Grading
Well it’s the time of year when some students want to grade, for kyu grade and black belt level. Because of my grade I have been responsible on numerous occasions to take care of such examinations, not only in my own dojo but in many others. I was thinking during a recent examination who am I to make a judgment on other peoples abilities, after all no one has taught me how to examine other people.
In mathematics 2+2 is 4, in a grading its not so simple because we are individual with our own way of doing things plus age. Its not easy and who am I to judge. In Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation of your actions as an opportunity to improve.
Jens Nylander
Great words from a great man with much wisdom ….
kristie
What humbleness coming from a man of your ability.
I want to thank you for inspiring so many and my own Children.
I have a son getting ready to test for his black belt, and two of his sensei’s say he is ready. And the other two sensei’s say he is not. The two that say he is are the senior teachers. It is their belief it because my son know kata better than the other two senteces is the reason why they don’t want him to test. It saddens my heart that there would be so much jealousy. Our main sensei who started the school I believe in 1978 has left us and moved to Virginia. He is going to be greatly missed and what an inspiration he was to my children. Although I refer to my children as children they are actually teenagers and they will always be my children I would only hope that one day they could meet you God be with you and yours.
Shihan
Thank you and good luck.