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The Illusion of Rank by Michael J. Rosenbaum
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Not long ago I ran into an old karate friend of mine. We had met while working out at the same dojo back during the 1970’s. Since then our paths have repeatedly crisscrossed over the course of almost three decades, sometimes together while on other occasions we steered different courses. On this particular day however we saw each other in the public library and after a quick handshake our conversation turned as it always does to martial arts. Inquiring about his training I asked if he was still working out with the same instructor. “No” came his reply. “Funny thing about that, my sensei got promoted to 6th Dan and then insisted that everyone call him master.” At first I thought he was joking but then I realized, by the look on his face that he was quite serious. After being advanced to 6th-Dan this newly promoted sensei did indeed, begin requiring, all of his students to address him as master. I thought to myself: “How bizarre”. Especially when I took into account that my colleague had almost 40 years of experience in the martial arts and had eve begun his training before this newly minted master was born. After listening to his story about the only thing that I could think of to say was: “I’m sorry to hear that”. “Me to” he replied: “ But there’s always someone else out there”.
In 1976, when I began my study of Isshinryu Karate the title of “master” was usually reserved for Tatsuo Shimabuku, the systems founder. For everyone else the title of Mister was used which sometimes was replaced with the term “Sensei” as in Sensei Bohan or Sensei Long. However, times have changed since then. The term master is used quite frequently today and with this change has also come some questions concerning the use of this word. In my first book: Okinawa’s Complete Karate System Isshinryu, I stated the following about our preoccupation with rank: “With very few exceptions, our ranking structures and political organizations are more concerned with organizing tournaments and not the development of the individual. It does not matter if a practitioner has been involved in the martial arts thirty years. If this person walks into a tournament without that black, or red and white belt around their waist, they will more than likely find themselves on the sidelines instead of their expertise being called upon to help officiate."(Page 105) I still stand by my statement and firmly believe that many of the issues surrounding the Kyu-Dan ranking system need to be addressed. Far to often you will see high- ranking practitioners, (like the one just mentioned) abusing their positions, which in turn creates disharmony and fallout amongst the rank and file members of the system. Unfortunately though the fallout from such abuses often taints the positive contributions made by those who have justly earned their rank through decades of hard work and devotion. Not only does this apply to Isshinryu but the martial arts community as a whole. The problems we find associated with our modern ranking structure have been greatly accentuated by us Americans, but they are not new to karate, or the history of the fighting arts.
The beginning of the Kyu-Dan ranking structure
The Kyu-Dan ranking structure is not an ancient warrior tradition as many are led to believe. In fact the system itself is just barely over 100 years old. It didn’t evolve out of a classical martial arts system like the koryu bujutsu nor was it, developed by the Samurai. Today’s, kyu-dan ranking structure was developed instead by modern Judo’s father Kano Jigoro. Kano was of the peasant class, his family owned a saki mill and they were considered at the bottom of the Japanese society because they were merchants. (Draeger p.1 Ranking Systems) As a youth he was not of robust health so seeking to improve his well being he embarked upon a physical fitness routine that included baseball, hiking and gymnastics. After seeing much improvement due to these activities he decided to begin training in jujutsu. Kano soon proved himself a dedicated and hearty student. During the course of his training he studied various forms of jujutsu as well as other classical bujutsu styles. Jujutsu however during this period was in a state of decline due to misuse by many of its exponents who either used their skills on the untrained or else would exhibit them to crowds of people for a fee. (Draeger Modern Budo& Bujutsu p.113) Kano sought to correct these short- comings and restore a positive image to jujutsu. He envisioned a system, which would not only encompass elements of self -defense but would also develop health and spirit in its practitioners; a system that would appeal to people of all walks of life. His creation was called Kodokan Judo and it was an eclectic blend of all the systems he had previously studied. In developing his Judo Kano also sought a method to judge the proficiency of his students[1] and yet at the same time a way in which to allow them to compete with one another in a fair manner without mismatched skills. To accomplish this goal he devised the Kyu-Dan ranking structure, kyu being lower ranks and dan being those of the upper ranks commonly known as Black belt today. Kano’s standards were high then as they still are in Judo today even though the competitive element has often taken precedence over others stressed in his original teachings[2]. In addition to helping him establish a competitive format for his students the kyu-dan ranking structure also aided Kano in the promotion of his Judo. For unlike in the classical bujutsu systems, which may require up to eight years training before the first level is reached; in the modern budo forms such as judo and karate a shodan (first degree black belt) level can be reached in as little as two, or three years period of time. Thus you have a- criteria, which appeals to the masses as opposed to the classical methods whose rigid requirements did not. Many classical systems such as the koryu bujutsu in fact discouraged mass marketing approaches and instead preferred to focus on small groups of highly dedicated individuals.
