Comments on: The Story of Martial Arts Hierarchy (And It’s Benefits, Powers, and Perversions)

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:59:48 +0000

Quite true Mr. Klein. Thanks for your comment and I hope your students are coming along well!

By: SenseiMattKlein

SenseiMattKlein — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:32:00 +0000

Indeed, the Japanese were the first to recognize colored belts and their hierarchy. Yes, power corrupts. It can go to the head if we let it. But if used wisely, recognition is one of the most powerful motivators in life, even more powerful than money. Very interesting article.

By: James

James — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:37:03 +0000

Well written blog entry..

I agree that another aspect of the beginner’s mind is to remember what it is like to be the low man on the totem pole. And as we become more powerful in the aspect of arts, it is essential and critical to use that particular power wisely..

By: branden

branden — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:22:58 +0000

Matt,

Well written article!! It wasn't nearly as bad to digest as you had made it out to be!!!

Rick: I can't agree more…. I find it ironic that I found my dojo, not out of my own decision (I was going to pick one that – although legit, is known to be a bit……illegit?) but a suggestion of a friend that was joining with me at the time, of which he's since dropped out…. Weird how that works out eh?

Now, training at my lovely little dojo… Even though we have other sister schools within the organization, still holds the character of the small family dojo. Aside from the head instructor I've got a hand full of Kyoshi, Renshi and serious other ranks that poor their hearts out for you on a daily basis and never ask for anything but your best try out of you (Matt-san included in those…which is good, because I fail at most things he asks of me!!!! ) . I couldn't even imagine joining a super huge organization… Which… (at least I think) keeps the mind set of the old Okinawans chatting it up and training in the back yard with no more than a half-dozen students…. Almost makes me a little emotional thinking about it!

By: RickMatz

RickMatz — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:39:32 +0000

I don't care for the large organizations model. I like the one teacher – one dojo model better.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:34:59 +0000

Agreed Bob- skill is really the thing that does the most talking. Also I'm not sure about disqus, maybe they are experiencing a little glitch, but it looks like you got signed in after because your picture has shown up.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:34:15 +0000

You got it, and thanks for stopping by as always.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:33:45 +0000

Thanks a lot Jorge – I'm glad this spoke to your experience as well.

By: Matt__A

Matt__A — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:32:55 +0000

Appreciate your visit Avril! A poster is a neat idea. At some point I might make some ikigai-related shwag, so I'll definitely keep that in mind.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:23:26 +0000

When I was training with the Aikido Association of America, they introduced color belts so guest instructors would have an idea of your general ability by your belt color. So that is just another reason.

I was at a seminar wearing a white belt and after working a line, someone came up to me and said, "You are not a white belt are you?" Which also goes to show, don't set your expectations just by belt color.

PS Disqus is not logging me in even after I sign in at their site.