Updated January 27, 2023. Kukkiwon Advisory Council (2008). With time, he became exceptional as an instructor and changed his efforts in teaching physical education to mentally handicapped and physically impaired men and women. Gary Edward Daniels (born 9 May 1963) is an English actor, a martial arts artist, a martial arts action film star, a producer, and a fight coordinator. Email: office@worldtaekwondo.org. In order to reach the ninth-degree black belt, practitioners must dedicate themselves to mastering the basic forms and techniques, as well as the advanced applications of Taekwondo. Taekwon-do and Self Defense Master Instructor Elizabeth City State University, NC-2006-2013 Jinhuliu duan: Gold Tiger 1991 served in the Desert Storm War for the liberation of Kuwait. Ten USF graduate programs are ranked in the top 50 among all . Download the U.S. National Sparring Rankings Raw Data by CLICKING HERE. Click HERE to download the current Pan American Games selection period rankings (updated May 28). The History of the Belt (grading and ranking) in Martial Arts A successful demonstration of all these necessary skills allows the trainee to obtain a promotion. President of one of the three ITF organisations after T. Q. Tran's death in 2010, President of one of the three ITF organisations from 2003 to 2010. Here you can download the Excel spreadsheet that will show you exactly how your points were calculated! He began practicing sports at 11 by enrolling in a Ju-Jitsu class; from there, I have not stopped playing sports until today. He led Puerto Rico's Taekwon-Do team from 1974 1986 in national, international and world championships. Official Coach Ranking will be coming soon. This article will delve into Taekwondos belt systems intricacies and reveal much about the martial art and those who practice it. World Taekwondo ATHLETES The ranking system, with its different colored belts, including the highly respected red belt, is a significant aspect of the discipline. Olympic System Brother's TaeKwonDo in Arizona. How can achieving the highest rank benefit a Taekwondo practitioner? Coach of Australian Taekwon-Do Team. Reaching the black belt has numerous benefits. The colors of the Taekwondo belts in between represent a progression of learning and experience in Taekwondo. Certified International Referee (Kukkiwon). GM Minyard was inducted into the USKIDO Black Belt Hall of Fame, in 2020, as Grand Master of the Year. So, take the first step and find a school near you. One major factor when both people have the same skill levels is luck, so you will find it that one of the top two taekwondo artists would. USF features 31 graduate programs ranked inside the top 100. also 9th Dan with Traditional Changmookwan under GM Jon Weidenman World Championships, hosted by Grandmaster Jack Hwang in Oklahoma City, U.S.A. That same year he graduated from the I.T.F. Oriental martial arts have been practiced in the Far East for centuries, but the belt system is a relatively new phenomenon, just a little over a century old. In order to move from one level to the next, students must demonstrate increased proficiency in their Taekwondo techniques. It was transferred to the martial arts by Kan Jigor (1860-1938), the founder of judo. There are 10 Geups until black belt and 9 dans after. Related articles: The history ofbelts and belt colors in martial arts. To be prepared for sparring, it is important to focus on physical conditioning, practicing proper technique, and developing good reflexes. Hapkido Rank | Scott Shaw.com Russian president Vladimir Putin has been awarded the highest rank in taekwondo, giving him honorary grandmaster status. GM Hwang is now head of the International Taekwon-Do Federation Unified. The sections below contain ALL the ranking information you need! The ranking system is based on a system of kup and dan grades, and reaching the highest rank of dan grade is considered an impressive accomplishment. For months, Philip Ameris swallowed his pride and bit his tongue as a parade of grapplers made names for themselves by beating strikers in reality combat matches all across North America. He served many years on the ITF Executive Board and, later on, United States of America Manchester, Connecticut. Achieved Kukkiwon 9th Dan, Kukkiwon 1st Class Instructor, Kukkiwon 1st Class Poom/Dan Examiner and Changmookwan 9th Dan. To begin answering the question I always say that no matter how good you are at something you will never be the best. Well, the only TKD 10th degree that I know of is dead. also 8th Dan with World Tangsoodo General Federation The junior levels are calledgeup(), and there are, generally speaking, around 10 of them; the actual number varies between 8 and 12, depending on the style and the governing organization. Promoted to 9th Dan by Grand Master Kong-young IL. Holds 9th Dan by Changmookwan under GM Joong Young Kim, are ranked at least 9th -10th depending school. When it comes to reaching the highest rank in Taekwondo, the commitment and dedication needed are incomparable. Founder of Original Taekwon-Do Federation (IOTF) on 17 June 2002. (Based on the U.S. national Sparring Rankings; posted July 18, 2019). 