Friday Academic Review Tome: Wushu and Karate Grading Systems

Bibliographic Entry:
Author: Jidong Lin.
Title: The Research on Contrast between Dan System of Chinese Wushu 
and Belt System of Karate 
Source: AMSE JOURNALS-AMSE IIETA publication-2017-Series: Modelling D; Vol. 38; N°1; pp 16-25 
Submitted April 2017; Revised July 30, 2017, Accepted Nov.15, 2017 

​Historical Context:

Wushu Dan System:
The Chinese Wushu Dan system has roots stretching back to the Tang Dynasty, when martial artists were classified based on their skills and achievements. In 1998, the General Administration of Sport of China formalised the system to establish a comprehensive approach. This structure emphasises technical prowess as well as moral conduct, reflecting traditional Chinese philosophies that advocate a harmonious development of mind, body, and spirit.

Candidates are required to exhibit both martial and theoretical mastery, along with strong moral principles. The article emphasises that this system seeks to "achieve a high level in martial theory," while also nurturing values such as respect, humility, and moral integrity.

Karate Belt System:
The Japanese Karate belt system, which originated in Japan and Okinawa, was influenced by the colour-coded ranking system of Judo, developed in the early 20th century. Gichin Funakoshi, considered the father of modern Karate, adapted this structure to offer a clear progression through coloured belts. Practitioners are divided into two categories: "mudansha," referring to beginners, and "yudansha," or advanced black belts. These black belts, or "dan," signify mastery and are divided into ten ranks.

The system emphasises technical precision and aims to instil discipline in practitioners, with each belt corresponding to a specific curriculum. The clear progression provides students with attainable goals and benchmarks.

Structural Critique and Differences:

Wushu Dan System:
The article notes that the Wushu Dan system is difficult to standardise due to its focus on theoretical and moral assessments. While martial prowess can be relatively straightforward to measure, moral conduct is subjective and relies heavily on interpretation. Candidates are required to demonstrate both practical and theoretical proficiency while embodying the concept of "martial morality."

Karate Belt System:
The Karate belt system offers an objective grading method primarily based on martial skills. Each belt level has specific kata (forms), techniques, and sparring drills that practitioners must master to progress. While this provides motivation through structure, the article suggests that focusing solely on technical skill may foster a one-dimensional view of martial arts.

Improving the Wushu System:

The author suggests several ways to enhance the Wushu Dan system. One notable recommendation is to incorporate elements from the Karate belt system to make grading more objective. The article advocates for "clear and uniform standards" to ensure consistent assessment, ultimately leading to better "global recognition" for Wushu practitioners. This would allow for greater international collaboration and competition.

Conclusion:

In summary, the article presents a comparative analysis of the two grading systems, highlighting their unique philosophies and practical differences. While the Wushu Dan system strives for a holistic approach that incorporates theoretical knowledge and moral principles, the Karate belt system prioritises technical excellence. The article concludes with a call for improved standardisation in the Wushu Dan system while recognising the value of Karate's structured grading. Jidong Lin