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Brokenmace · 07-02-2002, 10:37 PM

Many schools use different symbology to identify ranks, but these are usually simple markers for the "levels" of which there are normally six (though I've heard of some schools who differ). Some schools use belts/sashes (often in conjunction with Kali ranking) that progress through white, yellow, green, blue, red, and black. My school uses levels, and a gray shirt is worn to signify pupils under level 4 (blue sash), while level four and five use red, and six uses black. Black shirts are also worn by instructors. The level of dedication to ones personal development is such that black sashes often become fulltime instructors at my kwoon, though this is by no means mandatory.

Bruce Lee devised a symbology using a white circle for the beginning, progressing through differently colored yin/yang symbols, and ending at a white circle again. This symbolized that the rank beginners instincts guided his responses in combat previous to training, and that the advanced student's instincts also guide him in combat--it's just that those instincts are more refined and structured. A beginner throws up his hands in fright when presented with an aggressor, while an advanced student throws them up in silent confidence, secure in his self-knowledge and skill. His instincts have been remolded into weapons of destruction, but they are still instincts. He/she has returned to the "original freedom".

I may have got some of this wrong. I am no wizened scholar, but this is what I've been taught, more or less. Anyone care to clarify or comment?

07-02-2002, 10:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
Brokenmace Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 259 Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	JKD Ranking Many schools use different symbology to identify ranks, but these are usually simple markers for the "levels" of which there are normally six (though I've heard of some schools who differ). Some schools use belts/sashes (often in conjunction with Kali ranking) that progress through white, yellow, green, blue, red, and black. My school uses levels, and a gray shirt is worn to signify pupils under level 4 (blue sash), while level four and five use red, and six uses black. Black shirts are also worn by instructors. The level of dedication to ones personal development is such that black sashes often become fulltime instructors at my kwoon, though this is by no means mandatory. Bruce Lee devised a symbology using a white circle for the beginning, progressing through differently colored yin/yang symbols, and ending at a white circle again. This symbolized that the rank beginners instincts guided his responses in combat previous to training, and that the advanced student's instincts also guide him in combat--it's just that those instincts are more refined and structured. A beginner throws up his hands in fright when presented with an aggressor, while an advanced student throws them up in silent confidence, secure in his self-knowledge and skill. His instincts have been remolded into weapons of destruction, but they are still instincts. He/she has returned to the "original freedom". I may have got some of this wrong. I am no wizened scholar, but this is what I've been taught, more or less. Anyone care to clarify or comment? __________________ A broken mace is still a weapon.