It needs to be understood that different styles and founders have
changed the system to meet their own needs and desires over the
years. The fact is that a Shodan in one school may only be equivalent
to a purple belt in another school and vice versa. Keep in mind that
ranks and titles can and have been self-appointed and probably will
continue to be. One of the most famous proponents of Kenpo, Grand
Master Edmund Parker was self-appointed to the rank of 10th Dan, but
keep in mind he created his own style of Kenpo and could back his
claim with technique, years of experience, as well as recognition by
the World Head of Family Sokeship Council.
Where to these masters come from? Self promotion tends to be the
keys. Many people change a few simple moves with little or no
research and come up with some new name for their art and
ayutomatically call themselves grandmaster soke 10 dan founder etc.
This is a bunch of junk.
Koichi Tohei and Minoru Mochizuki are the only two recognized 10th
dans in Aikido.
There are currently no 10th dans in judo and only a small handful
of 9th dans.
There are only a small handful of karate 10th dans and most are
asian. Even the late Ed Parker was self appointed to 10th dan and
never awarded that rnak by anyone.
The problem American's have when it comes to martial arts is that
they want to be masters and grandmasters. Being a student or
practicioner is not enough. When peoiple start giving themselves
fancy grandmaster, soke, 10th Dans and master titles this is nothing
but out of control egos. Adding a few moves while deleating a few
others does not make a new system. You have to have plenty of
research, theory, and practical application in order to truely
consider it a new system or even style. To develop a new art
requires even more work.