A
A.R.K.
Guest
I doubt highly the credibility of any piece of paper, regardless of who presents it. I believe skill on the mat and skill on the street count more than parchment and ink.
EXACTLY!!!
The wall candy and the belt mean nothing in and of themselves. It is merely a public recognition of what someone else things of you either on a personal or organizational level. A high ranking Dan with no practical experience may very well fare far worse in an altercation than a no rank individual with limited knowledge but real world experience. Experience and heart over technical skill and titles.
As I've said numerous times, I'm not mad at Robert or his followers. Quite the opposite, I have much to be grateful for as the result of their comments and views. And I will give credit where it is due, if not for this 'debate' I wouldn't be thinking along the lines that I now am thinking. Mya Ryu Jitsu probably isn't grammatically correct especially with mixing the two languages. Yes, the honorable intent is/was there and the meaning clear to us. But constructive criticism is always welcome if the intent is to be helpful rather than hurtful. Our intent was to tie where we are now to where we 'came' from in terms of homage to a country. In this case a Japanese name.
But Japanese systems aren't the only training that has influenced us. Their is quite a bit of China, Korea, Canadian, Great Britian and the Middle East and American contributing to our overall abilities. By chosing MRJ we excluded quite a bit. And another point, we are Americans. Why would/should we pattern ourselves after other styles and systems. It would be far better to be original and innovative. Since I hardly ever wear a belt...why incorporate belts into our system? Their are other ways to designate a students progress. Why wear traditional gi's? I normally wear a comfortable T and gym pants. Why use foriegn terminology such as kyu, dan, titles etc.
We have decided to revamp the outer layers of our system so that it relflects our goals, ideaology, focus as well as pride in our country. Still with high respect for our fighting 'roots' but everyone needs to take all of life's experiences and make them personal to themselves. I know the goals I'm/we're trying to reach. I have great joy in teaching and putting my experience
I don't want to sound a philisophical here, but my opinion really is that a black belt is meaningless in and of itself. If someone says 'I'm a black belt' what does it really mean beyond paying some money and taking the appropriate amount of classes? It doesn't mean anything...it is the PERSON that means something. And that meaning is going to vary from person to person.
Robert I'm sure your a fine teacher and martial artist. I'm sure you have worked extremely hard to get to where your at now. I know your passionate in your beliefs and I commend and applaude you. My credentials are real and valid but do not come from Asia. If this therefore invalidates them in your eyes then let them be as dust to you. My credentials come from Americans, Europeans and the Middle East. I feel they have a fine tradition with much to offer. If this is unsatisfactory to you then completely disregard them at my insistance.
I think Robert that you and some of the Yili folks have stated that I'm a good teacher and good fighter and it's the credential thing between us. As I said, since it's not Asian then disregard them. I won't be upset at all. Thank you for your commenting as to being a good techer, that does mean a lot. As for being a good fighter...I prefer not to be known for this. In the real world, have I hurt men? Yes I have...but there is no glory in this. There is no honor. It's not 'fun' to break a man. I don't wake up in the morning looking for the opportunity. It is an unfortunate necessity of the career that I have chosen. It is far to easy to hurt someone. I would rather be known for the times I have deesculated a situation and avoided force. I would rather be known for the people I've saved. I would rather be known as an innovator and creative teacher. I would rather be known for being a person to turn to when in need.
I would invite you to know me for who I am and what I can offer.
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