Some Thoughts on Exams and Promotions

Well, we’ve just held our first exams since last July and it’s a good time to reflect on HIS Karate Foundation’s philosophy regarding examinations and promotions.  Let me begin by describing what it is NOT:  It’s not about getting promoted so that you can have a belt of a different color.  It’s not about keeping up with your peers or gaining a higher rank above your kohai’s.  It’s not about competing and showing than you’re better than others in the dojo.  It’s not about “cruising in regular class” and saving one’s best effort only for exam time (one should always put in 100% effort).  It’s not about receiving a really nice certificate that you can frame and hang on your wall to impress others (although, these are very nice indeed).  And it’s certainly not an additional source of revenue for our dojo – we’re lucky to break even, haha.

These are some of the negative things that can develop in dojos where exams are routinely held every few months with the aforementioned factors in play.  Understandably, most students naturally focus on any upcoming exam in anticipation of reaching higher rank.  Over the years, I sometimes see students who place less than their best effort in class and then display a great performance during the exam…which means that 99% of the time, they habitually practice below their abilities in class.  Conversely, I have seen some students striving and progressing well, year after year until they finally achieve their black belt – only to quit shortly thereafter!  That’s because pursuing the higher rank (especially the black belt can actually become the primary goal in itself and such students often cease training because in their minds, they have “graduated”.

Understand that this is not the focus of HIS Karate exams; and fortunately, from what I can see, HIS Karate members tend to have a healthier approach to the process.  Did you know that in the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom (old name for Okinawa, where Tode/Tuite/Te – forerunners to Karate – originated) there were no color belts or black belts – Karate-Do actually adopted these practices from Judo in Japan.  Instead, the serious student (usually part of a very small select group that practiced virtually in secret with the master at his home with no outward indication of any rank, until one day, many years later, he might be talented enough to be presented with the menkyokaiden.  This was the certificate of full proficiency and good character.  It meant that the instructor was confident that the practitioner had a full understanding of the art and possessed the competence to teach the art to others.  For modern-day students, to train hard consistently for years with no exams, kyu progression, or periodic promotions would be a great test of patience and perseverance and hope in itself.  That said, periodic exams and promotions can serve a good purpose, if done for the right reasons:  It can help one to better focus on improving on techniques appropriate to one’s current level.  Students learn to handle the inner pressure that often comes with performing kihon/kata/kumite when all eyes are on you.  A visible symbol of higher rank (as in a new color belt) can serve as a constant reminder of the performance level that is expected of oneself.  The awarding of a higher rank should be received in the spirit that it is given – your instructors believe that you have the potential to become truly worthy of your new rank.

Unlike aerobics where “keeping in shape” or enjoying a good workout year after year, is considered a good outcome; the serious karateka is always working to improve himself/herself in all aspects of the art – preparing for exams and well-deserved promotions can reinforce the habit of excellence.  Finally, attaining one’s first dan (1st level black belt) doesn’t mean one is an expert and knows all about the art…it really means that you’ve only learned the abc’s of karate and are “literate” enough to finally stand on the threshold of reaching a deeper understanding of Karate-Do.  Like the process of reading, where mastering the alphabet leads to recognizing words, then sentences and passages, and so on.  One gains access to the unlimited knowledge contained in countless books and unlocked through the magic of reading.  In the same way, learning the basics of karate offers the gift of real knowledge.  Using these newly acquired skills to continue one’s education is a priceless gift.  Never stop learning – Else, our efforts to help you achieve literacy will be for naught.

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