Tyr ITF Taekwondo

"McDojo" schools and "Bullshido" arts and instructors are something to watch out for in the martial arts world. To see what some of the worst are for yourselves, I highly recommend the McDojoLife channel on Youtube. It is well hosted, entertaining, and educational. Their content is not meant for kids. Their latest video features a "martial artist" with hundreds of thousands of social media followers, as if that adds extra credibility to that person's utter lack of knowledge and skill. Here is a news fact that a lot of people do not know nowadays. Having a large social media presence does not make an instructor an expert. One million social media followers means nothing, it still all comes down to the knowledge, attitude, and the skill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFIhvMmIlis

Let's have our first "McDojo" rant now that I don't care about ruffling some feathers! My issue today is the ages of black belt students throughout martial arts. The black belt rank is supposed to represent a comprehensive knowledge of all of the basics of a given martial art, a maturity in mind and spirit, as well as the skill to use the knowledge of the art in practical situations in real life. There was a time when you could not even hold a first degree black belt (or even... dream of having it) in Taekwon-Do unless you were a minimum of 18 years of age. I do 100% believe that that is an ideal minimum, however, some late teenagers have more than demonstrated to me the knowledge, maturity, and skill to earn a first degree. But please, why do some martial arts schools allow 10 year olds, 7 year olds, and even toddlers (that's right, friggin' 3-4 year olds) to wear black belts? Are you kidding me! Of course we know the answer is simple: $$$. Any instructor who can with a straight face say that a 7 year old or a 10 year old deserves a black belt in absolutely any context 100% is a "McDojo" master. There is no integrity in there. It should take a minimum of 6-8 years of constant training for a student to reach black belt, not be given one for presenting a "black belt in an hour" coupon to some "McDojo" master. Maturity for anyone, much less students at those young age ranges are not there yet, understanding and comprehension with regards to a big picture of martial arts and life is not there yet, and definitely the skills to use the tools of Taekwon-Do are not developed enough yet. I also feel that it is very unfair to the students who are not ready for that responsibility who don't know any better and also to the parents who think that their instructor is so generous by giving their 8 year olds these hollow ranks. Of course you wonder why martial arts then loses its respect in the world when the quest for the almighty dollar devalues the black belts for those that truly deserve them and have legitimately earned them! In short, you will never convince me that someone 10 or younger should ever deserve even consideration for a black belt and I will call any club that does a "McDojo". Does it offend you? Dont be a "McDojo" then...