John Bishop said:
In Kajukenbo we have a "probationary" black belt rank. It's called "student black belt". This is the first black belt rank awarded after the student passes their black belt test. It is a probationary 1 year rank. After the year, if the student is still active and in good standing with the school, it automatically becomes a 1st degree rank, and they are given a 1st. degree certificate and red stripe. The 1st degree certificate is back dated to the date of their original black belt promotion.
The way I do this is to have the testing board sign both a "student black" and a "1st degree" certificate on the original testing day. I then hold the 1st degree certificate and present it to the student after the probationary period is over. The 1 year period is sort of a guideline. We've had student blacks take long breaks, or become inactive for several months or even a few years. So some people have been awarded their 1st degree 4-5 years after their original test.
I utilize it as well. Because of the extraordinary curriculum, required hours for each course level, and our teaching method, we often make such awards. The key is if you came to the school and watched students perform, you would have a difficult time determining who is who. The performance level of all students reaches a significant point well before black, so that black is simply an accumulation of certain information, not neccesarily additional skills.
Also I have a particular way in teaching that spreads the knowledge laterally to all students regardless of rank. In any given session, depending upon whom is in attendance, I will give specific viable information to a student who may be at a lower course rank intentionally. The student then has the responsibility to see that everyone is "introduced" to that knowledge, which I then reinforce.
This simply means everyone is oblidged to listen to everyone, rank level not withstanding. Thus on some level, the knowledge of the system is a product of the "collective" consciousness of all students and participants. Information ultimately will not flow just down, but outward to everyone's benefit. Most importantly, you will find no ego problems within our group no matter what your level. If you do, some yellow belt just might embarass you with a little information you don't have. I have one student in particular on the floor religiously at least two nights a week, who is first generation on the tree, who made black the same day Tatum, and Trejo made brown. He's on the floor doing everything everyone else does, wears no stripes, and works with whoever is in front of him. Only his grey hair gives him away.
Additionally, we wear no stripes or any belt markings indicative of rank level. On any given night you could see someone as high as 8th, and a 18 year old 1st black training together. YOU wouldn't be able to tell the differance other than the age tip off. Everyone moves well, with solid basics. All black belt ranks are emeritus/honorary in nature. If someone claims to be a certified teacher, ask to see their signed, sealed, and notarized teaching credential. This is the desired document, over and above rank course completion diplomas. When you pass the black course, you receive your diploma. But that's all it means. You passed. Nothing more or less. It is not a statement of anything other than meeting the requirements for the course. Should you quit the same day, (nobody ever has) so be it. You earned it.
We by design, focus on knowledge and skills, and not so much as black belt as a rank. It marks a certain level of knowledge and a source of pride to students for passing a course, but they put things in perspective and recognize its just a another belt and there is much more to learn. To that end, I have large numbers of black belts regularly in every class. Some as long as thirty plus years under my tutleledge, and they never seem to develop a "know-it-all" attitude. Some green belt just might make them look bad.
"We are the Borg. Resistance Is Futile - you will be assimilated" is a running joke in the "collective" known as SunLevel Four Kenpo.
Keep them honest "over there" Hawkman and look out for the politics.
