THE DAN GRADES OF THE MARTIAL ART KARATE

DAN GRADES AND THEIR MEANING

Definition of the dan grade in karate

In the different martial arts there is no uniform definition of the dan grade. What is the Order of Belts in Karate? What is a black belt in judo has to be in karate not be for a long time. There are also major differences between the associations. While one association has different long waiting times up to the 1st Dan between the individual examinations up to the black belt, the other association advertises with shorter waiting times and special treatment up to the 1st Dan level. But those who embark on the path of traditional karate let themselves be also embark on the path of character formation and intellectual development. Therefore, every karateka who only wants to achieve his black belt with physical training at record speed should be aware that he has long since left the path of traditional karate do.

The Dan Levels (black belt)

The dan system (black belts - Kuro Obi) has Master Funakoshi in karate - introduced Thurs. Four of these are technical master degrees, also known as Yudansha (Dan bearers). To achieve technical perfection, Yudansha practices with mental prerequisites (Shin) and the right posture (Shi-sei). This corresponds to traditional karate do, the requirements of the path.

YUDANSHA - THE DAN BEARERS OF GRADES 1-4

1st Dan Degree (Shodan)

"The degree of the seeker"

At the beginning of his long path of the Dan levels, the Shodan has a "premonition" about the knowledge of the techniques. The first Dan means for him a starting point for his development. With the technical basis of the training and his inner attitude he has the path of Karate do mastered and now sets out as a "seeker student" on the way to spiritual maturity. He is interested in the connection between mind and technology and sees this as the next challenge. However, there is often the danger that he will now rest on his 1st dan and think that he has already achieved enough.

2nd Dan degree (Nidan)

"The degree of knowledge"

The student has now understood the conditions of the path through his right posture. There are still many obstacles waiting on his way, but he has not yet finally decided to master these challenges with all the consequences. This dan grade is also called "disciple at the beginning of the path". His intensive karate practice and his study of the path allow him to think outside the box of pure martial arts and to understand the path of martial arts. He can transfer them to his daily life situations. However, it remains to be seen whether the student is really up to the demands of the path. If he profiles himself or no longer sees himself as a student, then he is not up to the true path of the master.

3rd Dan degree (Sandan)

"The degree of the recognized student"

Karateka is now determined to follow the path of martial arts to the end of his life. Only now will the master recognize him as a true student of the way. This is where the entry into the Ha form begins (second level of Shu-Ha-Ri - ways and levels of teaching) "The recognized student" shows his way level by his attitude and not only by his technical progress. Nothing can dissuade him from his path. His loyalty to the style (ryu), the way (do), the school (dojo) and the teacher (sensei) have strengthened the head, heart and hand alike. Karate-Do has become an essential part of his daily life and gives him inner strength and strength.

4th Dan degree (Yondan)

"The expert in technology"

From the 4th dan the Budo path begins. Karateka has now reached the technical and physical limits and now knows that he has to face new challenges on another level of the budo path. He lives and internalizes the spiritual aspects of martial arts daily in the dojo or in everyday life. The Yondan combines the karate philosophy and the budo technique in such a way that he can seek and find ways to inner perfection. He is able to control his mind, his breathing and his ki flow in the physical exercises and thus gives his technique the maximum effect. Every exercise, whether kata, khion or kumite, leads him to the search for inner truth and perfection, because only there is the key to mastery.

5th Dan degree (Godan)

"Expert of the exercise"

The karateka with the 5th Dan grade gets the title Renshi - human with mature consciousness. This level can be reached at the earliest at the age of 31. The prerequisites are a corresponding Budo experience and life experience. The 5th Dan (Godan) and 6th Dan (Rokudan) are characterized by a lot of knowledge, life experience and a strong inner attitude. Karate-Do with its tradition has become an important principle of life. The "Kodansha" is no longer a "student" but a true master. He has internalized theory and practice and is a role model and, with his knowledge, an authority for his students. He is a master of the martial art karate with heart, mind and soul.

6th Dan degree (Rokkudan)

"Expert of the exercise"

Even at this stage the title is still renshi. Despite the 6th Dan he will consciously strive for clarity, self-knowledge and harmony and will constantly improve. This affects his mental as well as his physical abilities, because the constant drop wears away the stone. 

7th Dan degree (Nanadan)

"Expert in teaching"

The Kyoshi is a grand master of the respective style. Im clear that he cannot replace daily exercises with spiritual exercises and trains daily. He has a clarity about cosmic and human affairs and is committed to life and to overcoming death. He can put himself in the state of not moving and enters the stage of the Ri form - transcendence in essence.

8th Dan degree (Hachidan)

"Expert in teaching"

The 8th Dan also bears the title Kyoshi - Grand Master of the respective style. The Hachidan also practices daily, because "if you rest, you rust". In Budo there is no right to early retirement or early retirement.

9th Dan degree (Kudan)

"Exemplary teacher"

For the Hanshi grandmaster of the respective style, is in harmony with himself. His actions are characterized by harmony with the cosmic forces. He can open the door to wisdom for his students that is superior to all budo techniques.

10th Dan Degree (Judan)

"Exemplary teacher"

The 10th Dan Hanshi is the grand master of the style. This graduation is only possible from the age of 70 at the earliest. This stage is also called "Meijin". The word comes from Confucianism and means "perfect man". The highest award in Budo can only be awarded by IMAF-Kokusai Budoin. The holders of the 10th Dan are a role model for the highest technical perfection and deep intellectual understanding. Throughout their lives they have endeavored to carry the development and spread of the Budo idea throughout the world.