Taken from http://www.mookas.us/media_view.asp?news_no=1493
More than 300 black belts are approved to test at a once in a lifetime giveaway of dan rankings, at the US Open in Las Vegas February 15th. USAT, in conjunction with Kukkiwon, is selling the opportunity to triple dan skip, and possibly more. Mookas has evidence that at least one individual who is first dan will test for seventh. It was originally advertised that qualified individuals could test for 4th through 9th dan. This was later adjusted to 7th dan because of the general clamor and protests against this testing, to the Kukkiwon. In all fairness, there will be individuals who have participated and contributed greatly to our Taekwondo community that deserve higher Kukkiwon rank than they hold. I know masters that are KKW 2nd dan that should be fourth or fifth, and sixth dan's that should be seventh or higher by now, without question. But the weekend warriors and retirees who "dabble" or "once trained" are not equally experienced or qualified. They should not be rewarded for their having ceased to actively teach, contribute, keep up or participate; as there are many existing belt holders who have; for decades. It's simply not fair. Time eligibility for rank aside, what makes a master is many thousands of hours teaching, training, participating and actively contributing to Taekwondo at some level, locally or nationally. Being a black belt is only in part about competition history or physical abilities. It is very much about integrity as a way of life, perpetual discipline, citizenship, empowerment of others, and community contributions. Not about doing only what is required to be approved for, and ability, to pass a test. Now more than ever the saying "All black belts are not created equal" becomes true. Dave Askinas, USAT CEO and the MAC have compromised Taekwondo by allowing so many to test. The Kukkiwon I believe regrets consenting to this test, but could only modify a few conditions without withdrawing and totally losing face. With Taekwondo's struggle for credibility because of so many public controversies from judging, to an athlete kicking a referee in Beijing, and now this mass dan rank giveaway, Taekwondo takes another step backward in the public's perception. This testing contributes little to the community; it merely generates money for USAT.
The unfortunate thing is that all black belts will now have a diminished perceived value and worth, and lessened public perception. A TKD black belt will no longer be perceived as having earned this honored badge of accomplishment, as it was once perceived. People will ask "is your dan rank pre-or post-US Open testing?" All who test will have an asterisk* attached to their rank, be that deserved or not. This test is about generating money for USAT, not about reparations and deservedness to those left behind. USAT is selling dan certificates wholesale, unjustifiably devaluing a once treasured and precious asset. I believe that those who have demonstrated long term commitment through action should certainly be considered for promotions. But the weekend warriors, retirees and sleepers had their chance and abstained from involvement. Special circumstances to make reparations to the few who deserve it might be an appropriate action. But for many who applied to take this test it is not. Jhoon P. Choi has stated that with this testing, USAT will be able to expand its support base, and give USAT something to build upon. The inference here is that by giving so many people their increased dan ranking; they will support USAT and the MAC, out of appreciation and obligation. Do USAT and the MAC really believe they can buy peoples loyalty through promotions? How many of these same people will go home, take out sandpaper or a file and start "antiquing" their new belts?
USAT is desperate for money, hanging on by a financial thread, and its Askinas's job to assure USAT's fiscal well being. Yet it should not be at the cost of having what is valuable cheapened and diminished. This may play out like a Ponzi scheme, where the future value of having a Taekwondo black belt may end up being worthless. Perception of what a black belt is, is rapidly changing from the legendary and rare accomplishment it once was when held by "1 in 10,000". Masters will speak about how it was in the old days, how it used to be. That qualification is in part what makes this test deserved of an Asterisk.
The USAT website says there will be a short performance by the Folies Bergere at opening ceremonies. This is not appropriate considering the large numbers of adolescents to be present. They are a Tropicana Hotel based show, but they are a sexually evocative burlesque show, who also perform a general audience version. They kick high, just like in Taekwondo. But is USAT's goal to get the audience aroused and hot for Taekwondo? Because that's very likely the associative perception and message this sends. TKD and the Folies Bergere, a combination that common sense would declare is mutually exclusive, if not outright immoral. How about "No T & A with the TKD". Why cheapen everything about Taekwondo? Isn't cheapening the meaning of a black belt enough? Dave Askinas, Taekwondo is a family oriented sport, remember? Not your personal burlesque playground. Taekwondo is certainly not your opportunity chest to select whatever idea comes to mind to raise money, without exercising good judgment. Financial desperation is no justification for desecration of traditional TKD values. Like trying to sell Head of Delegation for 10G, or the Kick-a Thon Olympic athlete visit for 10G. Or a black belt testing, where to pay will change your past. And now Burlesque? Is this how USAT and the Mac will ensure "its initiative to restore martial arts traditions and values to the practice of Taekwondo?" This is absolute hypocrisy. How many Asterisks are enough?
Allan Schein
Copyright 2009*
Allan Schein is the co-author with Grandmaster Dong Keun Park of the book Tae Kwon Do Basics, Techniques and Forms. The Indomitable Martial Art of Korea. He is also a contributing editor and feature writer for Masters Magazine, and columnist for the US Taekwondo Committee.-
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