The problem is that there exists no universal standard for any level, particularly black belt. Certainly not within the arts as a whole (specifically arts that use the Dan/Kyu or Dan/Gup system). And certainly not even within the same art. Let us use TKD as a prime example since this is the TKD section of the board. Within the broad label of TKD we have major factions such as the KKW, ITF, ATA, USTA etc (some larger than others of course). Then we have independent, old school, traditional and eclectic as smaller sub-factions. None of them necessarily agree with each other on number of Gup levels, order of belt colors, TIG to BB etc. Now let us go even further into just one faction; we'll use the KKW as an example. As many have stated before, children in Korea can reach BB in about a year. Some children here in the U.S. (and other countries) apparently can reach it in about a year as well as we've seen in many of these threads.
Now...
Some may say that Korean children train 5 days a week and other children in other countries train twice a week, yet make BB in the same amount of time. Does this mean Korean kids are better because they may get more training or worse since other kids get there quicker? This is the catch-22. One can take either position and offer rationalization to support that position. But it all reverts down to this; by what universally recognized standard are you using? And since one doesn't exist...well it makes for great chit-chat on the boards but nothing will ever get solved either way.
I'll say this as an example; I don't think a kid below the age of maybe 16 needs to be a BB or whatever alternate name one wishes to use. BB is a milestone in one's training, achieved through dedication, hard work and even practical life experience. I don't see a five-year old as having done that. And in my further opinion, schools of this ilk are simply kiddie karate daycare that cater to the all-mighty dollar. That's my position.
However...
I can only base this on personal opinion. Since no universally recognized or accepted standard exists it is all a moot point. There will never be a universally recognized or accepted standard as there are too many people of lax standards that are in it for something other than the arts themselves (read money). It would take the heads of almost every martial arts organization (large and small) having a summit and agreeing upon a standard and writing it in stone and them following it. Anyone see this happening?
So the bottom line is that BB is a personal thing that really only means something to the individual earning it and perhaps within their circle of training and influence. Beyond that it gets very nebulous. And ultimately, that is very unfortunate. Perhaps the Dan/Kyu and Dan/Gup system have outlived their purpose and usefulness? But that is the subject of another thread.