When Okinawan Karate was introduced to Japan during the early 20th century it adopted the kyu-dan ranking method in an effort to facilitate a criteria for qualified instructors. This was done due to the requirements laid down by the Dai Nippon Butoku-kai concerning the teaching of Karate in Japan. These requirement’s also resulted in training attire being worn by karate-ka, along with the use of standardized kata and techniques all of, which made the Okinawans fighting art more uniformed in nature. The Butoku-kai also for the first time issued the titles of, Hanshi, Kyoshi, and Renshi to those budo practitioners considered distinguished in their particular fields. However as well intentioned as this approach was it did not put those Okinawans who were the most qualified to teach their native fighting arts into positions of issuing these ranks. Patrick McCarthy in his book: Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts Volume 2 points out that the Butoku-kai designated Konishi Yasuhiro as an official to issue these certifications even though Yasuhiro had been a student of Motobu Choki, Funakoshi, Miyagi Chojun and Mabuni Kenwa. As McCarthy states in his book: “The move was supported by most karate-ka, but did not sit well with everyone, especially Funakoshi and Miyagi.” (p.27) Likewise McCarthy also points out that there was then, just as there is today with some upper ranking karate-ka, ill feelings between some of the Okinawans who brought Karate to Japan. He states about the relationship of Motobu and Funakoshi that: “Regarded as a master fighter, Motobu Choki insisted that the scholar Funakoshi Gichin was an imposter whose karate, although elegant, was ineffective because he had no ideal of its applications; however, because of his tricky behavior and eloquent explanations, Motobu felt Funakoshi was able to deceive many.”(p.131) Likewise the long held belief by many Americans that the guidelines of the kyu-dan ranking system were strictly enforced and that there were no premature promotions in the early days of karate is also up for questioning. Famed Goju-ryu practitioner Gogen, Yamaguchi began his karate training in 1929 under the tutelage of Chojun Miyagi but by 1935, with only 6 years of training, Yamaguchi had organized the All-Japan Goju-Kai Karate Do Association and was its chief instructor. (Corcoran and Farkas p.396) Likewise Eizo Shimabuku younger brother of Isshinryu’s founder Tatsuo was named grandmaster of the shobayashi sect of Shorin-ryu at age 20 by Chotoku-Kyan and was later promoted to the rank of 10th dan at the age of 34 by Kangen Toyama. (Corcoran and Farkas p.377) When examining historical events it appears that human nature recognizes no boundaries be they either of race or nationality when it comes to rank and title. Today the Kyu-Dan ranking structure is used not only by Japanese Budo practitioners but a host of other styles and systems many of which are not of Japanese or Okinawan heritage.
Master?
We often associate the term “Master” with Asian fighting arts practitioners. More often than not if you asked an American to describe a martial arts master they would in turn begin talking about their Chinese, Japanese, or Okinawan instructor. The title of master was and still is used today by other societies in their ranking systems. The European martial artists were just as skilled if not more so as their Asian counter parts in hand -to hand methods of fighting. Weapons such as the staff, sword, and spear, plus grappling, and empty handed striking, were widely employed in their fighting arts. Likewise the title of master was also used by many Europeans to designate a martial artist who was of an advanced skill level. The Europeans had a licensing system to judge the proficiency of their pugilists one, which, was established in the Renaissance era some two to three hundred years before Kano Jigoro ever developed the Kyu-Dan system. Theirs like many of the classical Bujutsu Systems was also based on an apprenticeship type of teaching and recognized three levels of expertise; scholar, provost and master. To be granted one of these titles the applicant had to show expertise in a number of weapons and was tested thoroughly by a senior master. For the prospective European martial artist the title “Master of Defense” could mean a hefty sum of money in their pocket. This is because during the Renaissance era a person’s skill at arms often proved to be a means of survival due to the daily violence, which was so prevalent during that time in history. Therefore the teachings of, a respected Martial arts instructor were highly sought after by many as a means to further advance their own martial expertise. Yet just as it is today there were those who were qualified to teach and those who were not by the Renaissance guidelines. In England during the rule of King Henry the VIII many Englishmen expressed great concern about unlicensed masters teaching their craft. Not only because they were going against the established laws set forth but also because they were giving such poor instruction and in many cases making a lot of money for what they were doing. As Sydney Anglo said about this early martial fraud: “Obviously, it was one thing to institute a licensing system and quite another to implement it”. (Anglo p. 10)
If you can buy it, you’ve earned it.
In times past as it is today much of the problem lies not in the title of master but with the prestige, which accompanies the title. This is complicated even more so by the rampant commercialism found within many studios where it is not uncommon to find individuals starting their own systems just so that they can claim the title of master. Today rank is often equated with business success; the more you have the better your advertisement looks, which results in more students enrolled. And far to often we see rank being sold in pre-packaged courses which adds even more to the depreciation of just what the ranking structure is supposed to represent and that is the dedication, devotion and time a practitioner has spent studying their style or system Yet far to often our free enterprise mindset truly believes that you can have anything you want just so long as you can pay for it. This may be true with appliances and cars but in the martial arts world it shouldn’t be. Unfortunately it does happen and not only does it devalue the newly bought rank, but, it also devalues the rank of those dedicated practitioners who rightly earned theirs throughout the course of two or three decades. As author Bob Orlando said about today’s prepackaged commercialized rankings: “I am, however, faulting those who flatly and flagrantly “sell” belts. No wonder so many martial artists-even experienced martial artists-now claim ridiculously high ranks and bloated titles. After giving away or selling to every Tom, Dick, and Harry, about the only way instructors can distinguish themselves from their students is to claim rank beyond their own progeny.” (Orlando Martial Arts America p 154) And with the rise of video testing and home study courses things are not getting much better. In fact distinguishing between the real and the not so real black belt is becoming an art within itself.
