csinca

I agree that we face a tremendous problem with claims of rank and lineage. But I also see that at least part of this is brought about because students are impressed by and and expect it.

How many of us make an assumption of a person's skill level because of who the train under (either real or claimed)?

Nathan, you said "I want to know the truth about my instructors. Not some fancy qualifications that they WISHED they had." What is it you want to know about them that you won't find out on the mat?

I'm going to be travelling on business and I'll be visiting at least one Aikido dojo while I'm gone. I have no idea what the lineage or rank of the instructor is and it wouldn't matter one way or the other. After the first night I'll know if I will ever go back again.

Maybe if we cared less about lineage and rank, people wouldn't try to take advantage of us.

Chris