Keep in mind that Martial arts styles come in different forms, and not all are created equal. This article uses the Hapkido curriculum at T.H.A Martial Arts in Toronto to illustrate the various levels progression within a given martial arts discipline. What level are you now…and where would you like to be? In the early 1900s, during the forming years of modern Judo, Professor Jigoro felt a need for a more academic approach to martial arts education.īy organizing the lessons and techniques into ranks, the student (and teacher) has a clearer understanding of their training objectives. Such practices were recorded within Samurai traditions in feudal Japan, as well as the Shaolin temple in ancient China. A liscence of some sort would then be issued, instead of periodic martial arts rank requirement tests, and the student then sets out on their own. Martial arts studies in the East were lifelong endeavors, and the student would practice for years until their teacher deemed them ready to be on their own. It is a modern creation systemized by Judo founder – Professor Kano Jigoro (1860 – 1938). Ancient martial arts systems had no belt ranks or martial arts rank requirements per say. The belt rank systems across all styles as we know it today is actually less than a hundred years old. It is important for martial artists of all levels to have a framework of what needs to be achieve in other to move up to the next level.Īs the saying goes… a goal without a plan is simply a wish.

The journey to black belt starts with a determination to see it through.

Age of wushu beginner guide