Honorary gradings can be given to people who may not practice Martial Arts. These people may contribute significantly in the promotion of Martial Arts and deserve to be recognised.
Below is a guideline, thanks to Randall G Hassell and Edmond Otis in the book "The complete idiot's guide to KARATE" (well worth getting as a reference.)
Australian Board Of Kanchos at this point in time does not get involved with honorary gradings, except in some exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the top four out of the top five members.
While honorary gradings may seem a good idea to reward long standing servants of the Martial Arts, the question must be raised, "Is that person with the honorary grading allowed to wear the presented belt/grade in a normal class or when visiting another dojo?")
Below is an example outlined in the book.
Bestowed grading to:
Shodan. Indirect support of martial Arts at the local community level.
Nidan. Direct support of martial Arts at the local community level.
Sandan. Indirect support of martial arts at a national level.
Yondan. Direct support of Martial Arts at the national level, or a local dignitary or community leader who has provided indirect
support to the martial Arts.
Godan. Indirect support of Martial Arts by a national dignitary in a social, financial, or educational areas; or direct support of
martial arts by a local dignitary.
Rokudan. Direct support of Martial Arts by a national dignitary.
Shichidan. Indirect support of Martial Arts by a national sovereign or high official.
Hachidan. Direct support of Martial Arts by a national sovereign or high official.
Kudan. Indirect support of Martial Arts by an international leader or international respected figure.
Judan. Direct support of karate by an international leader or international respected figure.
