Time for a Change

From my dojo:

Dear students & parents, Recently, it was learned that The Usagi Dojo’s parent organization, Martial Arts USA (MAUSA) will not recognize students who receive black belts under the age of 17. This struck home - I earned a black belt before age 17. Many fantastic martial artists I know and respect earned their black belts before age 17. Because this would have affected me, a number of people I respect, as well as several current students, it has become evident that keeping MAUSA as the primary parent organization is not in the best interest of The Usagi Dojo. Moving forward, the up-line of The Usagi Dojo will be the Kenwayoshin Ryu Bujutsu Renmei (KRBR). KRBR allows for black belts in respective styles based on the discretion of that style. We will not be abandoning MAUSA - not at all. However, we will be calling on KRBR to certify our black belts. As a result, a modification in our curriculum shall take place. Black Belt Requirements Henceforth, I shall be qualified and willing to award a black belt to deserving candidates age 9 & up (3 years to black belt for a person who hypothetically could have started the program at age 6), with full discretion for consideration of younger candidates on a case by case basis.  Our rank system will consist of 10 Kyu (under black belt) ranks, and 10 Dan (black belt) ranks. Our curriculum will also be modified to mandate knowledge only those techniques deemed broadly useful. Current students will not see an increase in time to black belt. If anything, the time to black belt will be slightly reduced with the new requirements. A talented student who attends classes regularly can expect to earn a black belt in less than four years. Rank Belt Requirements We shall maintain the combatives curriculum that has been in force since Day 1. Additional material will be greatly reduced. Our Little Tigers' program and rank structure will remain unchanged. Kids' ranking system will mirror exactly the adults' ranking system. Rank belts will be earned in the following manner: White White / Yellow Yellow Yellow / Orange Orange Orange / Green Green Blue Purple Brown Black There will be a requirement of a certain number of moves to earn each belt, as well as a minimum number of classes to attend to qualify for examination. Exams will still be held every 3-4 months as needed. What is not changing Our style. Our techniques. Our self-defense focus. Your rank.