When it comes to rank progression, we
all fit neatly into three clearly-defined categories.
I am in the largest and easiest group
to understand. There are 5 of us who have all received promotion
recently. For us, our next rank promotion is many months in the
future. Promotion requires, at a minimum, a certain number of classes
before one is even considered.
The 3 people in the next group have
between 10 and 12 months at their current level. All train regularly,
and have either passed the minimum-class requirements, or soon will.
We have no idea when they might receive recognition through
promotion. The criteria isn't particularly clear.
The final group of three is the most
difficult to predict. Two of them have spent almost 3 years at their
current rank, and the third has been a Blue Belt for almost 4 years.
All surely would have been promoted long ago, except that the current
system has only recently come into operation. Complicating things
further, all have a major gap in their training.
Two moved away for well over a year
and subsequently returned. That time away can not be considered when
calculating their seniority. Both are working to regain the skill
level that they had when they left.
The third went off to university 8
months ago, and won't return here and resume training for 2 more
months. She has been keeping herself fresh by cross training.
It's all a big tangle, full of
further complications. I assume seminar attendance helps weigh the
scales towards a candidate, but by how much? Does helping out at the
kids' class or women's self-defence group help? How much? Does
attendance at open mat help? Similarly, is attendance at the White
Belt classes a factor?
I'd hate to be the one trying to sort
this all out.
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