This question comes from Mass V. in Sweden:
Hi, Sir
Is the higher dan means more important in Martial arts than sportman's performance?
Why in T.K.D is so costing to apply for higher dan?
In kickboxing and another martial arts are more reasonable!!
Sincerely,
Mass V
This is a good question, and a controversial one as well. First, let me clarify something for anyone reading this. Not all Taekwondo dojangs charge a large amount for a Dan promotion. There is no correlation with price according to style. I've heard of Karate schools charging nearly a $1,000 for a Black Belt test.
Here are some reasons why a martial art school may charge what they do:
1. The martial art school provides Black Belts that are accredited through a very reputable organization. The organization will charge the school a fee, and the school then passes the fee onto the student. On top of that fee is the fee from the actual school to fascilitate the test. Often times, the life of an overseeing organization comes from the testing fees. Kukkiwon charges fees because it's a large organization with many employees.
2. Some schools charge less for tuition, but then charge a large amount for the Dan promotion. Our school is the opposite. We have no Dan promotion fee, and we process our Dan applications through Kukkiwon.
3. The school believes that their education is very valuable and therefore charges a lot.
To answer your question, "Is the higher dan means more important in Martial arts than sportman's performance?"
What is important to you? Usually, if something is a higher price, it doesn't mean it's worth more. It means that the instructor or owner values their Dan promotion more. Are all Dan promotions the same? Heck no! Some schools provide Dan testing, then print the Dan certificate right off their printer. In fact, a large number of schools do this.
A program is only more valuable if it provides more education than something different. Then, you must ask yourself, "Is this additional cost worth it?"
Respectfully,
Duncan Richardson
