It is not about ‘time OR training’ but about ‘time AND training’. ??
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You have to do the time, and promotion will come when you are ready, and you have the minimum ‘time in grade’. Note that the time in grade requirement is a ‘minimum’. Therefore, if you are training three times a week, the average, then the minimum time in grade would be required. If you are training less than the average, then your time in grade will be longer.
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Time in grade does not mean an automatic promotion, it means you’re working at it, and if you are ready, you may get promoted after that time period. It should not be a case that you have reached the minimum time, therefore you grade. You need to be able to demonstrate that you have reached the required standard.
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You need to be training with a qualified instructor, learning from them and accepting their corrections and guidance. It’s not just about showing up and walking through your techniques, drills or kata. A person who is mostly self-taught, not training under the supervision of an instructor, this person would not qualify for the minimum time period specification and would need to wait a further specified time period.
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Martial arts advancement should be based on technical proficiency, maturity, personal and moral development, and a contribution towards helping others, promoting your school, dojo and martial art.
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Time in grade can be a good measure if the time is in TRAINING. Many have a timeline in place, but lack skills that should be present, knowing less than what is required for the rank they already hold. It is not just being able to do the technique, you have to understand what is behind it. This can only be achieved through ‘time AND training’.
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“Why would you want to rush there and miss all this wonderful scenery?”
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? Photo Credit:  Ageshio Japan – Tsuneo Kinjo 9th dan