Dan Grade Ranking - Time in Grade UBF Dan grading are syllabus based and competency tested. Dan grading are carried out by UBF's Chief Instructor. The content of the grading for any particular individual may be varied by the Instructor depending on circumstance.
The time requirements allow for flexibility within the stated time intervals. This flexibility allows those who train harder and or more frequently and subsequently achieve a higher standard in their karate than their contemporaries, the opportunity to attempt further grading earlier. This is a just reward for their effort.
Therefore because grading is competency based there is no specific time frame for Dan grading up to and including Yondan, (4th Dan). The time frames listed below are guidelines only.
Students are not automatically entitled to undertake a Dan grading simply because they have been training for a certain number of years. Invitations to undertake a Dan grading are made to UBF students by the UBF Chief Instructor who takes into account the student's personal growth in karate-do as well as their technical ability.
Another way to describe this links to the terms used in Japanese arts; Shodan (for a first degree black belt), means literally the first/beginning step, and the next grades, Nidan and Sandan are each numbered as "ni" is two and "san" is three, meaning second step, third step, etc. The Shodan black belt is not the end of training but rather as a beginning to advanced learning: the individual now "knows how to walk" and may thus begin the "journey".
Now since you have made it to Black belt, decisions need to be made for the long journey ahead. As a beginner Jr. Shodan or Shodan, what is your goal? What path waits your decision on what you want to do? Are you here just for the self defense, motivation for self improvement, or do you want to take it further teaching others? People dream in becoming an instructor or maybe opening their own dojo, but it takes a lot of determination and dedication beyond one's own self. Becoming proficient in an art while being a positive role model and providing a living takes sacrifice that needs to be in consideration. This is not to influence anyone not to pursue certain goals but let them know what lies ahead. To help someone make this decision as they proceed with their short and long term goals, certifications and programs have been placed to accomplish what you want/can do.
These titles are earned based on the level of instructor. Do not confuse these with actual dan ranks.
Sensei-Dai: An assistant instructor, usually Jr. Shodan, Shodan
Sensei: Instructor, usually Nidan or higher rank
Sempai: Senior Instructor, adult, usually Sandan rank
Shihan-Dai: Instructor, usually Yondan rank
Shihan: Instructor of instructors, usually Godan or higher rank
Soke: The founder of a "style," large school or organization with its own program, methods,
ranking system, and/or syllabus.
