Interesting reading for sure.
The Dan was orignally given out in the Japanese game "GO" and was based on skill. It is also given out in Japanese and Korean Dance. From there it took the place of the Samurai Menkyo and eventually took on more meaning. One thing for sure is it certainly has little to do with fighting ability. Early on in this thread I was reading where some 1st Dan felt he could beat up some 2nd and 3rd Dan's. Maybe he could, but there are white belts and no-belts that could beat up that 1st Dan, no problem. So what does that mean? Mike Tyson should be a 10th Dan? No. Talking about Dan in terms of fighting skill is juvenile.
DAN today is about your relationship with your instructor, seniors and your place in your organization. Whatever skill, knowledge, intellegence, ettiqute, politics, time in the system you have is your own and not comparible to others. Of course your reputation within your organization might be based on those qualities.
Alcohol
|