(Approx 2 minute 20 second read)

In the martial arts, achieving the highest rank is a testament to an individual’s skill, dedication, and proficiency. The 10th Dan represents the pinnacle of accomplishment.
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However, the awarding of the 10th Dan has become a subject of intense criticism and controversy.
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Perhaps one of the reasons for its contentious nature is the subjectivity involved in awarding the grade. The criteria for the 10th Dan can be increasingly ambiguous.
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Achieving this prestigious grade is not solely based on physical attributes or technical proficiency, but also should encompass a deep understanding of the art that is being taught and practiced. It involves personal character development, contributions to karate, and a lifetime commitment to teaching and practicing.
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However, what constitutes these qualities can vary significantly among different organizations and instructors, leading to conflicting opinions on who is deserving of this grade.
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We have to remember that any grade is only valid in the organization, association, or dojo the practitioners belong to. Of course, respect should be shown to these individuals, but there is no one standard.
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This lack of standardization makes it difficult to establish a consistent measure of proficiency and leads to differing opinions among practitioners, organizations, and even countries.
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Recent arguments I have witnessed state that there are more 10th Dans in the West than in Okinawa! Um, well, YES. Okinawa is a very small island compared to the rest of the world isn’t it? And those in the West can obviously train, practice, teach, and learn for similar amounts of time, and have the same or better experience, as those on Okinawa.
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Many argue that it should be reserved for those with an Asian heritage, those that are from Okinawan and Japan.
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And some of the arguments I have heard revolve around the fact that so many people believe the grade is given away too easily.
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Here are some examples of the comments I have received:
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“It is surprising how many Non-Okinawans are being promoted to 10th Dan these days.” – “There are more 10th Dans and 9th Dans outside of Okinawa than within. Something does not make sense there.” – “10th Dan was once reserved for a founder or a successor to an organization. Does it make sense to you that a single organization has multiple 10th Dans?”
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Personally, I know several 10th Dans, Japanese, Okinawan, and from the West. And in my opinion, they are all deserving of their grade. They are leaders, mentors, amazing teachers with a depth of knowledge and proficiency that have endured and lasted for decades.
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Why should anyone need to be Okinawan or Japanese to become a 10th Dan? Do people train less or for a shorter amount of time than they do?
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No. To reach this level, most people are over 65 years of age, many into their 70s and 80s, practicing their art for the majority of their life.
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Of course, there are those that flaunt the system, and I know a few of those too. Unfortunately, it happens in the lower grades too. It doesn’t excuse it, of course, but not everyone should be placed in the same pot.
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There are those who richly deserve this accolade. Those that have given massively to their art and to others, for a lifetime, and continue to do so.
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So, who truly deserves the honor of the 10th Dan, and who decides?