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To address and serve you
most properly, Joseph, regarding the matter of the holding of Rank and
title (or, as the Japanese call it: yūdansha), a so-called 'Black-belt' holder, the address was entered and presented here, before all to whom it
may concern, and I suppose to those to whom it does not? Below
this address are the links to your old and new Rank Certificates along
with the transcript documents that go with each rank. Under our own rules and customs, as well as those common to
others with similar practices, regarding the issuance and holding of
the Dankai ranks, the first
of which is Shodan
(1st Degree Blackbelt) it is customary to say something... to make the
occassion more meaningful, I suppose. I myself, as you well know (being
that you're my eldest son) do not really care for 'common routines'
unless in fact they are meaningful by content (otherwise, it seems
rather futile and not worth the time to perform it.) So, my real
intention here is to make this address to you (on the subject) useful
even later in life, so that you can return some day to what I said in
this address and perhaps gain some insight. You will find that,
occassionally, it's helpful to you over the years. It will be. You are
my oldest son, but on these subjects that has little bearing at all.
Read this address, since that is your duty, and bear it in mind when it
would be at all useful to you.
You will excuse me for making some usage of Japanese terminology in the
body of the address, but it's often said that Japanese is the
lingua-franka of Jujutsu. We do hold and understand that, in reality,
it's all universal and that Jujutsu is only the specific Japanese
incarnation of the body of knowledge that generally makes up the
subject of such things as paramilitary unarmed combat.
Being that the Japanese schools had actually maintained a codified form
of these arts descended from history itself (whereas others could
barely claim to have done so at all) the older and more original
branches of our school, the Weymouth School of Defense,
saw these Japanese systems and arts as being the source of a much more
reliable methodology by which to protect themselves, or to survive
war-time. It is, however, true that the adoption within the school, of
the Jujutsu itself, was most originally from the school of Kano Jujutsu
and it's wartime equivalent called 'Combat Judo' at the time of the
Great Wars (World War 1&2). Our branch, now fully separate and
distinct unto itself, had acquired the 'modern' Jujutsu school called Shinden yoshin ryu (or quite commonly, just called Yoshin ryu). This was just a small Gendai goshin-jujutsu school, that is to say, a school of modern self defense arts. It was originally one of the British schools of Yoshin ryu
that made it's way across the sea around the time of the Indo-Chinese
Wars. Of these early Anglo schools, there were, in fact, several of
them called Yoshin ryu. They resulted from the visitation of some certain of the Japanese Sensei
(to Britian and Western Europe, as well as in the Americas) from
between the years 1905 to1935, and one can still find some few number
of historical references to their visitations during that time period.
Some of these British schools were based off of the well known Takagi schools and others were based off of the Miura yoshin ryu,
while still yet others (in and among the British) were an obvious cross
over of both (most probably created in Britain and Western Europe as a
hodge-podging of the two different forms of Yoshin ryu.) The Anglo Yoshin ryu
schools (about four kinds of them) came across the sea, around the time
of the beginning of World War I, and through the course of the
Indo-Chinese Wars... to land on the shores of the Graysaindes at
British Canada and then drifted down into the regions of New England
and futher. That is in simple terms, the history of our school.
ON MANY KINDS OF SCHOOLS... AND MANY KINDS OF RANKS
It's
a common mistake to think that the likes of a 'black-belt' rank, or any
quite similar to it, are of a specific definition. This results from a
lack of familiarity with the subject. Pay attention and I will explain
the matter in some simple detail.
There
are various kinds of 'black-belts', they are given for various
reasons and do not all mean the same thing. Some black-belts (Dankai
ranks) are given strictly on the grounds of technical skill, having
learned to repeat rote sets of mechanical movements (techniques).
These ranks serve no other purpose, an acknowledgment of the
performer's ability to rote repetition. Some
black-belts are given strictly on the grounds of technical skill of
quite a different sort, namely, that of technical content (within the
school or system attended.) These ranks serve no other purpose, a recognition of the holder's knowledge of technical content. Some black-belt ranks are
not given
on the grounds of either form of technical knowledge, or that of technical skill at all, and have nothing to do with
these subjects. They may be a form of an academic
award, due to the function that the practitioner serves in the school or system. Or they may have been given on the basis of having held (earlier) rank for
an extended period of time. Some are given on account of long term
membership (with or without any earlier rank holdings) in a school or
system. Some black-belt ranks are given on the grounds of ability to teach others and thus were intended to provide such instruction and ranks to others. Some black-belt ranks are
not given for such purposes at all, and their holders cannot teach or rank others.
There are many kinds of Dankai black-belt ranks.
