ModernKempo

What do you think of using dvds to learn an art and then do video testing and consultations?

Oh no, no offense taken. It is a good discussion. I just kind of compare it to getting a college degree. Look at it as being a mechanic. Now, there are those mechanics who are ASE certified, and then there are the "shade tree" mechanics. Most shade tree mechanics won't falsely present themselves as being ASE certified if they are not. However, that doesn't mean that they don't know what they are doing, or are not capable of doing what the certified mechanic can do. It is just the fact that they have not gone through the procedures and tests to become certified. Its the same thing. I think that Tank Abbot is a great Martial Artist; however, I don't think that he is a black belt, nor do I think he considers himself such (and he probably doesn't care, either). There is my pitch! Good pitch, Sold!

I am not saying I don't agree with you. I do like my belts. I won't lie about it. However, if you take them away, it doesn't take away my knowledge. Neither does donning one give one knowledge. If a black belt is earned, then it is usually rewarded to one by another. In his case, that hasn't happened. Whether that is the way it should be or not, I am not to say. I just wonder why he worries about it. I agree It would be nice to know what is spinning around in that brain of his. But, Just because you have recieved a black belt does not make it any more valid than giving it to yourself. In the dojo I used to train at there would be guys who would strut around in their BB and then when you see these guys spar you realize they couldn't punch and kick their way out of a wet paper bag. Why is their BB more valid than this guys. If it really needs to be givin by somone else maybe his mother bought it and gave it to him. Please do not get me wrong I am not trying to start an argument, just honest, fun, debate.

I agree with bushido_man here. This has been the biggest problem for me in this whole scenario. Why buy a black belt unless he wants to show it off to his friends, tell everyone he is a "black belt," or make himself feel good about his training. Ed I would think he wears a black belt for the same reason anybody else does. If you earned it it's yours. A lot of people say rank doesn't matter, but I've never heard of any one refusing to take that black belt after the test, saying nah you keep it I really don't need it.

I could not agree more! I am a professional musician and have played all over the world. I have been playing since I was 8 (classical guitar) and was self taught until I entered University, and the only reason I entered University was to get more performance oportunities. My point is Because I was self taught did not make my music or my interpretation less valid than someone who had a doctorate. I was blessed with the talent to be able to recognize how the body worked in order to create a technique in order to play the peice of music, or to achieve the desired goal. In fact this is common place in music. some of our most revered guitarists were never formaly trained, such as Andres Segovia, julian bream, and in the more popular vein, Eric Clapton, Brian May, David Gilmore, I could go on and on. If this guy was able to observe how the body moves in relation to certain stimuli, such as a punch or kick, or whatever, it is not difficult to make technique in order to deal with it. I will admit it is a harder path than getting information from someone who is already treaded those waters, but it does not destroy the validity of his style. I say he deserves the black belt around his waistr and should wear it proudly.