Originally Posted by
KD Tiger
...What do you think about testing for rank through this or similar organizations?
Unless an organization is tightly integrated with your style/school/ryu/kwan/whatever-you-want-to-call-it then what is their claim to being recognized as authoritites? How would they be qualified to test and promote you in a system with which they aren't affiliated?
Most of these "independent" organizations are just money-making schemes and diploma mills.
I know of some dedicated instructors who run their own schools who don't even claim rank. They simply tell their students of their backgrounds, and that they are independent and so have no "rank." The students watch a class and decide from that if it's what they want. No bogus sheepskins on the wall required. "John Smith has been practicing Korean and Japanese martial arts for X years, and holds a Black Belt in N. His classes at the Smith School of Martial Arts are a blend of blah-de-blah and nani-nani and give each student a well rounded experience in both traditional and modern methods."
If you like the idea of teaching mixed martial arts based on your varied background, that seems like the best, most honest approach to me.
On the other hand, I also know of teachers who run traditional dojo who have requested a high-ranking master in another town (or even another country) to oversee their schools. They travel to train with the master when possible, and bring him in when it's time to test their students. For a traditional school that is a good option, and something your TSD teacher might be willing to help you with.
HTH.
Yours in Budo,
---Brian---