just wondering

[kluten]

i was just wondering about the art of jkd.

how is the ranking system?

what is it like compared to other martial arts?


thanx

[Brokenmace]

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?

[Fighter]

Correct

That is pretty much the grading system in all JKD style.

But having said that JKD is no style, its a fyting system. Bruce Lee always said you cant fight in a pattern or style because an attack may be baffling and disguiesd.

JKD was formulated by the great Bruce Lee. It was concocted with heaps of different styles that Bruce studied through out his life. Wing Chun, Karate, Wrestling, Choy Li Fut etc.

He took what works and left the things that diddn't. He simplified all the basic move to give them more power with out all the fany daning around.

[pcarney]

We use a 1-10 (black sash) ranking system. We really don't wear anything to display rank in class, but the older students naturally tend to work with other older students, etc. Of course, our instructor will break up these pairs so that higher ranked work with lower ranked, etc. I find mixing like this useful.

[doubleouch]

We use no rank at all. The instructor instead gives verbal and written feedback.
straightblastgym.com

[Brokenmace]

As I suggested, there are many differences among the various schools. This is a good thing. Different goals and communities desire and need different forms. Rank would be pointless in a school where the primary goal is competition in vale tudo (from what I've seen).

We use our three shirt colors so that if somebody needs to ask a question, they know who to ask. Grays ask reds or blacks. Reds ask blacks.

[Fighter]

Thats a good idea. Isn't that similar to the ranking in traditional Muay Thai?

[Brokenmace]

Might be so. The Muay Thai taught at my kwoon isn't really so very traditional, I gather. I've only taken a few classes, as I get much the same type of workout in my Jun Fan classes, the way my Sifu teaches them. All I can say is that I like the way we do things, especially for beginners. They know exactly who to turn to when things get confusing.

[Fighter]

Sound like your school is pretty organised...heh?

Check out the forum called DEFEND.net I want to know what you guys think.

[Ryu (JKD?)]

I think Sammy Franco uses the colored shirt system too.
He's not JKD, but just thought I'd mention on the shirt thing. I think shirt colors are a good idea actually.

Ryu

[Fighter]

Me too. It allows beginer student to ask the gut with the higher shirt than him and so on. Because belts stink anyways....Gi's altogether are not that good.

[Brokenmace]

I wondered about the whole gi thing with BJJ. For such a "street" art, it seems a bit strange. No one wears gis in the street. I've heard stories of Judokas ripping shirts trying to throw people, and then just getting pounded when they're turned around. In my kwoon, folks practice with and without the gi, but mostly with I think. I'm missing something . . .

BTW: weren't black belts originally just very worn and soiled white belts of senior Judo students? I've heard that TKD was the primary proponent of colored belts in the beginning because of its sports nature.

[Fighter]

A lot of techniques in BJJ do not manipulate the Gi so BJJ is still good. As for judo, it is limited but can still be used if the attacker is wearing a heavy shirt.

As for the belt thing...Ive never heard of that. Ill do some research thanks.