I do think to an extent that McDojos do damage the credibility of the arts in general if we want to take a deserved place in the minds of our communities. To me as an instructor, the quality of my "product" is the quality of my advanced students, especially my black belts. The standards that they must grow into to reach these levels IMO should be something worth striving for otherwise rank (esp. BB) has no meaning.
I agree with this.
There are some assumptions the OP seems to have that I don't neccesarily agree with, however.
And you, just like everyone else, is entitled to your opinion.
Imagine what this place or the world would be like, if everyone agreed? LOL! Of course, I'm guessing that you did read past my OP, as I stated that I fall into the group that really doesnt care what people think about Kenpo or Arnis, the 2 arts that I primarily do. I'm happy with my training, so thats all that matters, IMHO.
First, to many "traditionalists" out there, I say the solution is not to "water down" your art, but rather to upgrade it as well as learn better teaching methods. Is your art a vehicle for a student's personal growth and development? Or is it something that only a "worthy few" should be allowed to participate in as long as they can weather the demands of training the way it has been for generations? If it's the latter, then I personally would have little interest in learning it despite the fact that I am borderline fanatical in both my training intensity and frequency. If it's the former, then IMO the teaching methods need to be upgraded to allow and encourage as many people to enjoy it's benefits as possible.
I'll address all of your points here.
1) I, as well as my teachers, are always striving to upgrade things. Of course, I've talked, many times on here, about my upgrades, only to be told that the art doesnt need upgrading, but instead that its ME that doesnt understand the art. Who knows...maybe thats the case, but I do find it interesting that many others share similar views as I.
2) Some people may not be interested in my upgrades, and thats perfectly fine. The majority of 'changes' if you will, that I make, are for my benefit. When I teach, I teach the material in its original form. Of course, I also take it a step further and show people how I do things. I tell them that what I'm doing is simply an option. If they want to adopt that option, great. If not, thats fine too.
For example...I have a Parker and Tracy Kenpo background. While much of the material is the same, although there are differences. So sometimes, during a class, I'll take a Parker tech., and show the class the variations. I'll tell them that what I'm showing is nothing 'required' but simply another option. If they find value in it, great...if not, thats ok.
My goal is to help my students grow, not stay stagnant.
I have also been engaged in cross training for well over three decades now. I realize that your point was mostly aimed towards the charlatans and frauds who either make up their rank or have it given as an honorary degree (usually based on someone else recognizing each other), however some have worked for it. I have been doing some form of grappling (JJJ, Judo or BJJ) since 1971. My skills have been sufficient to earn me the Silver Medal at the NAGA World Grappling Championships this year in the Expert division for my weight class (and if my old bod will hold up through the training for next year, I'll see if I can take the title belt). I've also been training in stand up striking arts since the mid-70's including TKD (6th dan and a gold medal in international competition many years ago), boxing (fought as an amateur), Muay Thai (since 1980 and fought as a pro under full contact/national rules) and American Kenpo (only first dan, no special distinction). I've also been doing some form of the FMA's pretty much non-stop since 1979 (Inayan, Serrada and Arnis systems). Along the way, I've picked up some rank along the way. I could have more and higher grades if I were interested in it.
Congrats on your accomplishments.
Likewise, I too crosstrain. Kenpo is my base art, however I do Arnis, and when time allows, BJJ. I've found that cross training is a good thing, although some dont like it, for reasons that've been talked about many times here. Crosstraining has opened many new doors for me, and has allowed me the chance to train with many wonderful people.
As far as kids go, I just promoted a ten year old to Jr. Black Belt rank on Saturday. In our association, they are not full black belts until the age of 18, but would best be compared to a warrant officer as opposed to a commissioned officer. This young man has been training hard and consistantly for 6 years. In prep for this test, he trained specifically like an olympic athlete for 16 weeks. He was on an athlete's nutrition plan, did cardio, resistance training, ect. to prepare. He can grapple, kickbox and fight under MMA rules against someone his size as well or better than I suspect most black belts around here would do against someone of their own size and gender. While I do think that watering down standards to keep the parents paying at the "karate-themed daycare" is deplorable, they used to say that you were a man when you could d a man's work. I'd say that this young man fits that bill far better than the vast majority of 16 year olds (LOL) and many quite a bit older.
Yes, all of the Kenpo schools I've been a member of, have used the Jr. Black Belt. IMO, this is a good thing, due to the fact that the kids material is often condensed anyways, so by the time they get their Jr. BB, they then go back and learn the rest of the material. By that time, they're often old enough to test for an adult BB. Some will like the use of the Jr. BB, some won't. Personally, I'm a bigger fan of that, vs. giving a 10yo a full BB. The Jr BB is good, because it gives the child the feeling of reaching a goal, but at the same time, they're still growing and maturing in the arts.
I know that there is a problem with watering down of standards and I do have other schools in my county that are pretty much belt factories. It does diminish what my students have earned in the eyes or expectations of others, but I seriously doubt that it will for them in their own minds and hearts. They KNOW what they have earned and more importantly, how much they had to grow as people in order to achieve it.
P.S. -There is also a bit of a problem in the arts with making generalizations, too.
As I said, there is a good chance, the mcdojos of the Kenpo world will have an effect on me. But, until people see every Kenpo school, they can't say, with absolute faith, that every Kenpo school sucks. Fortunately, the school that I belong to, is not a belt factory. All of the students work for their rank.
