There is a dual
ranking system in martial arts: Koryu (traditional,battlefield-ready methods
with kepan or blood-oath); and Gendai Budo,sometimes called Shin Budo (skills
of personal development acquired through martial practice). While the latter
was tied to a regular membership price orsizeable donation, it shouldn't be
misconstrued as teachers compromising
their standards, but instead, a means to survive and protect theirtraditions in
new and uncertain times.
Twilight
of the Samurai:
With the stroke of a pen, the new emperor
(Meiji, "Enlightened Rule"), a quiet, reserved sixteen year-old,
ended the feudal system in Japan. The new charter, or Five Articles, signaled a
fresh direction for the country, particularly Articles 2 and 3 which stated,
respectively: all classes, high and low, shall unite, and, the common people
shall be allowed to pursue
their own calling so that there is no discontent.
Suddenly, wealth
and leisure time became the criteria for martial arts study, replacing nobility
or position. Prior to the Meiji Ishin
(Restoration) of 1868, armed and unarmed combat practice was reserved for
individuals of samurai class, and as many regionally based ryu were affiliated
with a particular daimyo (lord), training was a factor in social advancement.
Teachers propagated their system while receiving a stipend and martial arts
instruction was a family affair, passed from father to son. It should be noted
that individuals who excelled in the dojo environment did not necessarily stand
out on the battlefield, where character and experience
trumped mere dojo technical skill. The Koryu ranking system was reserved for
students who possessed high character, loyalty, skill and service to
teacher/school. Graduates were entrusted with the ryu teachings (curriculum)
and presented with a Mokuroku or Makimono (scroll of transmission or articles
of the system).
Certificates
and Ranking:
Mokuroku or Makimono is a long scroll detailing the hidden teachings of a
particular system, including, but not limited to: translation and philosophical
meaning of the ryu name; chronology of its founders and contributors; glossary
or catalogue of techniques, as well as proprietary/secret skills; pedagogy or
instructional methods; and, practical and spiritual advice. The scroll was
signed, frequently in a stylized Samurai script, and sealed with an Inkan, or
Hanko. Later, Mokuroku were
trimmed, thereby providing the format for Mekyo (modern certificates).
After interaction with the Satsuma, Mokuroku appeared in Okinawa, i.e. Tode
Jukun (10 Precepts of Itosu).
The modern
ranking system (First to Tenth Dan) was created by Kano Jigoro, founder of
modern Judo, and stands as only one of this martial visionary's achievements.
Kano sensei was an educator and politician, and most importantly, martial
artist. He held several influential posts including Director of Primary
Education (1898-1901) and President of Tokyo Higher Normal School (1901-1920).
In the early twentieth century, he spearheaded the inclusion of judo and kendo
into the Japanese public school curriculum, and in 1912, established the Japan
Amateur Athletic Association (Dai Nippon Taiiku Kyokai), charged with
supervising amateur sport throughout the country. That same year, Kano sensei
travelled to Stockholm as Japan's
official representative and member of the Olympic Advisory Committee, and
played an instrumental role in the organization of the Far Asia All Athletic
Championships. A friend and supporter of Funakoshi, Kano held deep respect for
Okinawan Karate, and shared his colleague's commitment to the democratization
of budo. He devoted his life to making martial arts study
accessible to all regardless of gender, age, race and religious affiliation.
Dan (段 )
is literally translated as "step" (as in climbing a staircase), and
the title was originally used in Go, a popular board game, and Ikebana,
flower-arranging. During the Edo period, the rank structure and title were
employed in dojo as a means of attracting the nouveau riche, members of the
wealthy merchant class, who placed greater value on personal development
than personal defense.
Advanced
Ranking - Judan, Age Requirement and Red Belt:
Why was 60 the minimum age for red belt
or Judan*? In Okinawa and mainland Japan, individuals of advanced age are
revered and respected, and in accordance with Gaju (commemoration of long
life), the first milestone is Kanreki (60 years). Among Buddhists, this marks
the completion of one life cycle, and is celebrated with traditional gifts - a
half-coat and floor cushion - both in the color red which is believed to have
protective properties. This custom extends to dojo, where 10th dan wear red
belts,
symbolically protecting teachers and students from 'evil' thoughts and actions.
*This age requirement has been modified, with the sons of deceased teachers
receiving their Judan in their fifties.
Today, while
proficiency in physical skills and curriculum requirements, as well as total
training tenure and time in grade are important factors in rank advancement,
both Dai Nippon Butokukai and Kokusai Budoin, Japan's largest martial arts
governing bodies, follow age-specific requirements.
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A very personal observation
I
often felt the better rule regarding senior rank should be.
"If
anyone remembers who you were 25 years after death, why then you must have been
a Master, if anyone remembers who you were 50 years after death, why then you
must have been a Grand Master. For other titles follow the same rule."
I
for one have no desire to learn if I am any of them, rather prefer to keep
living.
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