Probably the most common BS title in karate is `Grandmaster', and most recently, I was sarcastically given this several times, from a Dutchman, who ironically is a self-graded 8th Dan (8th Degree Black Belt). His grading comes from HIS OWN ORGANISATION. Beyond giving himself 8th Dan, "via the signature of his pals", this megalomaniacs organisation has`Japan' in the name. This is an attempt to falsely legitimise himself, and his buddies (by fooling naive people that he and his group have some official connection to an authentic karate organisation in Japan). What's more, he claims to now be training for 9th Dan!!! A rank which in Japan there is no test for, but reflects a level of skill and knowledge only held by the very best of the best... I.e - legends such as Nakayama Sensei, Asai Sensei, Enoeda Sensei etc. Anyone claiming to have, or to be training for this rank, is living somewhere on cloud nine, unless their karate is literally phenomenal. Actually `phenomenal' really is an understatement._______
Just "coincidentally" this individual was recently kicked out of
Mrs. Asai's I.J.K.A (International Japan Karatedokai Asai-ryu) and just before that, he was kicked out Keigo Abe Sensei's J.S.K.A (Japan Shotokan Karate Association). These are just the last two groups this 60 year old clown was kicked out of, and yes, there are others.
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Mrs. Asai's I.J.K.A (International Japan Karatedokai Asai-ryu) and just before that, he was kicked out Keigo Abe Sensei's J.S.K.A (Japan Shotokan Karate Association). These are just the last two groups this 60 year old clown was kicked out of, and yes, there are others.________
You'll never see this 8th Dan upload his kata online because he is too good to show his technique, especially now he is so great with his own self-graded/buddie appointed 8th degree black belt! Instead you will see his same photos (just the few that he has) with Asai Sensei showing up again and again. And all just social and standing around... Funny that isn't it!!! I wonder where are the photos he has with Asai Sensei being privately taught kata, or doing kumite or demonstrations with him? Where are they??? Seriously... WHERE ARE THEY??? Hmmm...
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Oh, I know... They are secret! Maybe that is why he calls me a grandmaster? Because I have lots of videos and photos in public directly learning from Asai Sensei... Also because he can see my kihon, kata, kumite and teaching/seminars on youtube and he feels inferior. NO, OF COURSE NOT!!! I look forward to seeing some present videos or even some technical photos of this self-graded 
ninny who everyone in Japan kicks out because he is a big mouth and can't back what he says, via his actual karate skills.
ninny who everyone in Japan kicks out because he is a big mouth and can't back what he says, via his actual karate skills.__________
There are many great styles, organisations and instructors in the karate world, but clearly one must be careful to avoid people, and groups, such as those discussed in this post. Thankfully nowadays via technology, it is much easier to expose individuals who are charlatans. I sincerely hope that this article helps you to better analyse karate organisations and the qualifications of instructors.
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© André Bertel, New Zealand 2010.
