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Old 02-25-2002, 06:11 AM   #7
ian
 
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Dojo: University of Ulster, Coleriane
Location: Northern Ireland
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,654
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I think the reason for awarding grades at Kyu level is slightly different to that at Dan grade.

I've often seen Kyu grades been awarded where the ability wasn't sufficient. However I believe this is usually to encourage someone (especially younger people) who have been working particularly hard or a long time, but still cannot do it well.

To me these gradings are a way of putting the techniques in a formal order and helping people to think - yes, I CAN do these techniques 'cos I graded for them. This is particularly important in Aikido, where no-one ever feels they have mastered a technique. If gradings help to encourage people to advance, I think that's OK.

However, Dan gradings (and 1st kyu) are more about what that grade would mean to other students (i.e. it gives them authority) and therefore I would not think that such gradings be awarded lightly.

Ian
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