Question 028: Rank needed to promote

Can a 2nd degree black belt grade up to and including 1st degree?

Reply

Nothing is standard within the martial arts world. There are no laws governing the operation of the martial arts other than those that apply to any other business, so each organization, school, or instructor may set grading procedures as desired. In all organizations with which I have been involved, an instructor could grade and promote up to one rank below his or her own rank.