Credentials vs. Recognition

This particular differentiation arose with me from a newsletter article I received today. It provided a view of a system of recognition for contributions to a martial art where what started out as a type of recognition ended up being a perceived credential to promote the person, etc. I think I have that right and the author went on to say how that could be the trigger for a more political positions vs simply recognition of good work and efforts.

This tends to pit folks against one another vying for some special recognition of a perceive credential. This also reminds me of rank and testing and the status or credentials being perceived as something that requires some validating recognition by others of like mind. This also creates an atmosphere where control of who is to receive the recognition (credentials), what the requirements are, and who can say yes or no to who is nominated, etc.

Example: The leading contributor to my system of Okinawan Isshinryu was Cisco Sensei, Tatsuo Sensei's second son. If not for him none of us would have Isshinryu. He was the chief Sempai to Tatsuo's Honbu Dojo and taught most if not all the Marines in the late fifties and sixties. Yet, he was not even considered for recognition by some orgs.

When either credentials or recognition becomes some special validation or such then it becomes sought after by the masses and when perceived recognition/credentials are not forthcoming resentment and anger enter the picture causing rifts and discontent. I have come to believe that this resulted in the many factions or tribes of our one system of Isshinryu. Think ego, pride and need to control.