition of the modern judo-gi and its more modern obi. He used white and black then.

Supposedly, Kano indicated the following, "The white uniform represented the values of purity, avoidance of ego, and simplicity. It gave no outward indication of social class so that all students began as equals. The black belt with the white gi represents the polarity of opposites, or In and Yo. The student begins empty, but fills up with knowledge." Since no historical data can be found to "prove" this beyond a doubt it remains possible this is simply a story someone concocted somewhere down the line.

Apparently all this was worked out and finalized to an extent before the uniform or belt reached the island of Okinawa. It is not clear as to when they actually came or when they were accepted and used in the training facilities of Okinawa. Rest assured both are used exclusively in dojo on Okinawa today.

"Karateka in Okinawa didn't use any sort of special uniform at all in the old days." If you view some of the pictures on Oki from around the 40's on you will not see many uniforms. Okinawans trained in what could be called undergarments. Often, due to Oki heat, they did it in the undergarment shorts with no upper garment, shirt, etc.

It may be true: Okinawa, the dan/kyu system did not become universal until after World War II. It was not unknown there, however, and some individual teachers did utilize the black belt. Judo had been practiced on Okinawa at least since the 1920s. In fact, it was at a Judo Black Belt Association (Yudanshakai) meeting on Okinawa that Miyagi and shito-ryu's Kenwa Mabuni demonstrated karate kata (forms) for Jigoro Kano which convolutes the story that Funakoshi was the first to demo karate to Kano, etc.

It is believed tho that Okinawa did use some systems of promotion, etc. after the war. Each group was on its own. Each factions leaders gave out ranks based on the Butoku-kai which ceased to be due to the war or by the mandates of the systems founders.

All of this is subject to argument depending on who is talking and who's history is used but it can be surmised that the Kimono was used to come up with the judo uniform and that the karate systems adopted the uniform, with small modifications, and belts along with the systems of promotion. Since those early days, i.e. late 1800's to early 1900's, many modifications and many variations exist for a lot of reasons.

What are all those colored belts?

They are used to differentiate between various levels of proficiency in a training facility. Where you have many students it becomes problematic to track in training where one is as to level and/or grade which tells the instructor what can be taught with out going beyond current levels or abilities. This is called the Kyu-Dan rank system or Dan-i.

This system is new, it came to being in the early twentieth century. A Judo instructor from Japan introduced the system, i.e. Judo, to the French and it was this person who while there devised the colored belts familiar to us today. His name was Mikonosuke Kawaishi Sensei.

Should a Kyu grade cross train?

No, kyu grade means novice and a novice NEEDS to create and SET a solid foundation. It should be understood that a foundation is one that will allow the person to extend their training into any other area. It is like spending an exorbitant amount of time learning one kata. To achieve this expedites the learning of other kata.

Story to explain: There was a master story teller who took on a promising young deshi. This deshi spent the next several years practicing just one short story, nothing else was allowed. The young deshi asked many times to move forward but the master said to be patient. Finally the young deshi got so disappointed in his perceived training path that he quit and left the dojo.

As the young deshi traveled back to his home village which was a very long journey he found hunger creeping in and a need to bathe and shelter. He realized he had no money but along the way he heard a voice telling a story. He found the person at an Inn where a contest was in play as to who could tell the best story.

He entered and got up and told his one short story. The proprietor at the end awarded the young deshi the award which allowed him to eat, bathe, and shelter. The proprietor spoke with him and referred to him as a "master story teller." The young deshi said that this is not proper as he was simply a fledgling student. The proprietor expressed emphatically that his story telling was such that only a true master story teller could have done so well.

The young deshi realized that he made an error, returned to the master, and asked to continue his training.

The moral of this story is to spend the extra effort with the fundamentals and once you establish mastery of that you can do any thing else and it will not only come quicker but you will master if faster and more thoroughly.

Master your styles fundamentals the branch out, that is the traditional way. Lastly, all system are comprised, from Okinawa anyway, of both karate and kobudo. Most dojo use the one title to encompass them both BUT in my humble opinion you should be very proficient in the empty hand before tackling the weapons.