The dangers of Martial Arts self proclaimed masters

What exactly is a "self-proclaimed" martial arts master?

In my opinion, a selI-proclaimed master is one who
establishes their own independent criteria to declare their
respective status within the martial arts community, usually at
some sort oI highly ranked level or teaching position. In some
cases, they may have created a completely Iictional
background about themselves or even a Iictitious martial art
style. OIten they claim some diIIicult iI not impossible to
authenticate training background.
Irom: http://www.bullshido.net/Iorums/showthread.php?t88950
More oIten, they simply obtain at least some credentials Irom others through various means. OIten they will
enter into mutual recognition arrangements with other like-minded persons. This usually works something like,
"I will recognize and rank you at a high level in my style iI you reciprocate and rank me in your style." It
provides them with a sense oI external recognition and results in lots oI new high dan rankings Ior both
participants. Others quite Irankly purchase martial arts rank certiIicates Irom unscrupulous individuals or
organizations.
Why do people self proclaim themselves as masters?
I am not an expert on mental health, but I think it has a lot to do with Iear and insecurity. I've noticed that many
oI the selI-proclaimed masters I've met haven't enjoyed much success in the other aspects oI their lives. They
oIten are employed at Iairly simple occupations and Irequently have a limited educational background. Their
Ieelings oI powerlessness and inadequacy are oIten the reason they were drawn to the martial arts in the
beginning. For example, you hear them talking a lot about the dangers oI today's streets in nearly paranoid
terms, as iI we are likely to be assaulted at any moment or Iace attackers lurking around every corner.
The martial arts master presents a very powerIul image, one who is capable oI deIeating all enemies and has
incredible wisdom. This master is not intimidated by such opponents or modern technology. Since it is unlikely
they could actually earn rank within the more traditional styles, they are leIt to create their own martial arts
teaching credentials. To appear even more powerIul, they oIten adopt titles associated with martial arts masters,
such as soke and shihan, oIten to the point oI absurdity. For the same reason, you Iind selI-proclaimed martial
arts masters have purchased diploma mill degrees or simply awarded themselves with educational credentials.
Like martial arts ranks, the academic doctorate title represents a powerIul icon to someone who Ieels
inadequate.
Written by, Robert A. Zellner
Founder and ChieI Master Teacher
Ra'zel X-Treme Tactical DeIense Systems
www.razeltactical.com
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Kung Fu master as depicted by Hollywood movie: Kill Bill
There is one very well-known martial arts organization run by a selI-proclaimed martial arts master who takes
Iull advantage oI these Iears. For a Iee, he will "register" individual applicants as sokes or Iounders oI their own
martial arts style, thus providing a sense oI legitimacy and group recognition they oIten are seeking. In addition,
he also oIIers various academic sounding degrees in "oriental philosophy" to members willing to pay Ior such
nonsensical credentials. By doing so, he has not only addressed his own inner Iears, but has obviously Iound a
way to exploit the insecurities oI others such as himselI.
What would you say is the main difference between a "non-traditional" master and a traditional master?
Although I know that many traditional practitioners disagree, there is nothing really that much diIIerent about
being a selI-proclaimed master. With a Iew exceptions, it is not illegal in most countries. And while many
traditionalists may Ieel it raises some sticky ethical questions, there is actually a lot oI historical precedence Ior
obtaining recognition and standing in such manner.
We may not like to admit it, but just about every organized group has oIIered recognition to those willing to pay
or trade Ior it at one time or another. It was not that unusual Ior Edo Period merchants, Ior example, to use their
wealth to obtain samurai privileges, even upgrade their social class status, Ior themselves or their Iamilies.
Can we consider the art of a self proclaimed master as an martial art?
I don't think that some 23-year-old who studied karate Ior a year or two, then declared himselI the Iounder oI a
new martial art style has much credibility, but that's really my own subjective opinion. It's based on my own
personal value system and may not be valid Ior others. The martial arts are really not well regulated, so there is
nothing that prohibits anyone Irom doing something like that. Outside oI historical authenticity, I am certainly not
prepared to judge what a true martial art is and what is not. It's really a value judgment that each person must
make Ior themselves.
This is an area where a lot oI practitioners like to bash one another, though. You'll oIten Iind them accusing each
other oI "buying" rank or that the others art is not really as historically legitimate or as street eIIective as their
own particular style. The truth is that this is a never-ending circular argument and really doesn't accomplish
anything.
