Is it wrong to ask when your next belt promotion is?

Question

Seems to me like I'm do. I've been winning tournments but have not been promoted. In class the higher ranking belts have alot of trouble with me. Is it bad ettiquette to ask when my next promotion is and what I need to work on?

Answer 1

Yes. You should never ask when you're going to be promoted next because it shows you are more focused on getting a prize than the value of your training.

You might ask your instructor what you might need to work on to advance your training.

Answer 2

As a general rule: VERY. 99% of schools that still hold to tradition, the more you ask, the MORE they will hold you back. Humility is the fastest way to fixing that.

MORE than that though is your attitude about the belt system. Since they belt system was something that didn't exist more than 75 years ago thanks to the westernization of Judo, the belt system is something very unimportant in the grand scheme of things. In fact, the concept of a a black belt was merely a certification of 1st level much like any professional would receive certification for competence in his/her field. The same title is given to the practitioners of Chado (Japanese tea ceremony) as a martial artist. The 10 levels of "black belt" (so named since practitioners NEVER washed their white belts which turned black from SO many hours of use) were the only form of promotion that existed. The colored belt system was started because Westerners such as us couldn't think so far ahead goal-wise and needed small increments of encouragement to know we were improving. Yes, we are still an impatient and impulsive culture. - The point is, the belt means nothing, and anyone can own a black belt. That doesn't mean you know anything or know how to fight. After all, the belt doesn’t fight, you do.

I say, don't worry about your belt. Just enjoy your training, submerge yourself in the journey to perfection and be humble and happy for the allowance to train.

Answer 3

In my old Dojo no-one would EVER ask about his next grading for the simple reason that it`s the sensi`s job to decide when the student is ready and NOT for the student to decide when he`s ready. In my old Dojo, even though you might have been a great fighter, it was considered that this was only one facet of the multi faceted discipline that is Karate or any other Martial art. When a grading did come around, you were judged on a whole lot of things and not just your FIGHTING ability. Certainly, fighting ability is important but so was your attitude to your fellow students and not just those who were above you . Your whole attitude to the Spirit of the Art was questioned. You also had to know something of the history of the Art and of your particular style. For instance, do YOU know what Funikoshi`s most important tenent was ?. Do you know who Funikoshi even WAS ?. Martial arts, at least for the true Martial artest, is about far more than mere fighting ability, far more.

Answer 4

Once you feel you have mastered the all requirements for advancing, winning tournaments and doing well in sparring may be one part of the requirements of moving to the next rank

-Forms, fundamentals, one-steps, self-defense, sparring, etc. I would talk with some of the students that have been there for a while and get an opinion and advice off the record

-Train hard, follow the rules, and before you know it it will be time for your examination.

-Trust your instructors judgment when it comes to rank. Most systems have a minimum time in grade requirement anyway (not the instrutors) that cannot be skipped.


You should not feel intimidated to ask questions. I've talked to many people who made huge mistakes, wasted years and lots of money I feel you must respect the teacher, but he/she should not be offended by honest questions(I encourage them with my students)

If things are not working out well at this school, it may be time to find a place you feel fits your learning style more and find a different place where.you feel more open to speak and learn(see below link in source list)for some tips

I wish you the best!

Devin

Answer 5

If you are new to the martial arts than the instructor will help you get up to the level you want to be. Normally the instructor will tell you when there is testing. If your martial arts school has a website than check out the website there should be info about
belt promotion. But never ask your instructor once you get to higher belt. Don't ask the instructor when you will be promoted its disrespectful to the instructor.

Answer 6

Normally , belt promos are when you have mastered the routines for that level . Your master should have given you a list of criteria .
It is Not about winning tournaments , Nor a popularity contest .
Perhaps your conflict with the other belts indicates a lack of professionalism on your part .
Ask your master for a private meeting to clarify your issues .

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Answer 7

I don't think it's bad etiquette to ask what you need to work on, but asking about the promotion might tick off your instructor if he's old-school.

It really depends on your school. If your school is sports-oriented, then I don't think that's too big of a deal. If your school is more traditional and insists on doing things the way they were 30 years ago... eh, I wouldn't risk it.

Answer 8

When I first started in the ma, if you asked you automatically failed. Times have changed. The traditional guidelines aren't followed as closely as they used to be. Some dojos might take offense, some might not. Question is, do you want to take that chance?

Answer 9

depends on your dojo. if you win competitively and and perform the catas that some require you should ask your sensei. he is not doing his job if he neglects to keep you advised.