The author of the early book I mentioned was named Hidetaka Nishiyama, it appears the book is rare as my Uncle who located it purchased it at a rare bookstore, it is supposedly the first Shotokan manual ever translated into English, it does not have a publisher or library of Congress number I will get that number from the library as I assume this book must have been reprinted. I will also try to scan and post some of the drawings and photos. This book stated that first through third Dan are given for technical skill 4th and 5th are given for teaching and contribution to the sport or art. It also stated that some systems have ranks above 5th Dan but the system established by Funakoshi only allows for 5 levels of Black belt.

you actually realize the transition when your taking your 5th dan in shotokan. The reason being you have to write a 2000 word thesis on any aspect of karate-do to be able to pass. You suddenly realise "hmm i know what to write, blah blah blah" and you end up telling them funakoshi this..and taikyoku shodan that... I Myslef am a 9th kyu so i cant say nothin

Why do people think you need to be at least 30 to be a Sandan? Is it because you should no longer be trusted?

in shotokan its 21 for sandan

I totally understand age limits.

As someone who is 23 and can be a Sandan well before thirty, I say, what would be the point in holding me back, if not forever?

i dont really know because the web doesnt give enough information on this subject.

For JohnL, dont associations of the same style follow the teachings word for word and so forth. Or do they mix in their own teachings with it?