Too Many Dans Spoil The Broth...
by Tobias FlynnWe know, or at least we should, that the belt merely signifies that the wearer has passed some form of test. We also know that it doesn't make the practitioner an expert, or even better than a student who has yet to achieve that grade. In fact, there may be students several ranks lower who, by virtue of their talent and natural abilities are better practitioners.
So, what about the premier league of MA ranks, the black belt Dan grades? Well it used to be considered quite an achievement to earn a black belt. Many years of hard slog, some pain, probably a few tears and bruises - but not now.
In some arts black belts can be earned by training an hour a week for 1-2 years, or purchased for a few hundred pounds by signing up for a crash course. So, the pinnacle of scaling those dizzy heights can now be achieved by taking the lift straight to the top, no pain, no worth ....and it gets worse.
Once you've achieved your 1st Dan you can, two years later, grade for a 2nd Dan and three years after that your 3rd and so on. Well, at least you can if you abide to the traditional way of doing things.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to work out the maths. If you earn your 1st adult Dan grade at eighteen (deemed an adult in the UK) and, stuck to the traditional formula, you'd be in your 70s before earning or having bestowed upon you a 9th or 10th Dan grade; honorific awards usually given for services to the art(s).
Recently, at a martial arts exhibition, I saw a Karate 10th Dan who looked about 35-40. I've seen and heard of others. Where do these 10th Dans go from here? Well, obviously wherever they want judging but the number of 11th, 12th and 15th Dans I've found on the web.
What was once a tried and tested system has been eradicated and deemed worthless. It seems anyone can create their own system and promote themselves within their system to whatever grade they like.
Who are they trying to impress? Not you or me because we know how meaningless these grades are. It's to impress the general public, the uninformed, the uninitiated - "Wow a 10th Dan he must be awesome." He might well be, he might be the greatest thing to walk the martial arts world since Bruce Lee - hang on a minute - Bruce never had a Dan grade! This guy must be way better than Bruce!
The traditional way is still followed by a few organisations and clubs. Very confusing for would be students, parents and MA enthusiasts. Perhaps to enlighten everybody those organisations and clubs who don't follow the traditional route should declare on their websites, book jackets, and seminar demo sales pitch, something along the following lines:
"We are a progressive and modern club/organisation and for obvious financial reasons, not to mention a slightly oversized ego, we create our own road, and tread our own path. We promote our black belts as often and as quickly as we like, depending on our current bank balance and, how quickly that other organization down the road promotes theirs.
Although we do not dispute the idea that rank does not make a great MA, it undoubtedly makes sound business sense, besides, my Lexus needs a major service.....Now, if you'll excuse me, I've a press conference to attend."
When you circulate more money than the economy can handle it becomes worthless, how many Dan grades would it take to achieve the same effect? Sadly, I think we've already reached that point.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. - Marcus Aurelius
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