Originally posted by Beth Parker
I sure wish the rank system of martial arts was like the degree systems of universities. It would make it alot easier to tell whos really what they claim. If the university is acrredited then the educational stadands are pretty close.
But we know that not all universities are created equal. We would have a US News and World Report on top certifying organizations. Everyone would clamor to the top ones. There are some quality, smaller organizations out there.
In the martial arts it seems there are 1000's of people who are self proclaimed ,self promoted, and memebers of good old boy clubs like hall of fames and other. that swap rank and titles. Im glad real professors at college dont do that.
Ah, but some College professors do some bad things to get the almighty tenure. Some will fake their research to get the results they want. Some will do studies funded by corporations where the results will benefit the corp depending on the outcome. For example, professors will do studies sponsored by Ocean Spray on the effects of Cranberry Juice and urinary health, what do you think the results will be?
However, if this is found out, there is something that can be done: The professor will lose his job and credibility. It will be very difficult to get back on track and find a professor job anywhere else.
Unfortunately, martial arts is a business. In Martial Arts, these instructors merely lose credibility. However a new student standing in front of a school doesn't see the sign McDojo. It is only when they start to research into the school/instructor that they see things for what they are.
Im only a mom with kids interested in martial arts so im no authority but what im seeing is the rank system that was began for placement of judoka competitors by Kano has become meaningless do to its abuse by western egotists. I quess im craving standardized accredidation in a world full of posers
But you did something that not a lot of people do: research. You looked into the schools and tried to find one with high standards and quality instruction. Accredition would not be necessary if everyone researched the instructors and organizations that certified them. Noone contacts the governing body and checks to see that instructor is actually certified. No new students would walk in the door and they eventually would fade away.
Yes, for some reason everyone is concerned with rank. Everyone wants to train with 25 yr old Dr. 10th degree Super Grandmaster Possum PhD, MA, JD, PE. But what people forget is until you are a Master you don't get Dr 10th Degree, you get 1st degree Squirrel, 2nd degree Rat, 3rd Degree Raccoon or 4th degree Armadillo. If you are lucky you may get Master Woodchuck. Are the people instructing you good or at least, do they do things the way you see yourself doing at their level. This is what people should concern themselves with but no, "I train at Dr 10th Super Grandmaster Soke Possum's School."
