Posted by Pa Doer on February 04, 2003 at 14:59:24:
In Reply to: Re: Susan Johnson posted by Susan Johnson on February 03, 2003 at 17:01:24:
Hi Susan,
I say get your black belt. You've worked hard for it so why not. Just keep in mind that they may hold you as what is known as a 'Probationary' first degree with a gray stripe. They'll tell you that you need to improve a few areas before you'll be full 1st degree.
What they are really doing, however, is waiting for you to sign onto the next your next degree program.
I was a second-degree instructor in a school in MA. And I saw this on many occasions and it still bothers me. You, like many of us who are out and some who are still in, are good students working hard to be good martial artists. You are in a system that sometimes promotes a student’s ability to pay just as easily, and more often, as martial ability.
I will also tell you, as others have, that there are other schools that are more reasonably priced and have forms that have verifiable histories and living masters who will teach you more direct and understandable developmental and self defense applications.
You may find, as I have, that real Bagwa (their spelling) is not what you are practicing. The same for the tai chi.
Of course the choice is yours. I do urge you to look around for other schools. When I left I studied at one school for three years before moving on to my current school. You too have a foundation of experience from which you can build and grow.
Good Luck