Belts in the Martial Arts

Some time ago, I blogged about the dichotomy of the martial arts - specifically as it relates to ranking. Let me go into more detail on that. Broadly speaking, there are only a few reasons for promotion in the martial arts:

Skill
This boils down to who can beat who. It can be an effective way to determine rank. The problem lies in humanity itself. Who beats who on a given day can be attributed to many outside influences other than skill. Also, what of the old man or woman who has dedicated a lifetime to the martial arts, but simply no longer has the physicality to beat a younger opponent?

Knowledge
Similar to skill, gauging rank based on knowledge is a good way to determine progress. It is pretty black and white to tell if a person has knowledge or not. Conversely, some people can have a lot of knowledge, but not use it. Furthermore, there is a difference in theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge. Also, how well the person knows the material can be called into question.

Time
The amount of time a person has dedicated to the martial arts is something that cannot be denied. However, time is no indicator of skill or knowledge.

Summary
In conclusion, it is reasonable that all three criteria play a part in the awarding of rank. Specifically, like a project management triangle, it must be reasoned that attaining all three criteria might be difficult, if nigh impossible. It is necessary to sacrifice one category to increase the other two.

For example: If someone has knowledge and skill, then time might be waived to some extent. Likewise, if a person is physically unable to really ever be competitive with others, then time and knowledge must play a larger part. And from a hypothetical point of view - if there was a person who had little knowledge, but much time and skill, then that person would be similarly deserving of rank.



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