well, the knowledge can't be taken away, but the ITA reserves the right to revoke your Blackbelt standings with them should you be found guilty of conduct unbecoming. There is a number of serious offenses of the criminal type stated, I am too lazy to dig it up right now (will do so if the thread continues in 5 weeks when I get back from vacation.)
There have been some cases - I have been told - who tanked at the nation level testing for 4th degree, being found running their mouths on the internet
There was a guy in FL who was allegedly selling KTA dan certificates and he is alleged to have lost his KKW dan rank....allegedly. The KTA has not issued dan rank for many years...
True, but as we all know rank doesn't always equate knowledge. A good example would be that TradtionalTKD dork attacking your youtube vid. :mst:
So yes, rank can be taken away. I know of a couple of people who have had it happen to them...however, as TF pointed their knowledge still remained intact.