Question 099: Certificate mills

I try to evaluate everything using logic, reason, verifiable facts, and a cost-benefit analysis, not emotions. (My hero was Mr. Spock, the half-human half-Vulcan, not the baby doctor.) However, not everything may be viewed this way; some things are purely opinion, which is influenced by everything that a person has experienced during his or her life; and, since everyone has different life experiences, there are as many opinions as there are people. Facts are cold and hard, opinions can be hot and emotional.

Since there is no widely recognized standard for what constitutes legitimate rank, legitimately of rank is in the eyes of the holder of the rank. I have my opinion on the matter; you have yours. Apparently, we both desire the same thing, a uniform rank system, at least within the same martial art, so that potential students may evaluate and compare martial arts and martial art instructors and not get ripped off by frauds; however, this will never happen.

If you read through some of the topics in TKDTutor.com, you will find I expose all the dark secrets of Taekwondo, such as its recent beginnings, it being a version of Japanese Shotokan karate and not some ancient Korean art, the corruption in the WTF, the North Korean leanings of General Hi, TKD’s evolution from a fighting art into a sport, etc.; things from which Taekwondo practitioners of any organization may find something at which to get angry. I am an equal opportunity criticizer. I also express my opinion of such things as awarding black belts to children, having adults being subordinate to children of higher rank, the effectiveness of vertical punches, and the sanctification of Bruce Lee. Some agree with my opinions, some do not; and, on occasion, I have altered or changed my opinion based upon facts or a convincing argument, but not upon a consensus of opinion.

Feel free to use information from TKDTutor.com or from our discussion if you think it is useful. Our discussion has been enjoyable. If you run across something else in TKDTutor.com with which you do not agree, let me know.