SRKF's annual Black Belt Grading is coming up fast and I am thankful for the great group of black belts that make up our grading board. We have a total of 28 degrees between the seven of us and I value the unique insights that each one brings to the table. Our grading process continues to evolve and improve each year but the last three years have seen the biggest improvement to the process because of the infusion of the fresh perspectives of three new members.
Grading someone for their black belt is not an easy process. Every requirement from white belt to black belt serves a purpose. Each requirement's purpose is that of a tool – a tool to be used to build the skill and experience necessary to create a quality black belt. The grading becomes a challenge when the requirements are approached as hoops for measuring achievement as opposed to the tools for which they were intended. The most limiting approach anyone can take is that of striving for the letter of the requirement as opposed to the spirit of the requirement.
What creates confusion for the student is when what is considered a pass for one student may not be a pass for another student. It is easy to think that way when you ignore the hoop versus tool and letter versus spirit approaches. Once you recognize and achieve the correct perspective in your training, comparisons lose their relevance.
In a nutshell, every requirement is a tool to achieve the six harmonies. It is the job of the grading board to help each student utilize every tool at their disposal to develop the correct skill that produces the necessary results.
"He kept explaining to us reasons why things can’t get done. It infuriates me." - Steve Jobs (1955 - 2011)
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