In much the same way, there are many different kinds of schools. Some schools do not issue rank (of any kind, whether Lower ranks ('kyu' ranks) or Higher ranks ('dan' ranks). Some schools don't issue rank (of any kind) on any other basis than for technical skill in rote repetition of a large set number of techniques. Some schools don't issue rank on any other basis than
for technical knowledge of the curriculum of the school or system (they
must be named and performed as a set of rote movements, to demonstrate
recognition.) Some schools will issue rank (of any kind, whether Lower ranks ('kyu' ranks) or Higher ranks ('dan' ranks) on any available and reasonable basis that is useful to the general cause. Some of these schools
will issue such ranks as meet more than one of the above descriptions
of a Grant of Rank, since doing so will provide some proliferation
(differencing their assembly of adepts, or black-belts) and so providing a useful pool of resources by which to carry out the school or system. Not that you need to be told, but we are such a school.
Which
kind of Rank and title, Joseph, that you have recieved here is largely
at your discretion to decide. In a school like our own, and in such
general practices, one can 'change gears' when done in a reasonable
fashion and so increase the usefulness of their rank and station. It
may happen, over the years, that you do not feel worthy of the rank any more and that it is or has become a bit hollow and meaningless. This comes from the perception that it should mean something,
at a basic level. Come back to this address on the subject that I gave
you here, when you were first given the rank(s) and then you can find
meaning for it all again. What meaning, in the end, is up to you. But
the fact always remains that, like some few other schools or systems,
our school is known and understood to ascribe to the practice of
issuing (in a reasonable and cautious fashion) the Ranks on any available and reasonable basis that is useful to the general cause. In
the end, son, it really means that (even in the individual's case) the
rank is much the same... as if it has been issued for your own
personal and due cause. If it does not first serve you yourself... then
in what way could it possibly serve the school or system itself at
all?? I assume you understand this, since it is an elementary concept. In the Master's Handbook (a Study Manual that I wrote for you and your brother, called Densho Bungaku
in the pages that I wrote), there is some measurable volume of
assistance regarding the subject, should it become an issue of
technical knowledge.
ON THE MATTER OF TECHNICAL SKILL
Capacity
and ability (to perform a thing) is called 'acquired skill'. Acquired
skills are considered to be possessions in hand
and are to be included
here. They are also a form of valuables and hence doubly belong here.
Skill and ability is a foundational subject in the Japanese fighting
arts, and the paramilitary arts in general. There are parts of the
paramilitary arts that lend themselves very well to
life and society in general, if only we will implement them. From one
perspective or another, all skills and
abilities are relevant and integral to the paramilitary arts. Beyond
this, the strict subject of skill and ability is a matter of they're
being valuable and useful. One must value his inherent strengths
and abilities to accomplish or perform a thing, the result of valuing
this is to seek training or self-education to learn new acquired skills
and power.
However, the capacity to use these newly acquired strengths is
limited in value when compared to the fine skills and abilities already
possessed. The world has plenty of skills, which in deciding what of
them to pursue may be specifically determined by their being useful
for general activity, these are "general skills". Skills
which can be obtained by special efforts are "special skills"
and these can be divided into two categories as indicated below.
General skill levels have each about six categories (from novice up
to expert.) which denote one's degree of capacity. General skills are
common occurrence skills, stuff that most people have some degree of
proficiency at. Special skills are sometimes called 'specialized
skills', and are something that most people do not have any proficiency
at. The sixth level of general skills is itself considered a special
skill (a general skill that exists at proficiency levels so unusual
that it can only be called a 'special skill'.) This is sometimes
refered to as 'Mastery'. Special skills can be
learned through education and apprenticeship, or they might be the
bestowal of nature and inclination. In such case as by natural
inclination, it is considered a violation not to pursue and perfect
these skills for one's own employment. Every field that exists in life
has both
sets of skills, general and specialized skills.
• ON THE MATTER OF THE ACQUISITION OF TECHNICAL SKILL
The
acquisition of skill is the capacity and ability by which to conduct
oneself and profit thereby. It is an obligation to acquire and employ
technical skill(s), even if only for one's own personal
use and application. Even being a mortal person
in life requires some degree of technical skills just in the act of
living and making households. Rearing children requires
technical skills. Everything requires technical skills. It is
mandatory to develop and pursue technical skills. It is obligatory to
pursue education or further experience and increase one's skills. Skills are a mandatory pursuit for the sake of one's own life.
• ON THE
MATTER OF ORDINARY TECHNICAL SKILLS
The
singular line of capacity and ability with which we carry out our
daily lives and with. These are quite numerous and include all
common skills with which the average person lives and works. These
are said to have six categories of skill level, from novice to
expert, with the sixth level being that which constitutes a
'special(-ized)
skill' due to degree of proficiency and effectiveness demonstrated.
The five general skill levels correspond to each of the five elements
that make up life. Most people operate in general skills at the 2nd or
3rd level of proficiency until they reach age 30-32 at which point
they begin to exhibit elements of the 4th level of proficiency. Most
people never reach the fifth level, not the least of which, being mortal, they do not live long enough. This means that most people live at only 2nd - 3rd degree proficiency levels throughout the
course of their lives until age 30-32 years old. There are many people, beneath age 27 years old that live and
operate only at the 1st and 2nd skill levels of proficiency. Knowing these things can help one
to increase one's own degree of proficiency which is always advisable
since the subject is of even the general skills of life itself. This can
determine how easily we live.
