Tuesday, January 14, 2014 by C. Michial Jones
In the modern martial arts landscape, we are often inundated with “10th Dan” certificates and grand titles. However, when we look back at the historical record of Okinawa, we see a very different picture of how rank was traditionally viewed and awarded.
The Okinawa Karate Federation (OKF) was formed in 1956 to bring structure to the various styles. It wasn’t until 1958—decades after many of the founders had already been teaching—that the first official Dan grades were issued by the federation.
The Class of 1958
In 1958, the OKF issued ranks to some of the most legendary names in our history. What is most striking is the age of these masters at the time:
| Name | Style | Rank | Age |
| Seiko Higa | Goju-Ryu | 9th Dan Hanshi | 60 |
| Kanei Uechi | Uechi-Ryu | 9th Dan Hanshi | 47 |
| Shoshin Nagamine | Matsubayashi-Ryu | 8th Dan Kyoshi | 51 |
| Tatsuo Shimabukuro | Isshin-Ryu | 8th Dan Kyoshi | 50 |
| Meitoku Yagi | Goju-Ryu (Meibukan) | 8th Dan Kyoshi | 46 |
| Seikichi Toguchi | Goju-Ryu (Shoreikan) | 8th Dan Kyoshi | 41 |
| Eiichi Miyazato | Goju-Ryu (Jundokan) | 8th Dan Kyoshi | 36 |
It is worth noting that Eiichi Miyazato Sensei, the founder of the Jundokan, was awarded 8th Dan at the remarkably young age of 36. This speaks to the immense respect he commanded as the chosen successor to Chojun Miyagi.
The Progression to 10th Dan
As the 1960s progressed, we see the elevation of several masters to the highest possible grade. Again, notice the relatively young ages by modern standards:
- 1963: Joen Nakazato was awarded 9th Dan at age 42.
- 1967: Kanei Uechi received his 10th Dan Hanshi at age 56.
- 1969: Katsuya Miyahara and Shuguro Nakazato both reached 10th Dan at ages 51 and 50, respectively.
Outside of the OKF, other notable promotions occurred that demonstrate the rapid expansion of Karate in that era. Eizo Shimabuku was reportedly awarded 10th Dan in 1959 at only 39 years old, and Robert Trias, the “Father of American Karate,” reached 9th Dan in 1964 at the age of 41.
The Takeaway for the Modern Student
Why does this data matter? It provides a benchmark. Today, we often see practitioners in their 20s or 30s chasing high Dan grades, yet some of the greatest masters in Okinawan history were only 8th Dans in their 50s.
Rank was originally a reflection of contribution and technical stewardship, not just a reward for time spent. When we see that Miyazato Sensei was an 8th Dan at 36, we must realize that he was training in a different atmosphere—one of total immersion and direct transmission from the founder.
As you look at your own rank or the ranks of those around you, remember these numbers. They are the standard. If a giant like Nagamine Sensei was a 51-year-old 8th Dan, it should give us all pause and remind us that the belt is merely a marker of where we stand on a mountain that has no peak.
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