GRADING

In the Don Jitsu Ryu we make every effort to maintain the integrity of the original belt ranking system for students and Instructors. Belt ranking system and ability work hand in hand. However, for most martial arts business owners, the discussion of money and rank comes before the level of skills and knowledge. Skills and knowledge must be the most important and interesting topic of the Martial Artist.

Long ago the question of interest was “How hard am I expected to TRAIN and STUDY to receive the prestigious Black Belt skills and knowledge”? These days, shortcuts, fabrications, martial arts piracy, collection of money and issuing of high ranks under false pretence sometimes take precedence over quality in most schools.

Long ago, no student could receive a correspondent course (via CD, Video, or over the internet) and a Belt ranking certification without appropriate hands-on training from an imminently qualified and certified Sensei.

To illustrate the average training time it would take to achieve a belt in an authentic system, we have developed the following chart:

Common Misconceptions:

-All Black Belts are Masters of their particular martial arts.

- All Black Belts are qualified to teach others. 

- All Black Belts should be called “Sensei”

- A Black Belt in one Ryu (style), is automatically a Black Belt in many other styles

These are all misconceptions and not true.

Every time someone wants to change styles they should start as a White Belt and work their way to the Black Belt level, putting in the time required for that new Ryu (style). Most students like to keep their black belt from their original style, but not the patch of the original style.

 

  

 

The importance of grading is for “quality control” and to maintain the standard style of the Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu System. Professor Don Jacob does all of the grading around the world.

 

Grading is basically divided into three parts. Three different segments must be met in order to achieve one belt or a higher rank. For example, grading requirements include block routines, katas, self defense techniques, mat work, sparring and basic kicks such as; round-house kick, back kick, side kick, hook kick and front kick.

 

There must be a minimum requirement of twelve training days for each month. Your tuition must be paid and up to date. You must have a valid membership agreement that is up to date and a valid membership card. Your grading fees must be paid. You must have a proper GI, belt, patch and sparring gear.

 

What you perform at grading will be according to your rank. For example, a white belt will do 6 self defense techniques whilst a yellow belt will be required to know 1 to 9.

 

First and foremost to remember in Purple Dragon when grading is that no belt is guaranteed. No rank in Purple Dragon is guaranteed so no one can say that “well I’ve been training for ‘x’ amount of months so I’m automatically supposed to get that”. You must be tested by Professor Don Jacob; in doing so he ensures that the standard and quality of the Don Jitsu Ryu System is maintained. Professor Don Jacob is the only person in Purple Dragon who can issue a rank.

For students who are going to grade, especially when you have moved up in rank, and they are not able to grade as regularly; (especially international students) what is in place for that, is that they should be on the grading floor with Professor Jacob in order to maintain the current rank that they have. If they do not do that they can loose their rank. So it is important that they are on the floor and part of the grading while it is going on so that they can at least maintain their rank, failure to do that will cause them to loose their rank.

 

Grading is not only for the students but by extension it is also for the Instructor. It is through the performance of the students that Professor Don Jacob will be able to know the quality of the instruction that is being passed out. So the way that your students perform will determine the type of instruction that your students are receiving. When Professor Don Jacob looks at the students he is also looking at the Instructor as well. It is vitally important that you keep doing the proper things that ought to be done as your students are a reflection of you. So grading is not only for the students but it is also for the Instructors.

In a circumstance like that you will have to notify Professor Jacob before hand. Remember there is the U – in Don Jitsu Ryu which stands for Unlimited Talent. So if a person has talent they might be able to still grade even though they don’t have the time qualifications. Also you will need to have a balance because when people get things too easy or too quickly they might not be in appreciation of it.

 

When determining who will be recommended for grading you also have to take into consideration the students courage, conduct, attitude and manners over a period of time. For example you don’t want anyone who will tire out themselves easily. You have to take into consideration their manners, the way that they bow, answer questions, etc. Purple Dragon doesn’t just teach discipline physically but in many other ways as well; all of which is taken into consideration at grading.

 

First and foremost parents must know that they are there to support, not only their child but the entire grading (or everyone who is grading). No parents are allowed on the grading floor. Parents are not allowed to make negative remarks and comments. They must give the students words of encouragement. Grading is reminiscent of the story of the butterfly and the cocoon. Grading is a time where greatness is coming out of the students. Sometimes grading may be a painful thing or an emotional thing.

 

Furthermore, if the child is on medication you must inform the Instructor before hand so that they can advise Professor Don Jacob. This is for the safety of the child.

 

Finally, during gradings (as the same with classes) we always ask the parents to stand in support of their loved ones when the Purple Dragon Dojo Kun is being recited.