Yet, there are some very real dangers in training with certain types oI selI-proclaimed masters. When these are
openly discussed, however, the subject is oIten clouded by counter accusations that the person is just bashing
another chosen art or instructor. It's an easy way Ior dubious instructors to hide Irom too much public scrutiny.
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What would be the dangers of training under a self proclaimed master?
The most obvious danger is potential injury through training accidents. An inexperienced instructor oIten
exposes themselves or their students to dangerous practices, oIten without realizing the risks they may be Iacing.
I remember a story about a well-
intentioned karate instructor who
wanted something dramatic Ior a
public demonstration. He decided to
use a sword to block arrows shot at
him by one oI his students. He had
seen such perIormances beIore and
thought it would be relatively simple.
Fortunately, they decided to practice a
Iew times beIore the actual exhibition.
At his student's insistence, he allowed
blunted arrows Ior the initial practice
shots. He was obviously surprised
when each arrow struck him despite
his best eIIort to block them. What he
hadn't realized was that Irom an
observer's perspective, it was Iairly
simple to judge the distance and speed
oI each arrow. Yet, as the target, it was
nearly impossible since the arrows
were coming directly at him.
Fumon Tanaka, trying to cut an arrow shot at him before it
reaches it heart. See if he makes it here:
http://www.martialdevelopment.com/blog/catching-arrow-real-skill-or-ninja-myth/
While this may seem an extreme example, I have also seen iaido instructors encourage students to do Iast draws
with actual swords without any precautions against splitting the scabbard and possibly amputating a Iinger or two.
A more experienced instructor is not as likely to allow a novice student to use a live sword, certainly not without
ensuring their grip prevents injury in such an event. Although anyone might be reluctant to practice catching
bullets in their teeth despite their teacher's best prompting, people do oIten ignore their own common sense when
reassured by a supposed "expert."
Experience is not always an assurance oI saIe training practices, either. There is the story about the accomplished
grappling arts instructor who wanted to demonstrate how eIIective Ialling techniques can be Ior a bunch oI new
students. To do so, he perIormed a standing Iorward Ilip Irom a table onto the mat. A slight miscalculation
resulted in spinal injury and paralysis. In all my years oI judo experience, ranging Irom small local garage dojos
to the Kodokan in Tokyo, I've never had a single instructor even suggest such a dangerous thing.
Finally, the unregulated martial arts is an open door to con men and mentally disturbed
individuals. It draws them like moths to an open Ilame. Fraud is rampant within the
martial arts, and there is little chance oI being caught since most victims are unwilling to
ever admit they have been cheated. Thus, you Iind individuals claiming all kinds oI
martial arts titles and oIIering "Asian-recognized" rank certiIicates or "hall oI Iame"
appointments to anyone willing to pay the price. For the most part, such credentials are
worthless, but who is going to complain to the authorities? Certainly not those who bought
them in a pathetic attempt to validate themselves. In my own view, the worst oIIenders
are the predators who are drawn to the martial arts and abuse their victims. As teachers
and authority Iigures, they oIten can Iind easy targets Ior physical, mental, and even sexual
abuse within the ranks oI students who come to them seeking instruction. Even when
exposed, they oIten Iind many willing supporters ready to deIend their actions. Although I
have seen this pattern over and over again, I have never understood why the martial arts
community tolerates this and doesn't do a better job oI protecting their own against such
violations.
Picture from.
http.//www.conman.tv
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I don't suppose the threat of training under such masters would be only limited to physical harm, would
it?
OIten an selI-proclaimed master may encourage illegal actions, oIten without realizing it. I've heard so-called
selI-deIense experts explain that it is okay to take the initiative iI necessary to prevent an assault. From a legal
perspective, though, it might not be viewed like that. Most jurisdictions only allow reasonable Iorce in response
to speciIic situations, and then only iI there is no other option available. II a person could run away, Ior
example, beating their attacker senseless might place them in legal jeopardy oI civil or even criminal charges.
The person who may think they are deIending themselves because they did what their instructor taught them
could easily wind up on the wrong side in the courtroom.