4. President of Kentucky Taekwondo Association. Hwang took Taekwondo lessons from age 14 and achieved his 7th dan (rank) black belt. Also holds a 9th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido and a 6th Degree Black Belt in Judo, Korean National Champion 19711975; US Olympic Coach; Pan-American Team Coach; author of several reference books, One of Founders of Italian Taekwondo (three Park Brothers - Sun-jae Park, Young-ghil Park, Chung-un Park); current Honorary President of FITA - Italian Taekwondo Federation; current Technical Director of WTF Poomsae Committee, 1960 - Taught the Kim Ja City, Korea, police department. The first who proved the possibility of accomplishing 3 and more regular kicks in one jump. Why should martial artists strive for the coveted 9th Dan? 1984-1995 National and International player for U.S. Armed Forces. Provisional Black Belt: (shodan-ho) "old school" trial black belt, basically meaning that you get your black belt but have to show over time that you have truly earned it. Through the combination of forms, technical elements, and sparring, Taekwondo students can ultimately demonstrate their proficiency and progress through the ranks to achieve the coveted black belt. The different kup grades are marked by colored belts, with the 10th kup typically wearing a white belt and the 1st kup typically wearing a black belt. Grandmaster Dunn has been a student of the martial arts for over 50 years under Senior Grandmaster Kong, Young-il. President of the US Central Taekwondo Association (USCTA) in Oklahoma, President of the Oklahoma State Taekwondo Association (OSTA) through USA Taekwondo (Olympic body for Taekwondo in the USA). Promoted to 9th Dan by Pioneer Grandmaster Kong Young Il, in Ireland, on 20 September 2019. In this section you will be able to find the current rules governing the U.S. National Rankings System. Taekwondo, Tae Kwon Do or Taekwon-Do (/ t a k w n d o, t a k w n d o, t k w n d o /; Korean: / [t.kwn.do] ) is a Korean martial arts involving punching and kicking techniques, with emphasis on head-height kicks, spinning jump kicks, and fast kicking techniques. At the same time, he began in Judo under Dr. Ricardo Paranos. But it takes dedication and hard work to reach this level. Promoter of Taekwondo in Portuguese speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, etc. The use of different colored belts and stripes is a unique aspect of Taekwondo and helps to visualize a students journey and progress within the discipline. Bas is a master in many martial arts styles and he also holds a spot in our list of . Achieving the highest rank grants practitioners a sense of respect from their peers and masters, as well as exclusive access to Taekwondo resources and materials. Those listed below are grouped by system: Kukkiwon (widely known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters), International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), and other systems (which includes some persons receiving ranks from taekwondo organizations that predate the other two systems, e.g., the original Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA)) and United Taekwondo Association UWTA. His school teaches a traditional style of Moo Duk Kwon Tae Kwon Do. The colored belts in Taekwondo are usually defined as junior belts, representing a student of the art. Taekwondo is a unique martial art form that has a hierarchy of rank that allows practitioners to progress through the system. NGB), 2013 Hall of Fame for the World Greatest Martial Arts Master, 2015 Pioneer of the Martial Arts on 70's award in Puerto Rico, 2015 President of the International Taekwon-do Federation UNION in America, 2015 Chairman of Promotion of the International Taekwon-do Federation UNION, 2016 vice-president of the International Taekwon-do Federation UNION. The highest rank in Taekwondo is the 9th Dan and achieving it is a major accomplishment. Additionally, it can open up opportunities to teach, compete, and even develop new techniques and forms. Martial Arts Belts, Their Colors, and How They Rank Korean National Champion (1963-1965). Promoted at ITF Congress Pyongyang, 17 September 2017. Choi for special certification seminars for ITF. Who is highest ranking taekwondo person in south yorkshire GMR has been honored by the US Congress, the Joint Houses of the CA Legislature and was honored with the NBA 'Differencemaker' Award for anti-bullying efforts in the community. Weiss is a prolific author on the topic of Taekwon-Do and is a frequent contributor to publications such as Totally TaeKwonDo magazine. It is an honor to achieve the 9th Dan, as it is the highest rank that can be attained in Taekwondo. Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea over 2,000 years ago. GMR was Vice Chair of the Pan Am Hanmadang in 2017 and hosted the CA Hanmadang at Folsom Lake College in 2018/19, the first virtual CA UWTA Cup and Hanmadang in 2020. Grandmaster Gerard van den Berg Was on June 15, 2022 the first born Dutchman, Taekwondoka who has take an exam for the 9th Dan in the Kukkiwon Seoul Korea. Grandmaster Ko is an incarnation of martial arts excellence. He was a very accomplished and well-respected 10th degree Grandmaster in Tae Kwon Do and a Master in Judo. He is the founder of the United States Kido Federation and holds board advisory positions with the International Jun Tong TaeKwon-Do Federation, the International TaeKwon-Do Federation HQ (USA), and the World TaeSool Association. Chairman. ITF is geared towards a taekwondo self-defense style. To properly earn and wear a taekwondo belt, it is important to follow the guidelines and standards set by the taekwondo community and strive for continual improvement and growth. President of the International TaeKwon-Do Federation Union. Choi Hong Hi Choi Hong Hi, widely acknowledged as the founder of tae kwon do, a martial art that began in Korea and spread rapidly to community centers and storefronts around the United States, died on June 15 in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Updated March 13, 2023), Click Here to Download the U.S. National Coach Rankings Raw Data(updated July 3rd, 2020, which include all Black Belt, Color Belt, and Overall Coach Rankings.). The journey of a Taekwondo practitioner is marked by progress from one colored belt to another over many years of dedication and hard work. Pediatric primary care doctorate: No. Promoted to 10th Dan posthumously in 2021. 1996 USATKD Certified National Referee and Coach. ATHLETES RANKING World Para Taekwondo Ranking February 2023 File Download. The 1st dan is a basic black belt. Over time, this database system will continue to be enhanced with new features and optimizations. If youre looking for a new challenge and an exciting way to improve your health and fitness, we encourage you to try Taekwondo. The Taekwondo ranking system is based on a system of kup and dan grades. Taekwondo draws heavily from Karate, Chinese martial arts, and traditional Korean martial arts, combining elements of each to create a unique and powerful form of self-defense. In 2022, GM Minyard was inducted into the Official Tae Kwon Do Hall of Fame, recognizing his Lifetime Achievement in the art. This is the highest active rank in Taekwondo. As stated, the belts are divided into two larger groups junior and senior. The former includes colored belts, while the latter encompasses a variety of degrees of Taekwondo black belts. The owner of RH Robinson Enterprises, operating up to 20 locations at times, has been recognized for his entrepreneurial business creation. They must also have a good understanding of the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the art, and be able to demonstrate a strong dedication to their practice. Our mission is to provide an online platform where martial arts enthusiasts can come together to share their ideas, experiences, and knowledge. Johns Hopkins graduate programs ranked among nation's best This website provides you with confidential, advanced access to the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings. Former President, U.S.T.U. Ju Dan or 10th Dan. Produced 5 Black belt students who have represented the United States National Tae Kwon Do Team, two of whom won gold medals in the Olympic Games. Senior vice president of the ITF. Lower ranks are usually attained after a few months (1-3) in rapid progression, while higher ranks typically require a certain period to pass before trying out for promotion. GM Hwang simultaneously served as special assistant to General Choi, official spokesman of the ITF, chairman of the ITF promotion and merger committees, and Secretary General of the ITF. Taekwondo is an ancient martial art that has evolved and spread over centuries, becoming one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the world today. Achieving Grandmaster status in Taekwondo is an impressive feat requiring years of dedication and practice. Taiwan's President Grand Master No, Hyo Young, invites Master Kang to teach Marine Corps and Special Military Police Academy. See