Originally posted by SingingTiger
Mr. Conatser, can you give an example of a "reason for a reason"? What would drive a man like Mr. Parker to award rank to someone who stank? Rich
What Billings said below is basically, Well. right ........!
Originally posted by M. Billings
There are numerous reasons to promote someone and it is somewhat naive to believe otherwise.
We could not all see why he did what he did, the ones I witnessed were done with a purpose, and the expectation he would be around a lot longer to correct or guide as needed.
SGM Parker was never accused of being simplistic or naive.
"He did what he thought was best, or necessary".
Every case was different. He was multi-dimensional about promotions. First off, he never put much weight in any belt..... but rather "THE PERSON" wearing it. That being said, he also had a unique way of putting certain individuals on the "hot seat" by promoting them and then watching them either "step up to the plate" or "try to survive" at that rank when in the presence of another person who was possibly the same rank or lower but obviously had much more skill or knowledge than he/she. It was his way or trying to either motivate, humble, or try to make the individual realize that the "BELT" is worth "NOTHING" unless it is supported by "SOMEBODY" in it that is worth something.
Some actually asked him for rank (something I was taught you NEVER did). There were many reasons/factors such as "It would help my status in my region", "I have students close to me that will need promoted soon", "I am a leader in my area in Kenpo but all the other Instructors at local studios (TaeKwonDo, Hapkido etc.) out rank me as if our art is 2nd rate", etc, etc. I could go on and on and tell you a hundred reasons that people told him.
Well, being an extremely trusting, kind-hearted, generous and loving man, he promoted many with the intent to 1) Advance American Kenpo (trusting that the individual would responded with gratitude, loyalty and actually become super motivated to learn HIS system as he intended & surely keep training and promoting Kenpo which would be an asset), 2) Help out the individual with his needs 3) Lend Credibility with his endorsement thus increasing competitiveness in the general business market increasing Assn. numbers, which would benefit everyone worldwide.
Sadly, it rarely worked out the way that he had hoped for, and then of course he passed away and could no longer keep working with some of these "projects" as he called them, to finish what he alone had started and he alone could finish. Most of these individuals know who they are and when Mr. Parker passed away, rather than band together with other Seniors, most chose to encapsulate themselves and their groups and created their own persona saying that they Studied with Ed Parker (which they did most for only short periods of time) and thus giving credibility to act as independents and become instant Masters.
There are several individuals today that are wearing high ranks that do not get the respect normally rendered or expected, due to exactly "HOW" they acquired their rank. Today in Kenpo the 10th Degree Black is an abomination! Due to what many have done to our system. It is unfortunately a Joke and an embarrassment.
That being said, I am not implying that several of those individuals are not highly skilled, excellent fighters, excellent teachers, have exceptional knowledge on some aspect/s of Kenpo, great individuals, or have been around for many years, or paid many dues, for several have tremendous merits. On the other hand, some are bogus, low ranking, greedy, unskilled opportunists, liars, thieves, that are lacking much knowledge and true credibility. Many have treated Mr. Parker & his system with disrespect and are not deserving of any levity or support. They know who they are and so do most by the popularity they receive when their names come up in conversation.
At least that's my opinion...... I might be wrong.
:asian:
jb :asian:
