Brian:

No real explaination and I didn't really ask for one. I was mostly dissapointed that I spent a full day on a Saturday and wasn't even allowed to do the kata.

This is a very Traditional group, the Master would not rock the boat as he needs the support of the established group in order to progress himself. Black belts all test at the main dojo and at his level he needs to be recommended by his peers and
those with higher rank in order to have an opportunity to test himself. Karate is his life and I don't want, or expect, him to fall on his sword for me

I was actually relieved at the outcome as I can now just come in and focus on my training. I continue to show up and teach what I know to people of lower and higher rank than myself. I line up with the white belts and prefer it that way as I need the work out and don't really want to have the added responsability. The dojo is my only outlet where I can just show up, work hard, get out my aggressions, and then go back to work and family obligations.

I wasn't interested in rank when I started and don't need the recognition. Aside from the council, I am well respected by the students for what I know and what I can do.

Plus my white belt looks really cool after all this time. I would really hate to give it up for a crisp, clean, brown one. I figure in another few years it will break at the knot and will will have to go with one wrap instead of two!

Oh, I don't want to leave the wrong impression, I am not called "the angry white belt" over this incident. It is because of the look in my eye when I am focused.

give it another couple of years with no washing it and it'll go brown anyway

haha i dont know guys, i have to pay for the belts from my supply company, so umm...yeah ultimately my customers will have to pay for it. as far as testing fees go...

i have a wonderful new student, who told me he wanted to test for his second degree. the reason he never did? his teacher wanted $1800 for the test. plus the 1500 a year tuition. now i have another great student. i recently paid 400 for my own rank test. because we had to rent a facility for all the people testing. im way behind on the times i think.

when I changed to instructing my own style of fighting, I took out any fees for testing. Your skill level dictates were your at on your belt level, not the money you have in your pocket.

Hello Integrityma:

Ancient thread but good topic

You're not behind the times at all, merely of a different mind set than too many supposedly "teaching" today. If you had to rent a place to be tested, or for the party afterward THAT is understandable on some levels at least.

Jeff

Hello Scott:

Its even far simpler than that.

Rank is an acknowledgement between two people. You acknowledge I have reached a specific level, in your opinion.

Jeff