also Facebook @GMClintRobinson, TKD Grandmaster Clint Robinson on YouTube, gmrobinson2018 on IG or robinsonstkd.com, President of Traditional Taekwondo Union (TTU), Student of Grand Master Pong-ki Kim and Grand Master Kop-soo Kwon, Former trainer of the South Korean National Team, former Trainer of the Austrian National Team, Kukkiwon Award for his Life Contributions to Tae Kwon Do, Technical Competition Director for the Austrian Tak Kwon Do Association (SVT); Hosted the Austrian Tae Kwon Do Championship in 2015. Over three hundred U.S. Navy and Marines participated in his program. The ranking system is based on the level of expertise and proficiency of the student, and is divided into different belts ranging from white to black. 1978 - Taught and opened the first W.T.F. Promoted to 9th Dan 15 January 2016. Records He immigrated to the US in 1971, founded Kim's United Tae Kwon-Karate Centers and joined the International Taekwondo Federation, and studied under Gen. Choi. Kim's United Tae Kwon-Karate Centers has over 50 member schools spread throughout the Pacific Northwest, and has had schools in Hawaii, Texas, and California. Results will be updated frequently as they come in from state championships and events around the world. Gerontology, Primary care: No. The 9th Dan is the highest rank that can be attained in Taekwondo and is reserved for Taekwondo masters who have made significant contributions to the art. That doesnt mean younger children cannot pass dan exams, but they are awarded a special poom rank, a junior black belt (usually red and black, or red with black stripe). 1 for the second year in a row according to the 2023-24 rankings just released by U.S. News & World Report. Introduced Taekwondo into the New South Wales school system, initiated the All Schools tournament which has been a great success. Empower Team USA athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence and well-being. Greatest Martial Artist: List of the Best Martial Arts Experts Ever An original member of the Tiger Division that went to Vietnam in 1965 to teach the U.S. Army, Grandmaster Shin started Hwa Rang Kwan in 1965 and still teaches in Belmont, south of San Francisco. Current KS USAT President. 1. GM Hwang was one of the first three instructors that General Choi, Hong-hi promoted to the rank of 9th Dan. Still, it is a testament to the technical and tactical skills a trainee has learned throughout their training journey. Chairman of the Technical & Education Committee. One of the first Korean masters to settle in the US, he is one of the most respected Taekwondo grandmasters of all time. Fighter Hopes to Restore Korean Art's Credibility in the No-Holds-Barred Arena. For the last 47 years, Grandmaster Creedon has made the growth and betterment of Taekwon-Do a constant priority throughout his life and continues to make changes and improvements in all his students' lives. The period between promotions can range from one month to more than a year. What qualifications are needed to reach the highest rank? are notable for their contribution to taekwondo. Russian president Vladimir Putin has been awarded the highest rank in taekwondo, giving him honorary grandmaster status. Elected a US member of the Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Advisory Committee, GMR was an honored guest speaker at the 2014 Grand Opening of the World TKD Park in Muju and regularly attends World Advisory events in Seoul, and signed the Kukkiwon World Peace Pledge as US rep in 2018. The 9th Dan is the highest rank that can be attained in Taekwondo and is reserved for Taekwondo masters who have made significant contributions to the art. In the early days of taekwondo, no standard ranking system or belt colors existed. Avenue de Rhodanie 54 1007 Lausanne. Martial Art Training - Kang's United Arts College, LLC. Taekwon-do and Self Defense Master Instructor in the U.S. Navy -1988-1991 What Is The Highest Rank In Taekwondo - Fighting.net he is perhaps the highest-ranking taekwondo practitioner on this list. Instructors holding degrees 1-3 are called assistant instructors and cannot issue black belts themselves; degrees 4-6 are related to the title of master instructor (just instructors via ITF). Kenan Parlak is founder and chairman of Kenan's Taekwondo in Hamburg, Germany. Perplexity and burstiness are both key when considering this martial art: the moves are intricate and require precise timing, while the stances and techniques vary greatly. Furthermore, practitioners who reach this level of mastery will receive recognition for their dedication to the martial art. GM Robinson also leads the TKD classes at American River College as adjunct professor and created the Sports Business Management course for the Los Rios