Mr. Reach holds the ranks of;
5th degree black belt in Karate
5th degree black belt in TaeKwonDo
4th degree black belt in Aikido
2nd degree black belt in Iaido
2nd degree black belt in Judo
2nd degree black belt in Jujitsu
He has studied a wide variety of other martial arts in addition to the
ones above such as Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu,
Chinese and Okinawan Kempo, and various styles of Okinawan and Japanese Karate.
The above was taken off the web-site of a local dojo. The gentleman in question looks to be between 33 and 37 years of age.
So my question is, 'REALLY?'
I am 67 years old. My instructors have included Professor Takahika Ishikawa and Mr Thomas laPuppet. Both BlackBelt 'Men of the Year'. When I was with the Professor, he held a Shichidan and at his passing he had been awarded Kudan. I believe Mr laPuppet held a Yondan at his passing. Two great men that dedicated their lives and souls to a singular art. I hold a Nikyu in Kodakan Judo and a Nidan in Okinawa-te. I do not see how a person can legitimately hold that many belts, of any weight, let alone the weight he posts, at any age, let alone a man in his mid 30s.
Any thoughts?
hunter