Dan Requirements

BLACK BELT DAN REQUIREMENTS:

Black Belt Dan Levels are awarded based on meeting ALL of the following criteria:

Technical competency: Black Belts must train to become better at each Dan level. There must be distinct difference in grace, speed, fluidity of each technique among the individuals that hold different black belt Dan levels.
New Skill Assessment: Each Black Belt will be assigned skills and techniques which they must prefect by a specific date for their Dan Exam. This will require the individual to set a specific training routine, be self motivated and prepare themselves. Black belts who do not get in the necessary practice time to develop these skills on their own will not be promoted.
Time in Grade: Each Black Belt level has a distinct time in grade requirements. Association maintains a realistic time in grade requirements, that consists of actual training time not sitting time (please do not complain about how easy it is unless you have been training every single day for the past thirty years and know what your body goes through. When it comes to actually doing it, very few people even make it past the first five years). Following are the time in grade requirements at this time.
1. First Degree Black Belt - Up to Four Years continuous training time based on style, curriculum and mode of training.
2. Second Degree Black Belt - Depending on the progress at First Degree, one to three more years continuous training time.
3. Third Degree Black Belt - Depending on the progress at Second Degree, three to five more years continuous training time.
4. Fourth Degree Black Belt - Depending on the progress at Third Degree, five to seven more years continuous training time.
5. Fifth Degree Black Belt - Depending on the progress at Fourth Degree, seven to ten more years of continuous training time.
6. Sixth Degree Black Belt - Minimum 20 plus years training. Based on contribution to good of the mankind through martial arts as stated in sacred tenets.
7. Seventh Degree Black Belt - Range of minimum 25 to 30 plus years training. Based on contribution to good of the mankind through martial arts as stated in sacred tenets.
8. Eight and Ninth Degree Black Belt - Range of minimum 31 to 40 plus years of continuous training. Based on contribution to good of the mankind through martial arts as stated in sacred tenets. Eighth and Ninth Degree Black Belts are honorary levels.
9. Tenth Degree Black Belt - Honorary Level. Tenth Degree Black Belt is the top Administrative Level in a Martial Arts Organization or a Society similar to that of a CEO in a corporate structure. This position is assumed by a single individual from among the qualifying for 8th and 9th Degree Black Belt Organization Members, to establish a hierarchy within a martial arts Organizational Body of High Ranking Black Belts.
Verification of Time in Grade: Each time in grade requirement consists of ten check points on a given timeline. Individual Black Belt will not be promoted to higher Dan level, if:
1. The individual does not show up to training sessions and shows up only to aforementioned ten evaluation check points.
2. The individual joins another non affiliated school or institution and tries to substitute the time spent elsewhere for the Dan requirements of this Association.
3. The individual severs all ties with the Association, only to resume ties with the association every so many years, at the times that correspond with Dan testing.
The Contribution Factor to the Growth of Martial Arts- Rule of 10's: Each Dan Level Should strive to produce 10 qualifying individuals under their tutelage and under the same martial arts family tree. For example, every Second Degree Black Belt should strive to have 10 qualified First Degree Black Belts trained. Every Third Degree Black Belt should strive to have 10 qualified Second Degree Black Belts trained. Likewise, every Yellow Belt should strive to bring in 10 white Belts into their school as new members. All color belts should strive to do the same as they move up to new belt levels. This way the Martial Arts will continually grow as each martial art school in the organization continually grows.
Teaching Contribution: Black belts are expected to be on the training floor and help spread the "way". Besides many things, higher Dan levels also signify an individuals ability to last on the training floor. Any Black belt who is too good to train, will soon be no good. Dan levels are not a mere decoration awarded for showing up or showing up after class. Dan levels signify teaching contribution over a period of time. In our Association, teaching takes place during training sessions. Teaching is done not only yelling out commands but by also doing the techniques with the class.
Monetary Contribution: We are not in operation to break up martial arts schools and take away Black Belt instructors. Keep your roots where they belong, so your tree may grow. All black belts are expected to contribute a small monthly maintenance fee to their sponsoring school. The minimal fee collected will be used to pay training hall expenses. This will insure that the future generation of martial artist and black belts will have a place to train.
Curriculum Contribution: Instead of only taking away knowledge, the Black belts are also required to share knowledge. Advanced Black Belts may be asked to submit video or written teaching materials to enhance the Association Curriculum. This is to be done voluntarily with out monetary compensation. Compensation is in the perpetuation of the arts. Association will act as a timeless, perpetuating body of knowledge independent of knowledge lost with leaving Black Belts. Curriculum materials collected will be used to enhance the Association curriculum for the coming generations of martial artist, regardless of who is with the Association at a given time.

Returning Black Belts

Black Belts who were previously certified by the Tao International Martial Arts Association: Association maintains highest level of training and testing standards, and expects it's Black Belt Members to uphold their fitness level and knowledge. Those Black Belts who have been out of training for six months or more must retake an exam for evaluation of skills and rank status before they can continue on to prepare for their next higher belt level. Regardless of circumstances, the association can not accept idle time towards "time in grade" requirements for the next belt exam. Black Belt members should distinguish between retirement and activity, decide their own standing and should not waste time. Black Belts who do not put in the work but expect rewards based on favoritism will not be humored. Black Belt Members who have missed more than 25% of the exam preparation time must wait for the next exam period.

Dismissal or Denial of Privilege to Test for a Higher Dan Level

See section four of Administrative Rules