KBMA Ranking System
A monk asked Seon Master Unmun, “How is it when the tree withers and the leaves fall?” Master Unmun said, “Body exposed in the golden wind.” — Case 27, Blue Cliff Record
|
In the KBMA our ranking system follows a progression related to the growth cycle of a tree, and in doing so, references a kong'an examined within our tradition, namely "Unmun's Body Exposed in the Golden Wind". In this kong'an, "golden wind" references with first chill of autumn carried on the wind, that moves through the trees, beginning the changing of colors of the leaves from green, to red, and gold.
Our system is a visual representation of the notion of interdependence, and that change is constant transience rather than sudden transubstantiation (thus the striped belts). Blue represents the vastness of the open sky and sunyata (emptiness, the void) itself, and in this, great potential. Green represents new growth under the open sky, the difficulty and diligence experienced and required for a seedling to push through the earth into the openness beneath the sky. Brown represents stability, and firm growth, that is, a strong root system, and a bark covered stall and branches capable of supporting others. |
Instead of black, we utilize midnight blue to signify the transition of one period or day of growth to another. Midnight blue represents the evening sky, the transition to a new and different periods and the completion of another. Further, our "house art" is Cheongryong Kwon Bup or Blue Dragon Temple Boxing, and the midnight blue both in the belts and trim of our dan holders is representative of the blue dragon and the narrative pertaining to the mythology attached that composes our root principle and method of motion.
Utilizing 5 Gup ranks (instead of the usual 10), each rank alongside the first three dan levels correlates to the Eight Consciousnesses expounded upon in the Yogacara school of Buddhism by Vasubhandu, which are studied in depth in preparation for the first instructor level (4th dan).
4th - 6th dan wear a red stripe on their midnight blue belt representative of the changing color of leaves nearing the end of a season of growth, maturity and the fullness of experience in a cycle of life. As the leaves change from red and finally to gold (the stripe worn by 7th - 9th dans) just before falling from their branches at the very end of a cycle of growth and maturation. This is the golden wind.
The six ranks from 4th to 9th dan represent the Six Perfections or Paramitas of Mahayana Buddhism, and the cultivation of a specific quality at each level of practice.
Finally the fully gold belt of the current headmaster/patriarch exists outside of the gup/dan system (thus no midnight blue), whilst representing maturity in practice, and more poignantly, the golden robe of a Buddhist lineage holding patriarch
Utilizing 5 Gup ranks (instead of the usual 10), each rank alongside the first three dan levels correlates to the Eight Consciousnesses expounded upon in the Yogacara school of Buddhism by Vasubhandu, which are studied in depth in preparation for the first instructor level (4th dan).
4th - 6th dan wear a red stripe on their midnight blue belt representative of the changing color of leaves nearing the end of a season of growth, maturity and the fullness of experience in a cycle of life. As the leaves change from red and finally to gold (the stripe worn by 7th - 9th dans) just before falling from their branches at the very end of a cycle of growth and maturation. This is the golden wind.
The six ranks from 4th to 9th dan represent the Six Perfections or Paramitas of Mahayana Buddhism, and the cultivation of a specific quality at each level of practice.
Finally the fully gold belt of the current headmaster/patriarch exists outside of the gup/dan system (thus no midnight blue), whilst representing maturity in practice, and more poignantly, the golden robe of a Buddhist lineage holding patriarch
|
Foundational Levels:
Intermediate Levels:
|
Advanced (Teacher) Levels:
Highest (Master) Levels:
Lineage Holder (Headmaster) Level
|
Minimum Certification Standards
Generally speaking as a muti-disciplinary organization the Korean Bulgyo Musool Association seeks to give considerable freedom to individual instructors in determining the ranking of their students. However, the Association has instituted some minimal standards at the critical junctures of the 1st, 4th, and 7th dan levels pertaining to minimum total training time and age, which must be adhered to in order for the Association to issue certificates of recognition or promotion. It should be stated, however, that in exceptional circumstances, the director of the Association reserves the right to modify or forgo these standards (especially in matters of stylistic successorship and exceptional contributions to the arts on a broad scale).
Fee Structure
|
The KBMA charges a flat rate of $100 for rank certification*. In cases where a member is being tested, rather than recognized at a given rank, an additional $50 per dan level examination fee applies. Individuals seeking recognition of rank, or examination and certification to a new rank should contact the association director to further details.
*International rank certification (outside of the United States) costs $200. |
Dan Certification Fee
|