To Rank,..or Not to Rank?
Although, I have been training in the martial arts for over 17 years, it has never occurred to me to not issue rank in the style that I teach. I've always been of the opinion that the ranking system was for the purpose of guaging a student's progress while also giving them smaller obtainable goals on their way to black belt. I still feel this way, but now I am thinking about doing away with the rank structure in my class.
Why? Because I teach only adults and I don't see the need for giving them a new color of belt every 6 months or so. Most of them could care less about the rank, they just want to learn how to defend themselves and learn the art form.
My current rank system has 8 ranks in it; white to black. I am considering reducing it to 2 ranks; white and black.
Have any of you guys used this sort of rank structure before? If so,..how did it work?
I like my rank, and I'm stickin to it
I trained without rank for 9 years.
The school I currently attend has 6 kyu ranks, and 7 black belt ranks.
At 3rd kyu, you can take the advanced classes.
Honestly, I hate the fact that by this point I don't have a blackbelt. Esecially sine I see shodans with only 3-5 years of experience.
Besides, rank gives a good outline of who you should be seeking advice from when training (although you have to decide on your own which mr. fancy belt you actually should listen to). I find testing every three to 6 months to be very encouraging, and would not train at a school without ranking at this point.
I do tend to aggree with Lyle
Though I just started training in a classroom environment, I know that from past experience that my level of performance is higher than some of the higher belt levels that attend my scool. I realize that I do not have the froms,katas,or pinions that other students have been taught. What I do have is real fighting experiance from 10 years of military training. You see I am fluid in my movements with and strenght and power. I do admit being somewhat lacking in balance, but that could be remediated at home with time.
So with all that I see a definate plus With a beggining level (white) that teaches balance,forms,katas,and pinions on a begining level. Then more indepth and advanced forms ect. to an intermediate level (Blue). and then a more advanced level that incorrperates greens browns and black.
I think you would find that the students that burn out might stay because they are learning more and in a sense paying less. We all know that there are some Dojo's that look for the almighty dollar. I think New student realize that what they are thought compared to what they are paying is outrageous. Me for example $140.00 to learn 2. punch techniques and 2.combinations. doesnt seem right does it. Anyway maybe I rambled alittle much but take this into consideration. I think Your School would Prosper more. Also I would like to know What you think about this statement Daedalus. :)
Theory without practise is like a cloud without rain!
Ranks can serve a beneficial purpose
For starters, it can help you to remember where exactly the student is at in their training. This may not be a problem for many instuctors, but it is for some. Where I train, is in a gym, and any gym member can join us free of charge. Because of this we get a LOT of people that come in for short periods of time, then quit. It gets difficult to keep track of where everyone is at because of it.
Also, it like others have said, it provides a gauge to the student. Many people say that the rank isn't important. However, often when it is taken away students can get stressed. They start to become unsure of their progression, because there isn't something substatial to gauge from.
Rank will let students know, without a doubt, if they are improving or not. I am a big believer in not passing a student if they test poorly.
Without testing and rank, some students, may become overconfident in their abilities, or frustrated because they are not sure if they are improving.
Obviously, with close attention and hard work from the instructor, ranking can be cut down or totaly removed without having these problems. However as a class size grows it becomes harder for an instructor, no matter how good he/she is, to give the personal attention, that would be required, to each student.
Just my thoughts
Assumption is the mother of tragedy. Just keep and open mind and be ready