THE QUESTION
by Sensei Neil Prime
February, 1997When will I be graded?
It is a question that most of us think about, and some of us will even ask our instructors about.
The answer is not as difficult as you may think.
From instructor to instructor and from club to club, even though each individual club may do things a little bit differently, the answer is still the same.
Even though each student may progress at a different rate, the answer is still the same.
Some karateka may work out 3 times a week, while others work out 3 times a month, but the answer is still the same.
No matter how many times you ask the question, the answer will always be the same...
"When you are ready".
Honestly. That is the answer.
I don't know of any instructor who would want to discourage a student by not grading them. As a matter of fact, every instructor I know tries to encourage their students as much as they can so that we, as students can feel good about ourselves.
Earning a belt in karate can be encouragement, but how would you feel if that belt was only given to you to keep you happy?
So the next time the question pops into your mind ask yourself another question.
Am I ready?