I agree with Kreth on this one. Rank is not the determining factor. Though it would be nice if the level did actually have some bearing on the person. As a rule I've seen it go 2 ways.
When I was in Japan, most definatly there were folks that deserve their rank. I trained with a 10th kyu that obviously had been sitting on that belt for many years or just was naturally talented and with a Sichidan that I wouldn't rank along side my 8th kyus.
Personal opinion and that is all it is. Hatsumi can do with what he wishes. If someone cares enough to look deeper they will see why someone is ranked the way they are, and if it is poor reasoning then well that school may suffer from the loss of a potential student or loss of respect.
Who knows, too many variables.
This again goes into the culture factor. The skill difference between two or more people not including yourself is not an issue. If anyone studied the Japanese corporate business model on promotions and such you can see the parallel in promotions and actual skill.
In the business model, you are grouped with your entry class into the corporation. As you progress and are promoted, other people around you who started with you will be promoted also. Does this mean everyone is equal in skill? No, of course not. (and for the record, I'm not comparing any martial art school to a business. I am using this as a metophor. trolls lurk everywhere!)
However, it is considered rude and a loss of face to keep someone at a lower management level. Therefore they are promoted along with their peers. The interesting thing is the people with the most skill level are placed in positions of higher responsibility and "the office without a view". These people don't have time to look out the window as they are busy making things happen. The lesser skilled manager obviously has the lesser responsibility and "an office with a nice window view" The reasoning effect being this person with the window is really never going to go anywhere so they may as well enjoy the view and collect the paycheck or be ashamed and try harder for the office without the window or just leave.
What in the world does this have to do with Budo? (little grapes?!-sorry)
Obviously Budo is a Japanese word and the art here is Japanese. If you don't understand Japanese culture and way of thinking then you won't understand why someone of less skill is ranked higher than a lower rank student. Does this to apply to all Japanese martial arts? No. Does it apply to this discussion? Yes.
Western reward values do not apply here as Kreth pointed out. I'm more wary of the instructor who thinks "traditional" is bowing to each other before every technique, adhering to a militaristic behavior and "acting more Japanese than the Japanese". In my experience it's a cover up for not knowing the art. Some people have a preconcieved notion of how things ought to be and the reality of what it is. And a lot of this is just ego. Some people want the adoration and awe that comes with a high rank. I see it all the time with new people and the wide eyes when they see a dark color belt.
This is what I tell people who are new: "the only person you are competing with is yourself. That other person's rank has nothing to do with your relationship with your teachers or your ability." Some people get it and others it seems refuse to get it even though it has been presented to them on a silver platter.
And as far as my own personal opinion for those who leave because they can't accept the way things are, let them. It has no bearing on my training. As one of my mentors wrote: "what we practice has been around for over a thousand years. Don't you think it's seen greed, ego, pettiness and all the bad and good human behavior? There is nothing new with what goes on in the world"
For those able to travel to Japan I suggest this: Go with open eyes, open ears and more imporantly an open mind. Leave your preconcieved beliefs of how things ought to be at home. Believe me, it will show in your training and how you move. For better or worse your body language will give you away.
I shall now go back to lurking.
