Andrew Green said:
1. Right off the bat, "Sensei" is neither a title, or a rank, it is something that us western martial artists like to missuse, like "soke"
I'll respect anyone for their own virtues, it's got nothing to do with thier fashion statement....
2. Nope, not at all. But simply by virtue of having an organization you are putting up barriors to working together.Why do you feel organizations are important? If the goal is for us all to "Just get along" why segrate ourselves?
3. Ok, basically marketing and retention, I agree to that. Ding! While the other claim might be "ideal" this is "reality".
Even by virtue of the word "rank" it implies a heirarchy for control and authority. Having levels and progression is great, but belt rank is something just asking to be abused....
4. Wrong, this is our society and our culture. It effects everything we do. People do not magically change their beliefs and behaviours as soon as they step onto a mat, those things are a part of who we are. We may not like it but our society is heavily influenced by the media, and their are not many examples of good sportsmanship left, there are lots of examples of poor sportsmanship. In fact one might get the impression that in order to succeed in sports sportsmanship is a hinderance.
1. Sensei, in some systems is a 'rank' and a 'title' that has standards that have to be met before a person can claim it. It simply translates as 'teacher' from Japanese and my cousins used the term for anyone who was given that role/job over them in public schools. I am a licensed 'teacher' and that requires that I meet standards and requirements to be able to use that properly as a 'title' for my role/job. I am 'ranked' as a 'probationary teacher' based on my level of certification. There are equivalent uses in some martial art systems.
2. Why do we have colleges, families, business names? I equate a martial art system to a type of 'schooling system.' It is distinct in academic curriculum, philosophy, application.....therefore it should be recognized as distinct. That identifier does not automatically make it a point of 'barrier' as much as any ego/elitism/inferiority complex of those that abuse it to serve their own purpose - no different than any religion can be corrupted. Getting along with someone that is different does not require homogony.
3. Well honestly, my experience in general has been that your 'ideal' has been my personal 'reality' when it comes to rank/curriculum issues more often than not. Rank simply indicates where you are in the training in my organization as well as those that we train with. Very few of the people that we contact really sweat 'honorifics' and such. PG Tom Bolden heads his own "American Arnis" organization and I call him 'Tom' all the time. Punong Guro is NOT the same as GM/SOKE by any means but that is the term he uses. GM Bobby Taboada will answer to "Bobby" all the time and is very down to earth about 'rank/title.'
So maybe it isn't so much 'Reality' as 'Perception.' The idea that Rank=Class/Caste differences is only one application. Craftsman have rankings based on skill that does not afford them any authority. Things like the term "Master" can and do at times simply mean mastery of a skill NOT 'lord'.
4. Wrong, wrong. Are you a victim of 'society/culture' or do you make conscious decisions and choices? Of course there are things that are cultural/societal. But, at the moment of decision what we do is within our power. Do I punch that guy in the mouth or do I walk away? Choice. Do I act in a way that speaks to MY character and in a way that I WANT to be or do I simply react and let the situation rule me? Choice.
You are correct, it isn't magic. It is a conscious attention to knowing what you are, what you want to be and the tools that will get you there. Character.
How does this relate to a discussion on Sokeship and Councels that recognize those that are either invited or apply?
Well, honestly it relates because of the assumptions of low motives only that seems to come up when things like this are discussed. YES people are making a living doing martial arts. YES, some of them participate in Sokeship councels and YES these things make money....God forbid that you earn a living doing what you love! That doesn't automatically mean that there is no moral fiber in HOW people make that money or what these people WON'T do in order to make money. To assume that it does is bigotous and narrow minded and smears the reputations of some pretty decent people. Are they perfect? No, but then neither are any of us.
. Outside influences can only take affect internally if the people 'inside' let it. The damage/accountability is internal. I don't blame rap music for drugs or murder and I won't blame WWE for the lack of real character in MA.
