Re: independent dojo/switching affiliations
I agree with the last post to a certain degree. But I do not hold my stakes in orginazations either. There are many "systems" if you will, who have Shihan heading them and 3rd to 5th dans under the Shihan. The promotions are done very rarely and other than testing dan ranking, the Shihan(s) are never around to give guidance or instruction. This is, I am sure, not the case with all associations but I have seen it. I also know of a very well respected Shihan who tested someone for ShoDan and the person, in everyone's eyes, failed very miserably. But the rank of Shodan was awarded (only reason I can think of is it was for political reasons). This person is now a SanDan.
So again, I agree that if you close yourself off and do not train with anyone on the outside (seminars or other training opportunities) then yes, you might become stagnant and your techniques may squander. But tell me, how do top ranking Shihan maintain thier proficiency level?? They train alot? So do independant instructors. They teach alot? So do independant instructors. If you are poor in the basics, then you are poor all the way around. If you never improve, it really doesn't matter what rank you are, you will be no good to anyone.
Self awarding rank I am not fond of, but time in grade promotions I do not think are a bad thing (After a certain dan rank). Again, some people may care how "legit" you aer and may shun you, but who cares, you yourself know how good you are and you can show it on the mat. I know I can!!!
|