Posted by Steve on April 23, 2003 at 09:42:38:
I have been thinking about my moo belts, and pondering their worth in the martial world these days. I was talking to my Sifu the other day, who recognizes my rank from OYD. I think he recognizes it because he's a cool guy and he really wants me to feel good about my accomplishments. So, rather than tearing down what I've learned (he doesn't have a lot of respect for the movements themselves), he builds me up for the time I spent. This, then, encourages me to practice his system harder. So, what is my 2nd degree black belt worth? It's worth more one on one time with my sifu, which is great. But other than that, i'm not sure what it's worth. I never wear it in class (I have the option of wearing it or not wearing it). Other students in my Sifu's school don't really know much about OYD or its movements (nor do they care to). I'm not sure whether they recognize it or not, or even care to. I see middle belt students move better than 3rd degrees at OYD schools. Luckily, my sifu has spent personal time with me to bring me up to speed quickly, otherwise I'd probably feel like a 2nd rate (pun on 2nd degree) chump in his classes.
So, what's it worth? Honestly, it doesn't mean too much to me anymore. Honestly, I am ashamed when people ask me 'what belt' I am, because I don't feel like I'm a 2nd degree black belt. In my Sifu's system, there is no such thing as '2nd degree'. There is black sash. No degrees of black, just knowledge. When people ask me what I studied before, I say, 'a korean style that mixed kung fu with tae kwon doe' because OYD is meaningless to them. When they ask me why I left, I say, 'because it was corrupt and because I didn't feel like I was getting anything out of it.'
Anyway, if OYD wants my belts back, they can have them - sweat, tags and all. Just give me a current address to send them to.