I have always found it
interesting to see how people (in the Martial Art's world in
general) react to, or treat individual's based (solely)
upon their “claimed” Rank (in/of what-ever). I've been
involved with the study of various forms of some
martial art, since the age of 14. Since that time, I have encountered
hundreds of individual's who have claimed to have (some
level of) a Yudansha ranking (and many of those, had no
idea of what a “Yudansha” even was).
Over the course of the
years, and throughout those numerous encounters, some
of those people actually garnered my respect. This was done
sometimes through their actions/attitudes, and sometimes
through their abilities (separate
things BTW, LOL). Those who did receive it though,
never asked for it
(much less demanded it).
The deciding
factor for myself was always their personality (over
their abilities).
A person might know a whole lot about some individual subject
(that I might have an interest in), but if they came
across as (IMO) being either condescending and/or an arrogant
“Ass-Wipe”, I would have nothing to do with
them.
After being awarded a
couple of Yudansha rankings (of my own, LOL), my concern's regarding
raising that level became less, and less. Experience
has demonstrated that having any
higher level of ranking, would actually accomplish nothing
(at least for myself).
Of course that doesn't
take “bragging rights” into account. But I've never felt
the need to have to (at least attempt to) intimidate
someone with a piece of paper that is worthless to
anyone who's name isn't on it (and even then, it's
questionable, LOL).
None-the-Less,
I've had numerous individual's (usually someone who doesn't
know me at all) attempt to (either) impress or
intimidate me with their own “Certificate of
Pompousness”. Usually, when presented with this attempt
at intimidation, I will respond with an attitude of disconcern
(often mistaken for disrespect, two separate attitudes BTW).
I believe that what
bothers me most about the whole Rank-Race, is that the
improvement of the system is not being considered
as being a relevant factor (when awarding those ranks).
A "system", that had a
total membership of 900 member's (of whom 700 were
“Yudansha”) and 200 were of various Mudansha
level/rankings would be ridiculously lop-sided (and
IMO would be on the verge
of collapse).
The
awarding of any Yudansha
rank (above Shodan),
pretty
much is decided
by who has the money
(to pay
for the “test”). Now in some
systems, each “test” amounts to (nothing more, or
less
than) a “hazing” ceremony. To claim otherwise would be completely disingenuous (how
else
could one “justify” having participants perform kick's,
punches,
stances
or even kata,
for ridiculously long
periods of time?).
What
does doing
so, actually prove
and/or accomplish?
Does it establish some manner of superiority?
(not in my
opinion). The fact that I may
be
able to perform a thousand
punches/kicks in succession, does not
establish that I am any more (or less)
capable/knowledgeable at teaching
(or even performing)
the art that I study and/or teach.
Taika
did not (directly) mandate
that anyone “test” (for a higher rank). He may very well have
encouraged
it, LOL (been there, done that). But it was never mandated.
Everyone, regardless of “rank”, was always taught/shown the same
thing (in class, seminar's, etc.).
It's
always been (only) my own
opinion, that acquiring higher rank is an option only
available to those with money.
That (at least) appears
to be the primary
prerequisite. The (unfortunately) only alternative,
is if your running your own
organization (then you can make yourself any freakin' rank you wanna
be, LOL). The only “catch” will be if anyone else
will honor it.
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