Archimoto

I see your point

DaveB: I don't me to be rude by answering a question with a question. I like the dialogue and am curious about your view on the following. If absolutely every requirement is on the test and there is no discretion left to the instructor with regard to who's earned or deserves the honor of testing, then is it the students who determine when they test? When they're ready? If they're worthy?

I guess I think about it differently. I think that you prove your character to your instructor over time going through the myriad of things that transpire in a studio. I don't think of character as a set of finite criteria that can be checked off during a test. Quite the contrary, I think of character, along with skill and ability, as an element that inspires your instructor to invite you to test. The test I think is strictly about curriculum.

Wow!!! Rooting for your comeback and welcome !!!

I think I would feel exactly the same way as you. Also it's a tough situation for which the sensei in my opinion appears to share some of the blame. I know it's easy for me to say but I truly think you ride this out and let things fall into place on their own. If anything simply ignore this guy and use it as motivation to train harder. There is a terrific post by Sensei8 in another thread, I think in the articles section, where he talks about The Floor. It's a great read, in this case I think THE FLOOR will sort it out!

Welcome !!!

Completely agree !!!

Wow. I totally get how you feel. This situation is supremely tough. The biggest problem is that I think that you're right and yet there's not much that can be done about it. I think that you trust your sensei, let this play out over time, and focus on yourself and your own improvement. Over the years when unique circumstances like this present themselves I've always found comfort in focusing on my training. The rest will sort itself out I believe. Other than creating a nuisance is the situation directly affecting you? Just curious....

Good question. Years ago the Supreme Court was asked to weigh in on the definition of pornography. Clarence Thomas thought it smart to not get specific and brilliantly stated "I know it when I see it" I think the same can apply to character. Curious to hear what others think.

Benvenuto !!!

This is just my opinion but there's a big difference between a professional certification and a diploma or degree. Like a degree, a black belt indicates that you have your organization's full endorsement. Not just your skill but YOU. For instance, one example of something that time can test is temperament in a variety of situations that will inevitably present themselves over time in a studio. In my opinion anyone can test well, but not everyone has earned the honor to test - in my opinion it's about more than simply paying a testing fee and performing well. I'm not saying that your wrong by the way, I'm simply sharing my opinion.

I think getting to know someone and having them go through YOUR program should be intrinsic to qualifying for a BB. For instance, in a university even the brightest students are required to prove themselves to some degree by completing a curriculum. Yes if they're particularly capable they can fast track a program but they can't ever skip a program - the program is there to test their resolve, their temperament, and more importantly their commitment. I believe this can apply to BB testing. I'll close my point with this: THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT ONLY TIME CAN TEST.

Thank you! I really enjoyed reading this. Never really thought about what it must be like at the "top" This post adds much needed perspective

I disagree with this completely. Skill is only part. Dedication is part. Proper education is necessary. A Sensei taking part in your education deciding when you deserve said rank is essential- if you care about rank. I would make him climb through every belt.- maybe at an accelerated rate but still. If he put a blackbelt on himself, I would probably push him even harder. It's not about whether he deserves a blackbelt - it's about whether he deserves a blackbelt from YOU I hope that we can all agree that a black belt is never given, it must be EARNED. I think CheeseFrySamurai said it best, above.

sensie8 great post !!!

Interesting question. Are you training under anyone? I've been training for many years under the same instructor and as I developed over the years he asked me to be an assistant instructor, and in that capacity I slowly learned to teach. Needless to say over the years, helping him teach, I inevitably absorbed his method or strategy for developing his curriculum. As I understand my path, the one described above, is very very very common. Which is why I ask if you're training under anyone...if you are I suggest talking with your Ajarn first. If you're not, that gets a little more complicated. Either way please do reply!

@TheGrim: I'm glad that you posted this experience because it can be a great learning moment for a young martial artist. I'm curious, what is your take-away from this experience, or even perhaps from this thread?

I read every word and loved it! Thank you! Interestingly this highlights for me one of the aspects of training that has evolved for me as a MA'ist After college I got deeper and deeper into corporate life - meeting professional obligations - and the floor became a sanctuary away from the nonsense at the office, the smoke screens, the rat race. The beauty of the floor is that you can't talk your way through an exercise or a challenge. You're either there or your not, you either can or you can't - plain and simple. Thank you Sensei8 for your wonderful post! It reminds me of one of the many reasons why I have always loved and continue to love training - it's bare, it's raw, there is a lot of unvarnished truth in it.

Welcome !!!

I agree with this and add the following. There are two parts to any test. The first is the technique or the curriculum. And the second is the persons mental state and character. Both are developed hand in hand and the latter is equally important especially when grading for a higher belt. Ultimately, even IF he was able to perform the curriculum properly I don't think that you could possibly assess his character without him spending more time with you. Know what I mean?

Hi Baldor! Welcome !

The funny thing about this topic is that I happen to agree with each of the differing opinions!!! Is that wrong? Which leads me to this: in the moment I think the tap was either as a result of sympathy or of mercy. Regardless I think the decision was made with the best of intentions. I agree that perhaps it would have been more honorable to continue fighting however I can appreciate the decision. I have a lot of respect for this man. I'm not saying that I think that he made the right decision, simply that I appreciate its significance.

I tend to agree here. An accident shouldn't warrant a free shot like that, nor should it be encouraged by an instructor. I agree with ps1 here, that it is negligent on his part. With that said, the Martial Arts are, by there very nature, a contact activity. At some point in time, you will receive a little present like this again, and likely even from someone who has exhibited excellent control on a regular basis. The only response should be, "My, bad, you ok?" after the technique is finished. If they drop and cry, then stop your technique. Otherwise, finish it, and when you are done, mea culpa all you want. Otherwise, you get into a habit of stopping after you hurt someone; not a good habit. Winning nationals doesn't equal good instruction. There is more to being a good instructor than being a tournament winner. Being able to teach is a gift in and of itself, and not everyone can do it well. Now, I'm not saying he doesn't teach well, but if he tells you to take a shot back after an accident, it raises questions in my mind. Maybe he teaches well otherwise. But if this becomes the norm in training, then rue the day that you accidentally knick someone in the nuts....because who knows what's coming back at you, right? Just something to ponder. This, along with a few other posts, hits the nail on the head. Your dojo, or dojang, or studio is a lot like your family. You're there to learn and grow together and the environment should be one of nurturing and development. If someone makes a mistake, step back and learn from it. For example in this situation: 1. Invest in a groin protector, 2. Ask your partner to be more careful, and 3. Learn to get over it until it happens again. Then if it happens again perhaps it's an opportunity to talk with your classmate about it. Regardless, I'm a big believer in training hard and practicing at a high level of contact when it's mutual or part of the drill. However, you should NEVER strike a classmate as payback for a mistake. It's disrespectful to your classmates and to the process of learning in general. I actually feel strongly about that. Just my opinion tho.

Thanks guys!