Apr 09 2008
Rank means nothing, except when it means something
I have been debating writing this post for ages. Every time I came to write a new post it appeared in my draft list and I did not have the heart to erase it. Probably because I do think that this is important.
In the Bujinkan rank means nothing. There are those who have skill and no rank and there are those who self admittedly lack skill yet are of high rank. This is OK, because ranks in the Bujinkan is not given out for skill. (This is true primarily for rank over 5th dan but if you travel to Japan the same applies for lower ranks as well.)
A problem arises though when people start refusing rank. The question becomes why refuse rank? Is it because you do not believe you are at that level? If so then train harder and get there. Is it because you don’t want to be the center of attention? For the sake of those who taught you, man up and take responsibility. Is it because you feel that rank is given out too easily? Then go ahead and show people an effective way to teach the art.
We have all seen people chase rank and obsess over it. Don’t obsess over it the other way. What’s the point? Do you want to hold some type of pride over the fact that I am a 5th dan and my taijutsu is as good as a Shihan. Good, so if he got in a fight his high rank won’t save him. Neither will your rank. If you have something good to share, share it. You know like how Hatsumi sensei shares information with us. While you are below 5th dan you can find a good Shihan who has the type of standards that you want to follow. After 5th dan, pass on your knowledge the best way you can. If that means that you smile and accept another certificate (if you can afford the extra cash) go ahead. You don’t have to put your rank on your website and business cards, just understand that when it comes to sharing info, people don’t look around the room for the great san dan they look for the judan, regardless of skill.