Grandmaster Jae C. Shin to Recieve his Ku Dan

[Basho]

I've just found out that GM Shin is to be promoted to the rank of 9th Dan. First, let me give you the background. Grandmaster Shin trained under Hwang Kee (the founder of modern Tang Soo Do, in case you didn't know); sadly, in 2002, Grandmaster Hwang Kee passed away. GM Hwang Kee never promoted GM Shin before his death. Because of GM Shin's prestige and dedication to martial arts, and in view of his 25 years as 8th Dan, the WTSDA has decided, by way of signed proclamation of any members who so desire, to promote him to the rank of 9th dan. The promotion ceremony is designated to take place at the 2010 world championships, July 16th and 17th in Greensboro, NC.

The proclamation to be sent in duplicate to the various member studios of the world will read as follows:

"BY THESE PRESENTS, the undersigned and respectful followers of Grandmaster Jae C. Shin, students and practitioners of WORLD TANG SOO DO, do solemnly signify, declare, and proclaim that:

WHEREAS, Grandmaster Jae C. Shin has dedicated his life to the discipline of martial arts and is well respected and honored throughout the world inside and outside of the martial arts community; and

WHEREAS, Grandmaster Jae C. Shin has founded and has led the World Tang Soo Do Association since its inception in 1982 as 8th Dan Grandmaster into an organization of more than 150,000 members, 300 master instructors in 38 countries; and

WHEREAS, Grandmaster Jae C. Shin has fostered and advanced the martial art of Tang Soo Do through Master clinics, Regional Championships, World Championships and numerous programs as well as authoring several Tang Soo Do books;

NOW THEREFORE, the undersigned are proud and grateful students of the World Tang Soo Do Association and do solemnly proclaim our loyalty and support by declaring the honorable Grandmaster Jae C. Shin be and hereby is promoted to 9th Dan Grandmaster.

Honorific Commendation Committee"

I sincerely hope to attend this historic moment in the WTSDA and Tang Soo Do.

[complete]

Thanks for the info. I used to take TSD under World Tang Soo Do Federation so I'm aware of GM Shin. I didn't know he was only 8th degree blackbelt, not that it really matters. Most people who start their own organization claim 10th degree but glad to see such humility of GM Shin, sticking with 8th degree for the 25 years.

[Basho]

Originally Posted by complete

Thanks for the info. I used to take TSD under World Tang Soo Do Federation so I'm aware of GM Shin. I didn't know he was only 8th degree blackbelt, not that it really matters. Most people who start their own organization claim 10th degree but glad to see such humility of GM Shin, sticking with 8th degree for the 25 years.

I had that same thought. But at this point I don't think that there's any debate that he deserves it.

You know, I don't even think Hwang Kee claimed 10th.

[Shinobi_Kokujin]

wow. thats a very humble and dedicated man. i did kanbukan tsd but.....i dont even know if they fall under WTSDA or is an independent kwan. miss those days sometimes though cause they came at a time when i was

in a disillusioned slump

[Basho]

They're seperate. Didn't know you'd ever taken TSD. Remember much of it?

[Shinobi_Kokujin]

yeah, vaguely remember some of the forms though. i only reason i do is cause the first tkd school i trained at still used the same palgwe forms that tsd uses

[souldrum71]

Wow. Twenty-five years at 8th dan. That is truly impressive.

[punisher]

question for you guys: would you want to continually be graded (till 10th degree) or would you rather stay at a lower ranking but continue to improve on your existing knowledge?

that is the predicament i am having now. for my second degree grading, it comprises of a video (film of all my katas, performing take downs and self defense techniques, basics, even sparring matches, an essay, 100 teaching hours and grading other karateka and judging in tournaments.

this kind of grading is done on your own time, however i have taken exceptionally long (2 years and running). but i am not sad/worried about it at all. i am aware that there are students who now outrank me, although i am more skilled in most if not all aspects, but the fact doesnt bother me. my ideology towards the subject has been that i would prefer to stay a 1st dan with all that i know, rather than go through the motions and move on in ranking.

when i last spoke to my sensei, he even expressed his own feelings of my situation (as i was taking forever) and even suggested that i just hand in my film and essay and whatever teaching time i had accumulated. i had turned down the offer, mostly because i didnt have the essay done, but that encounter showed me hwo he regarded my skills. he also knew that i had a lot of teaching time that i never counted because i was in no rush.

the reason i bring this up is because i can understand staying at 8th dan for 25 years. granted i am in the middle of an "ongoing" grading, i have held my rank for quite some time and have been told that i am ready to move on. but i am fine with what where i am. and i think that is how this GM perceived his situation. i do not know anything of this style, but this GM's ideology seems similar to mine: continually improve and add to what you know, even if your rank is not moving. that is my true goal with MA.

[Basho]

Originally Posted by punisher

question for you guys: would you want to continually be graded (till 10th degree) or would you rather stay at a lower ranking but continue to improve on your existing knowledge?

When I get promoted I always make sure that there is no doubt in my mind that I deserve the belt I'm receiving before I accept it. So if I didn't think I desereved 10th dan, and there's no question that I don't, then I wouldn't accept it. In our organization, there is no such thing as 10th dan.

[souldrum71]

Originally Posted by punisher

question for you guys: would you want to continually be graded (till 10th degree) or would you rather stay at a lower ranking but continue to improve on your existing knowledge?

Personally, I was driven to achieve my black belt, and I worked very hard for each colored belt testing. Maybe I was so anxious because I had started over in different styles and been a white belt four times in my life. I don't know?

However, now that I've achieved 2nd Dan, I really find it hard to get motivated to rank up in degrees. I could really just care less about being a higher rank. On the other hand, I am constantly motivated to become more physically fit and improve on or add new techniques to my skills.

[tkdKaren]

For me, I have learned that the belt you wear is not what is important. As long as I am active and don't quit, I am content. Belts off would be just fine for me. As Kyoshi Ivan has said, "Character is the only rank." Yea I would like my black belt some day, but there is no rush, so long as I keep training.

On the other hand, to be 8th dan for 25 years? How admirable is that! Extremely humble and deserving of respect.

[Chad]

On the other hand belts are important if you wish to teach said MA.

[complete]

This site says Chuck Norris is 9th degree in Tang Soo Do. Is that right?

Tang Soo Do World

[TKD&JKD]

Originally Posted by souldrum71

Personally, I was driven to achieve my black belt, and I worked very hard for each colored belt testing. Maybe I was so anxious because I had started over in different styles and been a white belt four times in my life. I don't know?

However, now that I've achieved 2nd Dan, I really find it hard to get motivated to rank up in degrees. I could really just care less about being a higher rank. On the other hand, I am constantly motivated to become more physically fit and improve on or add new techniques to my skills.

+rep I've been a white belt three times. I agree with what you said about testing, now that I have achieved my BB, testing just doesn't seem to matter much. Right now it's just about being the best I can be because I don't want to have a BB and suck. I want to set an example of what a BB should be.

[TKD&JKD]

I guess I can't rep you consecutively, so sorry no rep for you Soul, I owe you one.