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A nickname used for those who recently graduated Marine boot-camp. In my karate world the first black belt rank denotes the equivalent of being a boot karate-ka. A young newbie, boot, Marine recognizes that the nickname is one of those that expresses an accomplishment, the successful completion of boot camp, training, that in and of itself speaks highly of one's abilities, heart and mind-state/set.
In karate, novices must pass through the path of the kyu grades to demonstrate their heart, attitude and willingness to take things to the next level. An ongoing continuous effort along with a good deal of sweat equity much like the trials and tribulations and challenges found in boot camp for Marines. When a Marine puts on his uniform, attaches the eagle, globe and anchor then marches to the Marine drum beat they have achieved a great milestone and paid their initial dues. So does the karate-ka who passes the kyu-levels of training, practice and challenges.
The boot karate-ka then begins the true journey as an apprentice black belt, a sho-dan, under the guidance of the san-dan or greater grade begins to accumulate the principles, fundamentals and psychological concepts, milestones and experiences necessary to pass muster much like Marines who go through the ranks, literally the ranks of Marines and the ranks of grade where sergeant is equivalent to go-dan.
I use this analogy because if you take a look at the Marine enlisted rank structure you will find it begins at the PVT level or first rank in Marines. It goes all they way up to the tenth rank, Sergeants-Major of the Marine Corps.
Most Marines, like most karate-ka, earn the grades of Corporal to Gunnery Sergeant like San-dan to Shichi-dan with only a few proud karate-ka to achieve Hachi-dan and Ku-dan. In my world of karate only one can achieve Ju-dan much like the SgtMaj of the USMC, the master of the style like Shimabuku Tatsuo-san.
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