And then you have Hollywood
Even with all the commercial aspects put aside the expectations that many lower ranking belts have of just how a master or upper ranking black belt should conduct their self is something else that complicates- this issue. Far to often younger practitioners entertain images that are a combination somewhere between Bruce Lee and Steven Segal when they think of an upper ranking practitioner. Forget the stunt doubles, and fake guns young practitioners want action hero’s not some over forty- type guy or gal who teaches karate by night and is a librarian during the daytime. Never mind that they have 25 years of experience that’s not what today’s youngsters see on the silver screen. In actuality the real life image of a dedicated long -term fighting arts practitioner is far from the ones that Hollywood presents to us. I remember attending an Okinawan Karate Do Union seminar and talking to some of that organization’s ranking black belts most of who have twenty-five years of experience if not more. During the course of our conversation there was a lot of talk about martial arts but other subjects came up too like kids, grandkids, jobs and even the price of groceries. It was a down to earth experience, one which once again reinforced that those who try being like a silver screen hero are the ones you should beware of, and those who you could picture as your next- door neighbor are more often than not the legitimate -practitioner. To often in our society we forget that older does mean better, this is because age, experience and maturity all go a long way, especially in the martial arts.
There is no perfect mold
In short there is no perfect image or mold for a master or high- ranking black belt. It is a case- by case study. Those who hold high black belt rankings are as varied in their personalities and ways of teaching as are the days of the year. If any two things could serve as a ruler to judge them then it should be their integrity and ethics followed by their physical skills, time spent training and knowledge of the martial arts. All of these factors make up “whole man” as Draeger stated. And it is the whole man or woman who in turn will be teaching those who come to learn from them. I was once talking to the late Isshinryu pioneer Don Bohan who told me that there are no bad students only bad instructors. The wisdom behind his words could fill volumes.
Although the issues, which surround the ranking structure will continue to generate controversy as they have in times past there are still organizations and system’s today which still maintain a high standard of quality in their teachings and requirements for promotion. This is often due to elder ranking black belts who have in some cases 40 years of training if not more to their credit. However despite the fact that there are people such as these in the martial arts today, we also need to keep in mind that quality is something, which should never be taken for granted especially in this day and age of mail order black belts. It is a trait we must always strive for because just as it is skydiving, it only takes one miss-stake and then your, in for a terrible fall.
[1]Kano’s goals for setting up the kyu-dan ranking structure were not all concerned with competition but also to judge the internal attributes of his practitioners as well. As Draeger stated in his lecture on Bujutsu and Budo: “Kano gave emphasis to the whole man-the mind, the body, the skill-in a balanced package. There is nothing in writing as to what are the requirements as far as Kano was concerned. He evaluated case by case.” (Draeger p20)
[2]Robert W. Smith in his book; Martial Musings addressed this problem today when he said that: “Judo today is strictly a varsity affair for the few who survive the bangings” (Smith p.206) He also went on to suggest that Judo could learn from its counter part Amateur Wresting in aiding Judo in its growth. Wrestling has no belt ranking system and Smith contends that this has helped instead of hindered the sport of wrestling.
Michael J. Rosenbaum is the author of: Okinawa’s Complete Karate system Isshinryu and Fighting Arts Their Evolution from Secret Societies to Modern Times. He started his martial arts training in 1966 when his father began teaching him Judo and western style boxing. Along with Isshinryu Karate, which he has trained in since 1976 he has also studied Bando and Yang Style Tai-Chi Chuan; he is a librarian and lives near Knoxville TN.
Sources sited:
Anglo, Sydney: The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe. Yale University Press New Haven 2000
Smith, Robert W; Martial Musings A Portrayal of Martial Arts in the 20th Century. Via Media Publishing Company Erie, Pennsylvania 1999
Rosenbaum, Michael: Okinawa’s Complete Karate System Isshinryu. 2001 YMAA Publishing Boston MA
Orlando, Bob: Martial Arts America A western Approach to Eastern Arts. 1997 Frog LTD Berkely, California
Draeger, Donn F. Monograph Series No.2 Transcribed by Pat Lineberger, Edited by
Hunter B. Armstrong HIS 1998
Draeger, Donn F. Modern Bujutsu & Budo The Martial Arts and Ways of Japan Volume III. Weatherhill New York & Tokyo 1974
McCarthy, Patrick. Ancient Okinawan Martial Arts Koryu Uchinadi 2 Tuttle Publishing 1999 Boston Ma.
John Corcoran and Emil Farkas. The Original Martial Arts Encyclopedia. Pro- Action publishing 1993 Los Angles Ca
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