Honorary Black Belts.

[SaiFightsMS]

Honarary belts are fine given certain situations. But I totally agree that an honarary black belt should neither teach nor give orders in a class.

 

Were I to be given an honarary belt it would definately become a display not something to be misused.

 

I see a black belt as something earned to be earned and treasured.

[moobrack]

I personally know somebpdy who has been offered an honourary black belt because of their skill, and devotion to the art, and also that he had taken a black belt grading twice before, to help him prepare.

 

The man refused to take the black belt and said that he wants to earn it on the day, and not for his accomplishments elsewhere.

 

This is the sign that a black belt portrays in my head.

 

 

[jakmak52]

Thank you all for letting me share my thoughts and opinions, that's why I love being an American so much, Honorary Black Belt, Hmmm, I can't help but to chuckle and yet feel sick at the same time!! You cannot teach what you do not know

[SaiFightsMS]

Moobrak I wish we all could meet that guy and learn from him. That is what it is all about.

[Cactus_Gazz]

if this guy is teaching, i'd ask him some technical questoins about your art, try and put him on the spot in front of the class. if he got his honourary belt for sponcering the dojo, its basicly the same as buying your belt.

[TangSooGuy]

I agree with what a lot of others have said. There isn't anything wrong with the concept of honorary black belts, but this is a case of it being abused.

 

I'm sorry but no one deserves an honorary 3rd Dan just for throwing money at the school (forgive me if I inferred wrong)

 

Honorary black belts should be given to someone who either made an outstanding contribution to the arts (not talking about money), or has dedicated their lives to the art, but for some reason, physical impairment, mental impairment, outstanding outside circumstances, etc, they cannot test for black belt or pass the standard black belt test.

 

I don't feel that honorary black belt should come with any authority, personally. It is an honor in the sense of:

 

"A token of esteem paid to worth; a mark of respect; a ceremonial sign of consideration; as, he wore an honor on his breast; military honors; civil honors"

 

Thus it is the person receiving the honorary black belt that is honored by receiving it, not the person themself who is honored by the giver.

Edited November 21, 2003 by TangSooGuy

[aefibird]

 

Wise words TangSooGuy!

[shotokanwarrior]

Maybe the head instructor put that guy in charge of the class. It does not matter what rank you are if he is put in charge you respect him just like he was your sensei. A yellow belt can run a class if the instructor say's so. Belts are to hold up your pants they have no reflection of skill, this idea ia maybe just 100 years old.

[cathal]

I agree with TangSooGuy, and I also agree that an honourary black belt should have respect for the sensei & class so as to not treat anyone poorly.