Honesty, Integrity, and Skill: The Measure of a Martial Artist.

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on AUG 17, 2025

Honesty, Integrity, and Skill: The Measure of a Martial Artist.

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read)

What exactly has happened in karate?

Somewhere along the way, it seems rank has outpaced skill, and titles are sometimes gained faster than true understanding.

We’ve all seen examples of people switching styles, bypassing normal grade progression, and suddenly holding highly senior positions. The problem isn’t just the individual – it’s what this trend does to the credibility of karate.

We live in a time where shortcuts are celebrated. The martial arts, in many places, has become something you “collect”, not something you earn. And when that mindset takes hold, it becomes very easy to open a dojo. All it really takes is money and a space. Add a few mirrors, some posters of well-known masters, and a handful of Japanese terms, and suddenly it looks “authentic”.

For students who are new to the martial arts, the first months can feel exciting. Everything is new, everything sounds important, and the instructor looks confident. But slowly, the signs begin to show. Endless exercise drills with no practical context. Techniques that seem impressive but collapse under real pressure. “Fights” that feel more like rehearsals than training.

In many of these places, earning a dan rank doesn’t take years of deep study. It simply follows the same fast track the instructor used. And so the cycle continues – titles becoming decorations rather than reflections of genuine ability.

That said, there are still people who genuinely earn their position – those whose rank reflects decades of consistent training, deep understanding, and genuine dedication. I was reminded of this recently when I heard that a couple of instructors I greatly respect had been promoted. Their reputation is well established and widely recognized – and rightly so. It’s the kind of progression that truly inspires.

And of course, the opposite also exists. From time to time, we see promotions that look impressive on paper, yet something doesn’t feel quite right – because the movement, or the behavior, simply doesn’t match the title. No names need to be mentioned; we recognize it instinctively.

Perhaps that’s the point we need to return to. A rank or title is not a trophy. It’s a responsibility.

The real test isn’t found on a certificate or in a title at all. It’s in how someone moves. It’s in how they respond under pressure. It’s in how they treat the people standing in front of them. It’s in their willingness to keep learning, to challenge themselves, and to pass real knowledge on to others.

Ultimately, that is what separates a martial artist from someone simply wearing a black-belt and a uniform. But then again there are those that just don’t care.

Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo