The martial arts can provide us with an interesting fitness program, give us useful self-defense skills, help us focus better, and lower our stress levels. Most martial arts use a rank system to help students track their progress in those qualities and provide short term goals along the way. These rank systems typically have a series of colored belts, sashes, headbands, or armbands that indicate different levels in the rank structure. Generally, the colors start with white and progress to darker colors as the levels go higher. This is said to have originated from the beginner’s white belt naturally turning darker over time from use.
Even though progressing in the rank system in your art shouldn't be the most important focus in training, that system should be understood and followed. These rank systems are, most likely, based on internationally established standards designed to optimize your experience and aide you in your progress. They are based on countless years of experience among the most advanced masters in the art.
In order to make progress in a rank system we need to put in some work, assuming that it is ‘meritorious.’ This means that it's a system where students are promoted based on their development of skills, demonstrated abilities, and overall progress. This may seem like common sense, but not all martial arts schools follow this idea. Rather, they promote based more on the monetary value of each student and factors like personal connections, social status, or political favoritism.
To qualify for promotions in any of the arts at ZenQuest there are some requirements that must be met. These are:
Attendance - Probably the most important thing we can do to learn and progress in our art is consistently show up at least twice per week. More than this will generally help us learn faster. However, too much can lead to burnout, especially with younger students. Each level in a rank system requires a certain number of classes or time in the previous level. Standard time requirements for rank are based on the student attending at least two classes per week. Students who attend classes more will progress faster, and those doing less will be slower.
Techniques/ Form - Each art has a series of moves or techniques and strategies that must be learned. For ‘formal’ promotion systems there are a set of moves that are required for each level. For more informal systems, there is looser requirements and promotions are based on an accumulation of moves and attention to detail in the technical aspects of the art. For advanced levels the student is expected to be proficient with more complex techniques and strategies.
Strength/ Fitness - Students must balance perfection in form with the development of speed and strength. Every technique that the student performs should exhibit a quality of ‘pliable strength’, or power that is fluid and smooth. Repetition and practice is the only way to eliminate any tense or awkward movements. As students progress in their art they are also expected to keep their fitness level high. Having a fit body that is strong, durable, and capable of sustained effort is invaluable to the advanced student. Having these qualities are also crucial for avoiding injuries. Cross training for additional strength and cardio fitness is encouraged, especially for advanced students.
Attitude/ Spirit - One of the most important qualities to have in training and progressing in the martial arts is attitude and spirit. Students should do their best to have a positive outlook on their training and maintain a genuine enthusiasm. This is reflected in their ability to receive instruction and refine their practice to always improve. ‘Kaizen’ is the Japanese concept of always learning and constant improvement. This should be the mindset that we bring to our training. Students should also maintain a positive attitude towards their training partners and ‘Dojo-mates.’ Ill feelings towards others in the gym should be minimized and drama is not allowed.
When students are getting close to a promotion, formal or informal, they should prepare properly and be sure to follow the guidelines noted above. Failure to do so will result in delays in promotions. The qualities noted are expected to improve with each rank level. Advanced students are also expected to help with instruction and leadership.
Ultimately, performing under pressure in a promotion situation develops mental toughness and prepares us for challenges in the real world. The habits we develop in preparation of rank promotions properly help us learn focus and self-discipline. These are the, without question, the most valuable qualities we can gain from any martial art. They have the potential to greatly improve the quality of our lives and even help us live longer.
Even though progressing in the rank system in your art shouldn't be the most important focus in training, that system should be understood and followed. These rank systems are, most likely, based on internationally established standards designed to optimize your experience and aide you in your progress. They are based on countless years of experience among the most advanced masters in the art.
In order to make progress in a rank system we need to put in some work, assuming that it is ‘meritorious.’ This means that it's a system where students are promoted based on their development of skills, demonstrated abilities, and overall progress. This may seem like common sense, but not all martial arts schools follow this idea. Rather, they promote based more on the monetary value of each student and factors like personal connections, social status, or political favoritism.
To qualify for promotions in any of the arts at ZenQuest there are some requirements that must be met. These are:
Attendance - Probably the most important thing we can do to learn and progress in our art is consistently show up at least twice per week. More than this will generally help us learn faster. However, too much can lead to burnout, especially with younger students. Each level in a rank system requires a certain number of classes or time in the previous level. Standard time requirements for rank are based on the student attending at least two classes per week. Students who attend classes more will progress faster, and those doing less will be slower.
Techniques/ Form - Each art has a series of moves or techniques and strategies that must be learned. For ‘formal’ promotion systems there are a set of moves that are required for each level. For more informal systems, there is looser requirements and promotions are based on an accumulation of moves and attention to detail in the technical aspects of the art. For advanced levels the student is expected to be proficient with more complex techniques and strategies.
Strength/ Fitness - Students must balance perfection in form with the development of speed and strength. Every technique that the student performs should exhibit a quality of ‘pliable strength’, or power that is fluid and smooth. Repetition and practice is the only way to eliminate any tense or awkward movements. As students progress in their art they are also expected to keep their fitness level high. Having a fit body that is strong, durable, and capable of sustained effort is invaluable to the advanced student. Having these qualities are also crucial for avoiding injuries. Cross training for additional strength and cardio fitness is encouraged, especially for advanced students.
Attitude/ Spirit - One of the most important qualities to have in training and progressing in the martial arts is attitude and spirit. Students should do their best to have a positive outlook on their training and maintain a genuine enthusiasm. This is reflected in their ability to receive instruction and refine their practice to always improve. ‘Kaizen’ is the Japanese concept of always learning and constant improvement. This should be the mindset that we bring to our training. Students should also maintain a positive attitude towards their training partners and ‘Dojo-mates.’ Ill feelings towards others in the gym should be minimized and drama is not allowed.
When students are getting close to a promotion, formal or informal, they should prepare properly and be sure to follow the guidelines noted above. Failure to do so will result in delays in promotions. The qualities noted are expected to improve with each rank level. Advanced students are also expected to help with instruction and leadership.
Ultimately, performing under pressure in a promotion situation develops mental toughness and prepares us for challenges in the real world. The habits we develop in preparation of rank promotions properly help us learn focus and self-discipline. These are the, without question, the most valuable qualities we can gain from any martial art. They have the potential to greatly improve the quality of our lives and even help us live longer.
RSS Feed