Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
I agree there is a Martial Artist in my area that went from a fifth degree bb to an 8th degree bb in under a year. This amazingly happened when he joined a new federation.JAMJTX said:This idea is nothing new and is about as old as the "black belt" itself. Even Funkoshi gave away black belt certificates to politicians and anyone else who was able to help him out. It was very fashionable for them to have it and giving them out helped him get things done.
It's not only black belt rankings that get sold, but titles as well: Shihan, Hanshi, etc. Even Menkyo Kaiden in older arts.
It's not just here in the U.S. but in Japan as well. You can no longer trust that ranks and titles were earned when it's so easy to buy them.
I guees that is why my school is not my primary source of income I do not need to cater to those folks. I train my three son's and if I was at a commercial school my cost would be the same. Between my wife, me and 3 kids my rent is cheaper for me to do my own training. And than I can help with the kids I want and not need to pay bills. I dictate my training and if you want a belt factory please go to the next Dojaang around the corner every montha belt test either a stripe od solid he is making money but the talent is none, could not fight there way out of a paper bag!!!!Hawkeye said:Riddle me this. Is it any different to...go to a school for three years and pay 100 per month - and never get better BUT still get promoted through the ranks including black belt.
Or ... be half-way descent and obtain your black belt however you obtain it?
I ask because if you are in the art for your black belt then you are probably in the arts for the wrong reason. You accomplishments should be reward for you. When I started decades ago several of the arts didn't even have colored belts. You were either a white belt or black belt. The belt signified to others in your art or dojo that you had been long-suffering and were now an "advanced" student.
I see folks go to martial arts schools who can't perform a simple side kick over 14" above the ground - and they have black belts. Is this any better.
You can either award belt advancement in your school or go broke. I understand this even though I don't own a school.
That's where the "intermediate" belts, or striped belts, came from. Mo money for the school owners. $25 here, $50 there x 200 students - you do the math.
I guess that makes attending a school and being promoted when you don't deserve it - based on demonstrated performance - black belt for cash. Same thing only one is quicker. Neither will ever win a tournament.