"If there is effort, there is always accomplishment."

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on JUL 19, 2023

"If there is effort, there is always accomplishment."

 

In the martial arts, achieving the highest rank is a testament to an individual’s skill, dedication, and mastery. The 10th Dan represents the pinnacle of accomplishment.

However, the awarding of the 10th Dan has become a subject of intense debate and controversy within the karate community.

One of the key sources of contention lies in the subjective nature of its evaluation. Achieving this prestigious rank is not solely based on physical prowess, or technical proficiency, but also encompasses a deep understanding of the art, personal character, contributions to the karate community, and a lifetime commitment to self-improvement.

However, what constitutes these qualities can vary significantly among different organizations and instructors, leading to conflicting opinions on who is deserving of this rank.

One of the primary reasons for its contentious nature is the subjectivity involved in awarding the rank. Unlike lower dans, where there are often clear requirements and benchmarks, the criteria for the 10th Dan become increasingly ambiguous.

Personally, I know of many lower Dan ranks who’s credentials and skills are somewhat questionable. But we have to remember that ranks are only valid in the organization, association or dojo the practitioners belong to. There is no one standard.

And this lack of standardization makes it difficult to establish a consistent measure of proficiency and leads to differing opinions among karate practitioners, organizations, and even countries.

Recent arguments I have witnessed state that there are more 10th Dans (7th/8th/9th too apparently) in the West than in Okinawa!….. Um, well YES. Okinawa is a very small island compared to the rest of the world, and those in the West can obviously train, practice, teach and learn, for similar amounts of time as those on Okinawa.

Karate has evolved into numerous styles and lineages, each with its unique characteristics and approaches. This diversity contributes to the complexity of awarding the 10th Dan, or any other Dan.

Disagreements arise when practitioners from different styles or lineages argue over whose standards should prevail in recognizing this ultimate rank.

Many argue that it should be reserved for a select few individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of karate, perhaps even Asian in their heritage.

Some of the arguments I have heard revolve around the fact that so many people believe the rank is given away to easily.

As an example….. “It is surprising how many Non-Okinawans are being promoted to 10th Dan these days.”….. “There are more 10th Dans, and 9th Dans outside of Okinawa than within. Something does not make sense there.”….. “10th Dan was once reserved for a founder or a successor to an organization. Does it make sense to you that a single organization has multiple 10th Dans?”

Personally, I know several 10th Dans, Japanese, Okinawan and from the West. They are all deserved of their rank. They are leaders, mentors, amazing teachers with a depth knowledge and proficiency that have endured and lasted for decades.

Why should anyone need to be Okinawan or Japanese to become a 10th Dan? Do people train less or for a shorter amount of time than they do?….. No, I don’t think so. To reach this level most are over 65 years of age, many into their 70’s and 80’s, practicing their art all of their life and from an early age.

Of course there are those that flaunt the system. Unfortunately that happens everywhere, even in the lower ranks as mentioned above. It doesn’t excuse it, of course, but not everyone should be placed in the same pot.

There are those who richly deserve this accolade. Those that have given massively to their art and to others, for a lifetime. Like in any walk of life, any professional, accolades are given for hard work and commitment over time.

A rank is indicative of you being better and more knowledgeable than you were at a previous rank, and not comparable with anyone else.

つとむれば必ずたっす – (Tsuto mureba kanarazu tassu) – “If there is effort, there is always accomplishment.” – Kano Jigoro founder of Judo