Is there much difference between 7th degree and 9th degree black belt?

Question

Is there much difference between 7th degree and 9th degree black belt? I mean in the martial arts community, are there many people that carry a 7th degree black belt?

Will a person who has a 7th degree black belt be able to train me to be a good fighter? Of course 90% will be on my part but would he have the skills and knowledge to teach me all that I need to know?

Answer 1

Also you have to take into consideration who gave them these black belts. A rank of 7th degree black belt under Cesar Gracie means alot than just some guy. you should ask your trainer who awarded him his rank and look this guy up and see how much experience he has, then you will know if your instructor is the real deal.

Answer 2

Depending on the style, a 7th and an 9th degree black belt could differ as much as a white belt and and advanced one like green, or brown belt. You are talking about really advanced practitioners.

A 7th degree black belt will definitely have the knowledge to train you, if you want to be a good fighter is up to you, as it takes dedication, courage, skill, and other factors.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Right on two degrees! There are thousands of 7th degree black belts and a few less of 9th degree black belts in the world - but the real questions might be - how many of them are authentic? And how many of those authentic holders are good teachers? And how are you as a person to conduct yourself in the ways and manners as a student worthy of receiving authentic instruction?

An authentic holder of a 7th degree, is and would be as capable as a holder of a 9th degree, no more and no less, in teaching you the martial arts, teaching you all that you need to know however is more a question of you forgetting much of what you think you know.

Answer 4

It truly depends on the martial arts style and the association that is awarding/recognizing the rank.

In Olympic style (WTF) Tae Kwon Do, for example, at 7th Degree a Black Belt receives the title Grand Master. He or she must be at least 56 years old and have spent a minimum of 7 years training towards his or her 7th Dan from the time the 6th Dan was received. Depending on when the 7th Dan started training in Tae Kwon Do, he or she can have about 20 years of experience or more. Definitely able to train you as a martial artist!

A 9th Dan has a minimum of 15 more years experience than a 7th. However, as the ranks go higher, there are fewer recognized. WTF TKD only has 5 living 10th Dans, for example.

Japanese Ju Jutsu's 7th Dan is really called a Kaiden, and he or she can more than likely clean the floor with you. Again, few ascend to the higher ranks.

Before you sign on with these instructors, check out who exactly gave them their rank. An internationally or nationally recognized association, like TKD's Kukkiwon or a Honbu based in Japan? Or did they form their own association so that they could grant themselves rank? We have a school like that near us -- suddenly, the owners jumped two Dan ranks. Not exactly full of integrity, that.

BTW, it should not take 10 years to reach a Black Belt in TKD. With regular home practice and attending class twice a week, you should reach 1st Degree in three to four years minimum. From what I understand from the Shotokan karate instructors I know, the same holds true for their rank progression. Good luck with your training!

Answer 5

Yes, the belt for 7th degree is slightly lighter in color than the 9th degree one, but so slight that it's practicaly imperceptible unless under a microscope : P Seriously, in traditional Aikido, the 9th degree is more of an honorary degree given for individual contributions to the arts as a whole. In other arts it's just a degree created because the Grandmaster has way too many black belt students and needs to motivate them to keep practicing and help teach in his dojo.

Answer 6

Summer's answer is funny to me because when I read this question I thought of Rick Hall, the person she is talking about. Weird coincidence. I trained under Mr. Hall for several years in the 90's and was a 2nd degree black belt. He was a 5th degree black belt back then and was part of the USTA organization (United States Taekwondo Alliance). He is very good. I wonder if his current students know part of the reason he is very good is because he was a golden gloves boxer before starting TKD. He is now part of the ITA (International Taekwondo Alliance). I am fairly certain, to answer the question, that 8th and 9th degree black belts are awarded as part of active participation in furthering the goals, and contributing to the achievements, of a particular organization. If I remember the story correctly as he told it (if I don't then I apologize since he'll probably hear about it) Mr. Hall came to Chattanooga as a 4th degree black belt, opened his school in a small plaza. He lived in the back of the school and ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while he gathered students to teach. He was trained under Craig Collars in Alabama who was a 6th degree at the time and executive director of the USTA. They had a korean sponsor who was the person that legitimized the organization and flew in once in a while for testings. He built his success in this region based on a combination of his real martial arts skill, his charisma, and his business savvy. Mr. Hall is a very good businessman. He now has a huge student base and I imagine is a very profitable business. In my experience, I would in no way call his schools McDojos. There is real skill, training, and ability in him and most of his senior instructors. They also have strong ties to Korea now that they've merged into the ITA. The only criticism pure traditionalists would have is how much of a business the schools are and how profitable they are but knowing Mr. Hall he would merely laugh and continue to enjoy his wealth and providence while teaching TKD. To the best of my understanding any rank above 6th degree no longer has anything to do with skill in the art. The person must be actively training and participating in the organization, but other than that the 7th degree and above ranks are more signs of political recognition within the organizations. Thanks for this question. It reminded me I've been meaning to go visit Mr. Hall and see if my USTA rank is still valid and on record with the ITA.

Answer 7

well of course their's a big difference that's about 7-10 years experience between 7th and 9th. Still, learning from a 7th is still good because they have a lot of experience. At like 3rd degree, I have only 8 years xp. Imagine how many years a 7th has.

Answer 8

Find a martial art where the belt system actually means something and isn't used as a gimmick to make money. Black belts at ten years old or under? Probably not a truly effective system. Try BJJ. The average time to attain black belt is ten years, and thats only after you can prove that you're capable of giving game to other black belts.

Answer 9

Yes there is a difference.
Let me say this...When you have reached let say go dan,
You should have a mim. of at least 19yrs. experience instructing, teaching, and you are keeping up in the arts to perfection them more accurately.
When you reach shichi dan, your experience instructing, teaching, demonstrations of the art must be expertly done, about with 25yrs. in that art, according to the higher ranking member who is the owner of the dojo with proper credentials and at least a grade higher than you.
When you have reached the rank of kudan, with much experience at hand you still must be teaching and proficient in the art, although not as agile as when you were younger, but still can demonstrate with one of your kyoshi's. Reaching kudan your at least over 60 yrs. old.
So there is a difference between the 7th and 9th degree dan.
Now let me say this...these are my requirements at my dojos.
I teach Aikibujutsu, Aikido, Isshinryu karate. Been in those arts for well over 58yrs. Studied under Mr. Hayashi and Mr. Yamanoha, in Japan and Okinawa, during the Korean War, With the help of Mr. Eto when I was in the States after the war we started up a dojo in San Fransisco Move to Canada started a dojo there.
Now in the states. I'm 75 yrs. young still teaching.
Peace to all, and keep focused.

Answer 10

Bruce Lee was a 5th degree black belt I studyed under his second cousin Uew Lee 8th degree and would think there is little difference other than the time invested.And the mastery of certain elements.