Black Belts and Interpol..

[Sweeet]

Apparently, when I earn my Black Belt in Hapkido, my name is entered into a database (Interpol?) and not only that, but it has to go on my Passport that my body is basically registered as a weapon. Not only that, but apparently organizations like the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) have access to the lists, and mail out to these Martial Artists requesting that they 'join the UFC' and stuff like that. It was suggested in a privacy/security book that I read that you should do MA using a fake name for the papers. After all of that, it doesn't really sound like a bad idea! What do you guys think? Do any of you know anything about this kind of thing? Would police know by looking at someone's 'profile' if they were a Black Belt? I'm eager to know the goods, and any thoughts you may have.

Sweeet.

[waya]

I have never heard of anything even close to that happening in the US. Some competitors (boxers and such) are "registered" and some local ordinances require such things with local law enforcement, but I have never heard of being put into any type of accessible database just for obtaining a Shodan. I think the book was too much story, not enough knowledge on the matter.

Rob

[stump]

I think that's mainly a myth stimulated by certain instructors a long time ago to add a bit of "danger" to their marketing campeigns!!!!!!

[Sweeet]

I wasn't told about the whole passport thing by the book, it's what I heard from a Brown Belt in my Dojo, and he's a bit of a drifter, has been to about 10 different schools in the Calgary Area, and has finally decided on his favorite, the one that I go to. So, I would think that the information would have at least a kernal of truth to it. I guess I won't really know until I see some passports of the 1st Dan's in my Dojo :)

Sweeet.

[LilBunnyRabbit]

I've got a passport, I'm a first dan, I've not got any notes about lethal weapons on my passport. I know a fourth dan and a third dan, same. Even Grandmaster Choi just has a plain passport. It's a myth.

[Joseki]

i must we do an instructors register but thats only for club owners and offical instructors for students wanting to know with us but i have never seen or heard of it on your passport sounds a bit mad

[darlph]

You know, here in the US that myth has been going around for years. It probably depends on your country and school. I am a first Dan and an instructor, and I've never had to submit to that. How about those 13 year olds who have made BB at their school......? And also, in some places it's against the law and better business to give out personal info to organizations without prior written permission. Perhaps if you were a personal bodyguard.....military specialist.....? I know it's not on my passport.

[Sweeet]

Hmm, maybe it's just a Canada-only thing, or else it just plain isn't on the passport, or even more likely - just largely an unsubstantiated myth. Thanks for the info.

Sweeet.

[darlph]

I just remembered something that happened after the 9/11 event. They were looking for special people who traveled alot for security on planes. Bill Superfoot Wallace couldn"t apply because he was too old. I believe the cutoff age was 45. I hate to say it, I don"t think too many people would stand a chance as fast as he is and he is an ex-military person. But as I stated before, it isn't here..........................

[Jim]

I think it's a bit of rubbish and I know that it doesn't go on here in the land of Oz. More conspirosy theory stuff.

I used to know a guy who had trained in 4 different MA's but not gained a BB because he didn't want to have himself listed as a 'deadly weapon' :)

In our legal system it doesn't make any difference if you get the fabled BB or not, they look at any training that you may have done as being noteworthy if you're in court on charges relating to assault, etc.

[darlph]

We had a great discussion the other day at the school. I teach 4-6 yr olds and fill in during other classes. One of the things that we try to instill in our students is to be aware of your surroundings and people. I know some situations can't be helped, but if you can avoid confrontation, do.
As a BB, I don't mention it very often because you always seem to get a joe blow who wants to prove something. I very seldom spar now due to some head and spine trauma, so I may not be as good a fighter as some street jerk but I sure am going to defend myself as best as I can and get the h--- out of there. If the police are called, it was self defense, I have learned to control my temper- but the hardest part will be having to explain to my instructor why it happened. because he may be called into court as to my character and/ or ability.

[SkyCreeper]

From what ive seen, the only database your name will get into when you get a bb is a database the organization your school belongs to is keeping. ive seen this in the usa with the ATA and ITC (tkd organizations) who number their blackbelts and keep track of student ranks/names. i would assume other styles might do this as well.



Apparently, when I earn my Black Belt in Hapkido, my name is entered into a database (Interpol?) and not only that, but it has to go on my Passport that my body is basically registered as a weapon. Not only that, but apparently organizations like the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) have access to the lists, and mail out to these Martial Artists requesting that they 'join the UFC' and stuff like that. It was suggested in a privacy/security book that I read that you should do MA using a fake name for the papers. After all of that, it doesn't really sound like a bad idea! What do you guys think? Do any of you know anything about this kind of thing? Would police know by looking at someone's 'profile' if they were a Black Belt? I'm eager to know the goods, and any thoughts you may have.

Sweeet.

[BaeNim Roy]

I'm having my BB test this month (WTF TKD) and I had to send my information (including two passport pics) to Kukkiwon for some official certificate and their database. But I've never heard of anyone who had his/her body listed as a leathal weapon in passport or any official social record. So probably just a myth.

- Roy

[jimmytofu]

Paah.. you guys are just not deadly enough! :D

[Thomas]

Apparently, when I earn my Black Belt in Hapkido, my name is entered into a database (Interpol?) and not only that, but it has to go on my Passport that my body is basically registered as a weapon. Not only that, but apparently organizations like the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) have access to the lists, and mail out to these Martial Artists requesting that they 'join the UFC' and stuff like that. It was suggested in a privacy/security book that I read that you should do MA using a fake name for the papers. After all of that, it doesn't really sound like a bad idea! What do you guys think? Do any of you know anything about this kind of thing? Would police know by looking at someone's 'profile' if they were a Black Belt? I'm eager to know the goods, and any thoughts you may have.

Sweeet.

I'm from the US and have a couple of dan certifications, registered both in the US and Korea... but no special indicator on my passport and I've never heard of this (not even from my good friend in US Customs). I apparantly am not on any UFC mailing lists (unless they already know that they don't me). I would strongly recommend using your correct name on your MA papers, especially if you choose to travel around the world (or even cities) and continue your training. Incorrect names can make life difficult when you apply for new paperwork or new certification.

I'm having my BB test this month (WTF TKD) and I had to send my information (including two passport pics) to Kukkiwon for some official certificate and their database. But I've never heard of anyone who had his/her body listed as a leathal weapon in passport or any official social record. So probably just a myth.

- Roy
Korea is notorious for asking for photos for everything... when I lived there I always carried a bag of multi-sized passport style photos and gave them to lots of government organizations. They file them away and rarely share. Kukkiwon will put one of those phots on your dan card (to carry in your wallet) and one for their records... which is good if you lose your certification and need to re-apply, they compare the photos and reissue it.

[Kwajman]

I think someone is pulling your leg on that one, sorry.

[Ad McG]

"Are you carrying any deadly weapons, sir?"

"My fists"

- probably said in some lame film

Meanwhile, maybe you would enjoy this site:

www.conspiracy-net.com