Since I started Aikido I've never considered belts to be of any real value. After nearly three years regular training I am a 5th kyu and am happy to remain one.
It took my sensei over 6 years to be awarded his Shodan. And that was through training on average 5-6 hours a day (every day) in the Dojo under his father (a Shichidan) (who never actually graded him).
With all things considered I think that it should take AT LEAST 12 years to attain a dan rank with regular training. Unless like my Sensei you can afford to train to the extreme.
With any less than that can you really have mastered the basics????
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