College District. These ideals are integral to this iconic martial art and integrated into its fundamentals. in 2000. The time necessary for promotion depends on the school, the national federation, and the rank in question. A dedication to mastering the fundamentals of Taekwondo and a commitment to practice and growth are essential. He is Considered as one of the fathers of Australian Taekwon-Do, learned TaeKwon-Do in Malaysia under Gen. Choi and C.K Choi. European Championships in London, England in 1980 and was again chosen as a team member to compete in the 3rd world championships in Argentina in 1981 but declined due to illness in his family. UCF, a top-tier public research university renowned for driving innovation and delivering broad-based prosperity, continues to distinguish itself in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings. 2017 Worldwide Taekwon-do Hall of Fame official induction. in Puerto Rico. One is under direct supervision of a Grandmaster (8th and 9th Degree). International Taekwon-Do Federation offers its own dan levels to practitioners. We all know that martial arts can be a great way to stay fit and learn a few self-defense moves, but for those looking to take their training a step further, achieving the highest rank possible in Taekwondo may be the ultimate goal. While there is a maximum rank achievable, there is not a definitive answer as practitioners can continue to progress and learn more techniques and move up the ranking system. President of IOTF and Founder of the International Academy of TKD. She still actively teaches every class in her small Do-jang three times a week. Taekwondo is a martial art that is practiced all over the world, with practitioners ranging from beginner to advanced levels. DVD, training of Duanwei examined students. Taekwondo Belt Levels - Taekwondo Animals.com Taekwondo Belts: Ranking System Explained, The Origins of Belts in Martial Arts and the History of Taekwondo Belts, The Evolution of Taekwondo Belts: How the TKD Belt System Has Changed Over Time, Kanos Belt System and Its Impact on Taekwondo Belts and Gup Ranks, The Taekwondo Belt Order and System Understanding Dan Levels and Gup Ranks, Gup vs. Dan: Differences in Rank and Progress in Taekwondo, Age Limit and Time Requirements for Achieving Higher Ranks in Taekwondo, such as Black Belt, Forms, Technical Elements, and Sparring for Promotion in Taekwondo, How Much Time Do I Need to Progress in Taekwondo Belt Rankings? Thegeupsystem starts with the highest number in the system and continues until the 1stgeup, the last colored rank, before attaining a black belt. ITF is an international governing body of taekwondo. 1 last year. Dan Grades are the highest rank in Taekwondo, with nine Dan Grades ranging from the first Dan Grade, the 1st Dan, to the 9th Dan. The highest degree/rank in Taekwondo is the 9th Dan Black Belt that is also known as "Grand Master" rank. Those who attain this rank are known as masters of Taekwondo, respected for their skill, knowledge, and mastery of the art. Taekwondo is by far the most popular style in America, and once you figure in tang soo do, hapkido, kuk sool won, hwa rang do, soo bahk do, kumdo and the like, Korea's dominance becomes even more apparent. What is the Taekwondo Belt Ranking System? Founded Taekwondo Hall of Fame; first person of African descent to receive 9th dan from Korea, Pioneer of taekwondo in the United States of America; wrote several books; contributed, One of only two students that tested and promoted to 5th Dan at the first Korean Tae Soo Do Association exam in 1962. Co-founder of American Taekwon-Do Coalition and director of Kido Kwan Martial Art International. Download the U.S. National Poomsae Rankings Raw Data by, The 2019-2020 All-American coaches are listed below. 6th Degree Black Belt. One way this is done is through stripes on the belts. 3rd kyu: brown belt. WTF has 11 ranks obtainable before the red belt,ergoone more than the ITF systems. Over time, the sport has evolved and changed in many ways, including the ranking system. Dan (rank) - Wikipedia Karate Institute Ponce, PR, 1981 Best Athlete of Taekwon-do presented by the City Mayor of Ponce, PR, 1982 Best competitor of the year presented by Young Brothers Bayamn, PR, 2007 Instructor of the year presented by Panam TKD Council, 2009 Instructor of the year presented by Panam TKD Council, 2010 President of the United States TKD Council (U.S.A. I.T.F. We have already explained that black belts have nine degrees so we wont dwell on that question anymore. In order to reach a Dan Grade, practitioners must demonstrate mastery of a set of skills and knowledge, and they must pass a test overseen by a panel of black belt judges. 