• ON THE
MATTER OF SPECIAL TECHNICAL SKILLS
The
particularly special capacity and ability (with which one may conduct
in life.) Usually the result of both natural aptitude and
education. Wherein no aptitude was demonstrated, it can be developed
through education and arduous pursuit, but it won't come as easily
and the value of such skills is less than by both aptitude and
education – until such time as one has years of hands on experience
which overcomes the lack of aptitude.
• ON THE
MATTER OF THE MARK OF EXPERIENCE
This refers to the
passing of the point of (skill) verification. Proved skill levels,
two levels apparent (listed below). Proof is by either certification
of recognized authorities or by general recognition (having little or no contest there against.) Or sometimes both (both is
best – usually certification issued after long standing or relevant
public recognition.)
• ON THE
MATTER OF THE
OUTER MARK OF SUPPLEMENTAL EXPERIENCE
The
initial pursuit of additional (skill) verification. Proof of having
moved beyond the fifth level of general skills, or having acquired
skills which are not general skills. The initial or entry level of
special(-ized) skills.
• ON THE
MATTER OF THE INNER MARK OF SUPPLEMENTAL EXPERIENCE
The
mid pursuit of additional (skill) verification. Mid pursuit (of the
verification) because one is already on that course of conduct..
Proof of having moved beyond the entry level of special (-ized)
skills. Mastery level, which itself has outer and inner levels. All
of this is true of any field or thing, and certainly the paramilitary arts themselves. But
one need avoid certain kinds of fraudulent certifications, and
in reality all fields suffer this problem. Possession of documentation is not proof of
actually having the particular degree or skill, in the face of an
obvious lack of ability or expertise. There is some criterion for judgment of
skill, experience and conduct. Judgment of conduct changes from place to place and
group to group. Strangely enough, fraudulent documentation or
presentation of skill and experience has a tendency to become genuine
once enough time has passed – this is because experience and skill
were still acquired along the way. So, since there is
some persistence leading to longevity in the claims and also evident
pursuit of knowledge and skill, the practice and adherents thereto
are recognized as being legitimate in some way (since time affords
experience and etc.) You should never forget this.
ON THE
MATTER OF MEMBERSHIP
This is to have a place or
position of belonging. For these purposes: membership in a suitable
Martial Arts or Martial Arts related society, association or
federation. Acquiring membership in something. A variety of
associations and organizations to join. A variety of membership types
available. Comradery and social interaction, if one desires it.
Involvement leads to acquisition of experience and (increased) skills
of proficiency which leads to recognition and reward. Not belonging is
incorrect. Authenticity and genuineness are always couched in
associative interactions. Inauthentic and ingenuine articles tend to be
validated by associative belonging. Cross-membership increases
authenticity and genuineness by exposure to others and by relevant
increase of experience and skills of proficiency which leads to further
recognition and reward. Several types of organizations and associations
and several types of available cross membership. Sometimes some forms
of membership are not voluntary (conscription into military service,
public schooling, some forms of public citizenship.) Knowing when the
involuntary membership and its responsibilities are genuine and legal,
knowing when they are not, but there's nothing you can (legally) do
about it. Knowing how to make even involuntary membership and its
responsibilities work for you and how to gain benefit therefrom. You
are already encountering it, you might as well profit from it!!
• ON THE
MATTER OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
Various
departments are sometimes like doors of opportunity to enter.
Possibilities include such as personnel department, labor department,
finance department, supply department, investigations department and
etc. Opportunities to enrich the rewards of membership and involvement
(and hence enrich one's life.)
• ON THE
MATTER OF EVERY KIND OF INSTRUCTOR
AND EVERY KIND OF CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
This refers to available
positions of instruction or (departmental) guidance and leadership,
whether within the association or federation to which you you belong --
or in one's own school (or household, for that matter.) There are many
fields and sub-fields as well as potential departments for which
instruction or leadership of various types are needed. To be honest, if
one can, new positions are available to be created by submission since
there is usually room for growth in any organization (but issues of
funding and etc come into play as well.) Never mention funding or
financing, that's not appropriate, but if it's raised be ready to
provide what if any input you are able.
Finally, and in conclusion...
congradulation on the award of Blackbelt. Now that I have frustrated
you with a rather long winded discourse (which, by the way, is a rather
traditional dialogue and will prove rather handy), here are the
E-Certificates and Transcripts:
PLEASE RIGHT CLICK, "OPEN IN NEW TAB"
Your Father,
Logan Weymouth
Shihan
JOSEPH WEYMOUTH'S JUJUTSU RANK CERTIFICATES
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