Did You Know You Can Just Buy Blackbelts?
Postedabout 2 months agoActiveabout 2 months ago
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Martial ArtsCredibilityRank Inflation
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Martial Arts
Credibility
Rank Inflation
The article discusses how it's possible to buy black belts in martial arts, sparking a discussion about the lack of a central ranking system and the credibility of martial arts certifications.
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Nov 12, 2025 at 9:38 AM EST
about 2 months ago
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Nov 12, 2025 at 9:44 AM EST
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Nov 12, 2025 at 11:29 AM EST
about 2 months ago
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It doesn't surprise me at all. It's not like there is really a central system for martial arts ranks. When I was a kid I went to this Dojo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaolin_Kempo_Karate
which has a slightly different system of belts and isn't taken seriously by everyone. Despite that, decades later, the last time somebody held a fake gun to my head they were tasting dirt and then it hit me that I would have done the same thing if it was a real gun.
I think I got to green belt in the Villari system long ago, I still have a Gi with a black belt for cosplay. I am not going to tell you I have any authority as a martial arts instructor but when my son got interested in
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-section_staff
I studied up on forms that use that vs the Spear and we trained in that; any conventional martial arts school would make you spend at least a year practicing punches and kicks before doing a weapons form but he just didn't have the patience. Could I teach a beginner the basics of punches and kicks, sure. I'll do it for my friends and family but I'm not going to hang a shingle as a martial arts instructor.