Belated Hello

[White Warlock]

Well, i came waltzing in posting left and right, tossing out criticism and handing out personal insight, yet failed utterly to introduce myself to this long established community. I was surprised, however, to find a few people that recognized me from other forums.

 

A little history: I've been studying forever, and will continue to do so. Having experienced several years of judo, boxing, gymnastics, and togakure-ryu ninjutsu as a youth, i didn't quite hit full swing until i entered wrestling in high school (1979). Our wrestling coach was incredible and awakened me to the magic of body mechanics, conditioning and having a winning mindset. From there, after recovering from injuries, i dove enthusiastically into ju-jutsu and san soo (tsoi li ho fut hung) and began in fevered pitch into research (one of my life strongpoints).

 

Over the years i've entered into a multitude of systems, including Brazilian ju-jutsu, kalaripayit, wing chun, aikido, aikijutsu, ju-jutsu (stand-up), thai-boxing, shorin-ryu karate, and kickboxing.

 

I like to consider san soo and wrestling as my foundation systems. When i first entered san soo, there were no belts and... of course, there are no belts in wrestling. As such, i was brought up with the idea that belts were devised as a means to 'pacify' Americans and Europeans, with their well-established need for credentials and progress indicators. Therefore, holding to this belief, i have studied for over 25 years without obtaining a single belt rank or memorizing technique names presented with foriegn words (i.e., I call a one-arm shoulder throw, a one-arm shoulder throw... not an ippon seoinage).

 

I should feel proud for sticking to my guns on this, but unfortunately... it has backfired and in some cases i've been introduced into new schools as, "a student of everything, a master of nothing." Such introductions are insulting and touches upon the core of my dissatisfaction with the established norm, wherein certificates photocopied at a Kinko's print shop, certifying someone achieved a black belt in two years, holds more weight than 25+ years of experience and knowledge.

 

In fact, it reminds me of all this bogus A+ and MCSE certification, handed out after a 4-month crash course, that holds more credibility than 15 years of employment as a computer technician.

 

Ah well, nice to share thoughts with fellow practitioners.

[gheinisch]

Nice to have you here Warlock. I agree that too many people and schools as well place too much importance on the color of belt they have instead of the knowledge they posess. Our Hanshi constantly reminds us not to rush our studies and become a hostage to a belt color. Knowledge is so much more important than what you wear around your waist. That said, we do use a belt system in my style and I think there is a place for the belt system as long as all belts are earned and never given. Glad to have you here on the forums. Look forward to your posts.

[aefibird]

Hi White Warlock, welcome to the forums!

 

Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself with us. It is sad that someone with as much dedication to the Martial Arts and years of training as yourself should be considered infireor by some people, just because you haven't got a black belt/ fancy certificate/whatever.

 

Like gheinisch's Hanshi says, my karate instructor reminds us regularly that anyone can have a belt (send me £3 and I'll get you whatever colour you want, lol! ) but it taked dedication and perseverence to gain knowledge, which is worth far more than a long piece of cotton or satin.

[delta1]

White Warlock, good to have you aboard. I've enjoyed your posts so far, and you seem to be pretty knowlegable. I've studied under both belt and no belt systems, and really don't have a preference. But, I agree that too often people get hung up on the belt or other status symbols. Like Ed Parker said, "Stripes show, doesn't mean you know."

[stl_karateka]

Welcome! Thanks for sharing your MA bio and some ideas...I look for to more of your posts

[SaiFightsMS]

Welcome to the forum.

[italian_guy]

Welcome to KF.

 

I agree that actual knowledge is much more important then belts, however, sometimes taking belt tests helps you to focus and give you some additional motivation. You know I think that MAs are a great thing even if sometimes the necessary repetition of routines may become boring if you do not have a test where your skill is acknowledged.

 

Anyway I appreciate a lot all the posts you made.

 

Once again welcome to the forums.

[White Warlock]

sometimes taking belt tests helps you to focus and give you some additional motivation.

I agree that for many people, obtaining a belt and performing periodic rank tests helps to encourage studies and can sometimes break down the monotony. On the other hand... some of us don't need anymore motivation than to wake up in the morning and say, "time for another beating!"

 

Thanks all for the welcome and it's good to know my input is appreciated. I've enjoyed many of the posts and articles here as well and have already noted a few likeminded souls.

 

Who knows, maybe i'll eventually rattle a few cages or join in on some interesting debates.

[Natural]

Well, hi nice to see you.

[Sasori_Te]

Hello and Welcome. I agree with you totally. I also think that belt color and rank status have taken the place of the importance of knowledge in many dojos. I'll stop here before I get on my soap box.