“If you take a moment to explore a variety of martial arts, one of the truisms you’ll identify is this: for every martial art, and every organization within a given martial art, there is at least one philosophy behind testing. Some martial arts, for example, heavily utilize testing in an effort to (and I’ll be polite here) ensure the viability of their style as a business. I have written at least once before about a martial arts business close to my home that charged a neighbor of mine close to $400 for their child to test for the next rank. Most of us who approach martial arts training with some semblance of a conscience recoil at such blatant attempts to monetize training, yet clearly this model works, because schools like these are not uncommon.”
Mar
13
A simple quid pro quo. To set aside a time, a place, to take time out from paid activities(which pay the rent) takes time, expense and some measure of skill to organize. After the test the keeping of proper records is essential. Printers usually want hard cash to produce quality certificates. On this basis, you do not want time wasted by empty promises of dilettantes who have no intention of turning up for the test. Fees simply cover costs and serve to screen out the uncertain or insincere.
Likewise, a student who simply seeks martial knowledge shouldn’t be forced into a test situation in which the student should pay a fee or be kicked out. Some have financial reasons or the like for not going through test procedure (and thus the fees), some don’t feel such matters important (consider old style Japanese arts, or modern systems such as the Russian System). Certainly, it’s reasonable to arrange “mock-tests” for such students if the teacher desires. Some do not wish to be associated in that way with any aikido organization (whether Kokikai, ASU, USAF, or even Aikikai), but simply really admire the skills of their teacher and are loyal through this aspect (of course, paying regular dojo dues). I see it as more like a member of the community coming to learn from a martial artist they deem to have skill and ability, and also the type who seek rank within the structure of an organization and the mission towards Dan rankings, beit for pure rank, reminders of personal progress, merits to one day become teachers, etc. Cheers.
If people freely part with their money, others will devise ways to assist them. Those individuals all have a brain, and can choose how they use it. Some people give things more value according to the monetary price of that certain thing. Sometimes quality and workmanship dictate a higher price. Sometimes junk sells for a high price. It is up to each individual what value they place on something. If I personally believe that something is of great value to me, then I am prepared to pay more.
Why waste time moaning about people charging more for something, or people paying more? A bit futile don’t you think? It has gone on since the beginning of time and will go on long after we are dust. Remember the old saying “One born every minute”.
We all have the free choice to choose or refuse. Just as many of us judge everyone and everything around us on a daily basis.
All we can do is to be true to ourselves. Set the bar high by all means, but we cannot force or make anyone meet our own personal standards.
Live and let live, with free choice for all.
Good life and good luck to all.
Paul
I like when you say, “[the testing process] cannot be avoided lightly” as your last sentence. I like the way you phrase this, and I agree.
If taken as a perfect indicator, rank is misleading. There are many variables from dojo to dojo, person to person. However, if taken as a general guide, I believe it is helpful. The technique of a black belt is almost always more refined than that of an Aikidoka in the early to middle white belt ranks. When it comes to living in the way of Aikido, a sankyu might have a much clearer understanding than a sandan. In fact, a 7th grader who knows next to nothing about martial arts, and has never trained, might be more on the path than someone of either rank.
As far as paying dues and test fees, people in organizations might rather operate for free, but they need to put rice on the table like everyone else. An excellent doctor who cares deeply about his patients, still has to charge for his or her services. Otherwise, he or she cannot eat and sleep comfortably enough to continue helping.