1985, U.S. National Tea Ambassador for Martial Arts Summit, Seoul Korea 1987, Founder of Ko's Black Belt Academy, Overland Park, Kansas 1990, US Tae Kwon Do National Team Manager 1994. have been widely recognized masters of taekwondo for at least 30 years; 1976 Best competitor of the year presented by P.R. Prior to the 1970s, Hapkido possessed only four stages of rank advancement between the White and the 1st Degree Black Belt. Grandmaster Creedon is also known for being a superb Instructor. ITF Taekwondo ranking system has 10 ranks, ranging from 10th kyu (white belt) to 1st dan (black belt). He held that position for nine years before resigning in 1993 in order to spend more time in his studio with his growing list of clients. Before belts were introduced, martial artists handed out certificates (or diplomas) to students who had reached a certain level of knowledge and ability. The actor has an eight-degree black belt, while Mr Putin has a ninth-degree. Additionally, you must meet time requirements and have a minimum age to be eligible for promotions to higher ranks such as Black Belt. There is a total of 10geupin the ITF system, and they start from 10 and finish at 1. I graded for 1st Dan in March 1990, Master Sidall was also grading for his 1st dan at the BTA grading on the same day. Masters of the techniques and philosophies of Taekwondo are the ones who reach this level. With the help of dedicated instructors, youll soon discover that Taekwondo is a discipline that can change your life for the better. Phone: +385 95 913 0078. 1983 - W.T.F. Newton has developed many new training methods and has been credited with saving and extending the careers of several Major League Baseball and National Football League players. He began learning Kempo Karate with Sensei Felix Vega from New York. View Latest Full Ranking. A practitioner with a Red Stripe has been training longer than those without and is seen as a mentor or role model to those with the same rank but without the stripe. Medina is an International Instructor certified by Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo Chang Moo Kwan. The list consisted of FGM Rhee, Ki Ha UK-9-1, GM Hwang Kwang-sung K-9-1, and GM Charles "Chuck" Sereff A-9-1 who was also the first non-Asian to receive this honor. Grandmaster Hee iI Cho : Taekwondo's Greatest - Martial Tribes President of Advanced World Martial Arts System; author of several books, King of the World Speed Breaking Champion 1999, 9th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Korean National Champion between the years of 1965 and 1968, Founding President of the United States Han Mu Kwan Federation, President of the Michigan Tae Kwon Do Association, Founder and President of the I. K. Kim Ja Be Ryu Tae Kwon Do Organization located in Cincinnati Ohio & President of the World Martial Arts Federation. Black Belt August 1997. He also holds a 9th dan in Hapkido. World leader in Moo Duk Kwon style of Tae Kwon Do, Assistant to a three-star General in the Marines, Military Police Chief of Seoul, and a bodyguard for General William Westmoreland, 1963 - Kyunggido State welterweight Gold Medal Champion, 1967 - National Korea Championship Gold Medal, 1967 - Won Korea President's Cup - Korea's Best Team and ROK Team Leader, knocked out two people and was undefeated in competition. Taekwondo is a martial art that offers practitioners a unique way to stay fit and hone their skills. Grandmaster Helaney has been training in martial arts for over 50 years. 1996-2000 Coach the Army and the Armed Forces. It means the president has attained a higher ranking than former US martial artist Chuck Norris. 2017 Induced by the Revista de Artes Marciales's Puerto Rico Hall of Fame 2016 Pioneer Award by U.S. Taekwondo Champions (GM James F. Stagen and GM Ron Berry). This can be achieved through regular training, drilling, and sparring with partners of varying skill levels. His life demonstrate a never-ending pursuit of perfection: Vice President of All Australia ITF Taekwon-Do Association. First to attain 10th Dan in Taekwondo HanMooKwan by his founder Grandmaster Kyo Yoon Lee. Grandmaster Jay "Flying Tiger" Blanton has written 2- books on Prevailing Against being bullied,1- book on his Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts system history and his training, and an Anti-Bullying Program for schools, colleges, etc. He has traveled all over the world teaching and training students in Traditional TaeKwon-Do. Dr. Youstra (retired)is a pioneer of Traditional TaeKwon-Do in the Great Lakes (Chicago Area). Clint Robinson served as Senior Vice President of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). founder of the California Tae Kwon Do championship. How can those who have achieved the highest rank benefit from it?