I've also know oI two organizations Iounded by selI-
proclaimed masters that oIIer academic sounding degrees and
titles to their members. In many states, issuing degrees without
proper authorization Irom the authorities is illegal. Even the
use oI certain academic titles by individuals, such as doctor or
proIessor, without having earned a degree Irom an accredited
institution is illegal as well in many states. Yet the
organizations I mentioned don't provide any disclaimer or
instructions when selling these titles to their members.
Example of fake certification from.
fakeaiplomaairectory.com
What should we do to avoid being cheated by those people?
The best advice is to trust common sense. You should Ieel comIortable with the amount charged, iI any, Ior
instruction or certiIicates. A commercial dojo oIten has to cover rent and pay bills, so a much higher Iee than
charged by the local community center instructor may be reasonable. II they want a lot oI money Ior registering
your rank with a headquarters oIIice that you can not veriIy, though, you are probably dealing with a dubious
individual or organization. II they oIIer rank without training or experience, it's probably not worth the price.
II their stories about their past experiences or training include a lot oI associations with special government or
elite military units, then you might question their qualiIications. II they tell you about how their instructor trained
and ranked them secretly, you might have reason to doubt their background. II they claim to have been in a
Ioreign country Ior extended periods yet don't have any photographs or even basic native language skills, then you
might want to look elsewhere Ior an instructor.
The bottom line is that you should step back and ask yourselI iI you honestly believe what they tell you about their
background. II not, I recommend you Iind someone that you can trust. II you are being sexually, physically, or
mentally abused by an instructor, you should notiIy the authorities immediately no matter what you think about
their martial arts qualiIications. II they are abusing you, the chances are good they are also hurting others or will in
the Iuture.
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US military. Picture from
http.//www.usmilitary.com
What's wrong with a military training background?
There's nothing wrong with a military training
background. I am a Vietnam veteran, having served as a
U.S. Navy corpsman with the Marines. For some reason,
though, many selI-proclaimed martial arts masters oIten
claim they are Iormer members or training instructors with
elite military special Iorces. I think it's because they are
Iascinated with the powerIul image oI such groups and
use implied associations to increase their own selI-
importance. What the general public Iails to realize is that
the military provides very little, iI any, unarmed combat
training. They are more interested in superior Iire power
and leave the hand-to-hand stuII Ior movie actors.
In ancient times, the problem of self proclaimed masters
could be easily solved by challenging and beating those masters.
Because of modern laws and ethic codes, it is impossible to do so
in our era. What do you think should be done to deal with those
fraudulent masters?
Personally, I don't care how eIIective or authentic other martial arts instructors may be or not. II someone claims
12 Dan rank and wears Spiderman pajamas in the dojo, they have every right to do so. As long as they are not
hurting anyone, then they are just as legitimate as any other koryu teacher. Denouncing other instructors or
practitioners Ior not practicing true martial arts is simply arrogant and irresponsible.
Many selI-proclaimed martial arts masters do harm their students, though, either inadvertently because oI their
inexperience or maliciously through Iraud or other abuse. These so-called masters should be identiIied and held
responsible Ior their actions. UnIortunately, the authorities oIten do not understand the martial arts and do not
realize that such Iraud or abuse is actually criminal behavior. Victims are rarely willing to complain or testiIy
against their instructor out oI a misguided sense oI loyalty or respect Ior their teacher.
Someone pays Ior an Asian-recognized ranking certiIicate only to discover later the Japanese kanji characters
actually translate as "sex house style" and there is no registration with any international group. A parent is
charged $3,000 in contract Iees to have their child trained and ranked to black belt level, then moves to another
city and discovers that this was some independently created style and the rank is basically worthless. Both oI
these are actual situations, yet the authorities don't prosecute because they don't understand the deceit involved.
I recently heard a high-ranked and generally respected martial arts instructor state that those who question other
styles are only doing it because oI their own insecurity. They should Iocus more on their own training, according
to this leader. Instead oI speaking out about such dangers, I should mind my own business is a sentiment oIten
echoed by many others in the martial arts community. I've taken a lot oI criticism Ior my eIIorts to identiIy and
warn others about harmIul individuals. As a result, I've been threatened with everything Irom legal action to
physical injury. I certainly haven't gained anything Irom it. Yet I Ieel it is our responsibility as citizens and
members oI society to both educate the authorities and to warn the public about potential danger. Some may
preIer to ignore such oIIenses and "just train," but true martial arts practitioners realize we should help protect
others Irom harm, even iI it means airing dirty laundry in public.
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