Feeling too good about yourself

Folks,


I just wanted to speak on this for a moment. I have been in the martial arts for a long time. 31 years as of this writing. But I honestly have to say, that I feel clueless when it comes to the totality of martial arts training. I feel like I am still a rank begininner, and that the true understanding will come when I am too old to be able to perform it :)

That said, I just wanted to speak a little on the ego of some martial arts teachers. As far as I know, the 10th degree is reserved for the founders of an art. OR at least someone who's change or modifications were considered truly revolutionary. Notable mentions would be : Jigoro Kano, Helio Gracie, Remy Presas, and Masutatsu Oyama. There are more, but I am too lazy to mention them. But basically, the point is that the 10th degree should be so rare, that people thinking that they would ever be promoted to one are deluding themselves.

Now, that said, I would like to speak about rank in general. Like I said, I have been in this business for over 30 years, and I am an absolute beginner. My black belt says third degree, but really, what does that mean? I have not created anything revolutionary (yet, finders crossed). I have not been in the business long enough to be any higher in my opinion. I dont even care if I ever get to fourth degree. My father will give me one, or he wont. I am not going to waste one moment worrying about rank.

I have come across a lot of folks who has self-promoted. Doesnt that sound stupid? These folks are those who have usually received a legit black belt. Once they break away from their instructor, they may or may not tinker with what they were taught to create something "new". Then, as a creator of a style, they feel free to add rank as they see fit. Isnt that pathetic? I know some folks who dont even know all of the katas from their old system, promote themselves to a higher rank. I say to these folks, " Calm down!" Remember that the martial arts are not about rank. Fact is, that belts are not even that old of an invention. Kano only used the belt system because he wanted to include Judo into the public school system.

So basically, I am saying this: STOP WORRYING ABOUT RANK! The people who dont have high rank seem to pursue rank, rather than knowledge or skill. THAT is what is messing up the martial arts almost as fast as capitalism. Still waters run deep, and they always have. Spend less time thinking about stripes on your black belt, and spend more time perfecting your basic techniques and teaching methods. I am outta here like the smart kid in a horror movie!