I have been helping another student for sometime now, he is 60yrs old and there is a language barrier to get the point across as far techniques and understanding. My sensei asked the other day if he was ready for a belt test, I informed him that he is doing better, but he has a hard time understanding the little things that make the technique much less at quick pace of a belt test (low level). He has alot of heart to be doing this at 60 yrs old and rolling around with kids a third and half his age. Is it proper ettiquette to advance a student this way or is an insult to both student and sensei?
2007-02-01 07:30:26 · 12 answers · asked by meiyotora 2 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
A rank in a martial art does not mean that a higher level can beat a lower rank up.
If he is a lower level I think it would be fine for him to advance. What matters is that he is getting the basic gist of the techniques, and that he has the heart to learn it.
When getting towards the higher levels, mastery is a key component. Right now I do not think it is much of an issue.
2007-02-01 07:33:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Finally, a question that isn't about who's better or what's better.
The choice is really up to your sensei. As with any test, there are degrees of passing. He may not be an A student, but is he a C student? Is a D student still considered passing? I've trained at many schools where the sensei has advanced people based on their effort up to a point. Once you reach the advanced levels, it isn't fair to the student or the other students to let him continue to advance without ever reaching an acceptable level of skill. Effort can carry you so far, but at some point you either get it or you don't. There's no shame in that, but if you're not ready, you're not ready.
You told your sensei where you felt he was at. It's ultimately his decision on how he wants to proceed. The most important thing is that he is consistant with his decision and doesn't make an exception just for one student.
Oh, and as for the communication part: I've trained in both China and Korea, but like most Americans, I only speak English. Martial arts are physical and you should be able to use non-verbal communication very effectively. Kendo sticks to the toes seems to be the preferred method in Asia.
2007-02-01 07:39:27 · answer #2 · answered by kungfufighter20002001 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he is not yet ready, do not advance him. Martial arts in my opinion is not a rush to the next belt. The belts do not matter. What matters is the person wearing the belt. If the person is not ready for the test, do not let him "pass" if he is not as good as he needs to be. Not only are you letting him down, you are setting a bad example for your dojo. If I was that man and I knew i was not yet good enough for the next belt yet got it anyways I would question the dojo I trained in, and I would look with less respect at those who earned belts before me. If it was easy, everyone would be a black belt.
2007-02-01 07:42:37 · answer #3 · answered by aummadour 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The student could receive another degree as long as everyone is aware that it is more an honorary thing than a actual representation of the skills. More or less a recognition of his efforts.
I don't know which style you are practicing, but if it's a "hard" style, it's obvious that this old student could probably not bet a younger buck in a fight (although my 67 years old sifu can beat the crap out of me any day!).
2007-02-01 07:38:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my personal opinion on "belt hopping" is that belts should only be awarded to those who deserve that rank.
It doesn't matter how "determined" you are. determination is good, but if you don't have the ability or skill to back it up, you won't be able to follow through. Belts judge ability (or at least they are supposed to).
Why should this guy get a break just because of his age, yes that works against him physically but if he can't do the job why "give" it to him if he doesn't deserve it. The only way to deserve a rank is to be able to be a certain skill level in the style.
2007-02-01 09:34:49 · answer #5 · answered by Bluto Blutarsky4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Martial arts of the far East have been a actual extension of the innovations and spirit. Do a sprint bit examining into the origins of them and you will locate that the founders have been deeply non secular.
2016-11-02 01:50:31 · answer #6 · answered by doti 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a belt is a belt and has requirements.the requirements should be the same regardless of sex,age,religion,race or any other reason you want to make up to degrade your style by giving unearned belts.i was given my black belt in 1 style,i imediately gave it back to the person and told them i was very offended and would not except it i would earn it when i graded.that is what a ma would do.
2007-02-01 10:22:02 · answer #7 · answered by BUSHIDO 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh just give the old man a belt. He is sixty! Do special ed teachers give retards a "F" on every test they take?????? It has to do with showing accomplishment and giving someone moral at this stage.
2007-02-01 12:30:25 · answer #8 · answered by bribri75 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You didn't identify your style, but if your art ends in "Do", having good Do can compensate for shortcomings else where. Listen to your Sensei.
2007-02-01 11:52:13 · answer #9 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its up to the sensei.
2007-02-05 06:48:12 · answer #10 · answered by Ray H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