Most of you seem geared towards Shotokan, so my Okinawan/freestyle karate pov may be different.
We have seven belts, white through orange being a combo of time and knowledge and blue through black promotions relying on ability. black belt takes about four to six years.
As far as compition goes, our adult class is given the option, but nothing is mandatory, the bulk of the class is self defense and sparring. We spar pretty roughly, but never more than a seven pr eight, remembering that we are all friends and we take care of each other.
Jason |