On Dec. 6, I had the opportunity to watch my classmate, Milomir, take his black belt test. This was my second time observing a student testing and my first time serving as uki. As soon as I heard Milomir was testing, I told him and Sensei that I wanted to uki.
Milomir had been studying karate for ten years and had been a brown belt for as long as I've known him. I told him, during the weeks leading up to his test, that he could hold his own against any sho-dan I've met and he is as knowledgeable as many ni-dan, for that matter. It was a big moment for him and I don't think I could have been any prouder if it were one of my own kids testing. He taught me at least two of my kata. It was a big day for him and, gosh darn it, I was going to be part of it.
At our school, you aren't called to test for Black Belt unless Sensei is sure you'll pass. In Milomir's case, I already had his congratulatory cake in my refrigerator. It was picked up at Sensei's request. So, Sensei and I, at least, already knew how the test was going to turn out.
Milomir will turn 16 next month. I mention this because, I believe, it was one of the reasons it took so long for him to test. Although I've never heard him say it outright, I don't think Sensei likes the idea of "junior" black belts or promoting children to sho-dan. He does, however, have a certain note of disdain when he talks about going to tournaments and seeing eight year olds wearing black belts.
I understand his reluctance. I understand why some schools have a minimum age for testing for sho-dan. In Isshinryu Karate - The One Heart Method by Steve Armstrong, he writes that students should be at least 16 to be promoted to sho-dan. He suggests that some schools may wish to promote younger students to junior black belt but, if they do, they should test again at 16. (That's a loose paraphrase; it's in the back of the book with all Armstrong's belt recommendations.)
Here's the thing: 10 years is a long time to do ANYTHING. (The only thing I've done consistently for that amount of time is smoke.) For ten years, this young man attended almost every class. During the school year, he comes to the dojo after soccer practice. During the summer, he comes to the dojo after swim team practice. He comes in after tournaments and during inclement weather. The few times a year he and his brother don't come to the dojo, the class seems oddly quiet.
I've never known anyone more ready or more deserving of their sho-dan. But, that's not to say he wasn't nervous. His kata, while performed well, were missing the crisp precision I'd become accustomed to seeing from him.
When it was time for bunkai, he was visibly more relaxed. While slightly rushed at times, his explanation of the moves and their practical applications was clear and concise. Milomir did a nice mixture of bunkai that was explained directly in class and that he picked up from other sources.
My favorite moment was, while Milomir was explaining an application from Chinto and he accidentally made contact: lightly backhanding me in the nose. The look of surprise and embarrassment on his face was priceless. As was Sensei's quip not to injure the uki, because Milomir needed me to finish his test.
When the test was over, Sensei praised Milomir's dedication and presented him with a black belt. He was not promoted to "junior black belt" but to sho-dan, the same rank adult class members earn.
