Is Frank "The Man" James good or bad for 10th Planet??

[travis]

happy to oblige!

[John Roderick]

I don't think he's bad, misguided perhaps.

I don't agree with his questioning of Eddie's ranking guidelines at all, its wasn't his place to do so. No one is forcing anyone to train 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu and work towards rank, its a choice. If its something you want bad enough you'll make sacrifices to obtain it.

The name calling wasn't called for and doesn't following the positive attitude that the 10th Planet community strives for. However I feel it was reactionary on Frank's part and he made a poor choice in how he responded to the criticism. We've all said stupid shit in the past, hopefully he'll learn from it, use it as a learning experience to grow is a more positive direction.

I'm with Chris on this one. Everyone IS entitled to their own opinion. How you express that opinion, especially to your superiors/leaders/masters is paramount. Here are the facts: Eddie is the creator/master of the 10th Planet system. How he, and his closest associates decide to dictate by-laws and parameters are his decision(s). You should NEVER solicit a promotion, especially publicly unless you have such a body of work or evidence to warrant it, and even then, probably not. The best policy in any worthwhile endeavor is hard work, keep your nose to the grindstone, and just go about your business. You will be recognized if you're good and do things the right way. I have never asked for a specific rank or even to be promoted/made an instructor. I was asked due to my work ethic and character by the instructors that I trust and respect-Kru Phil and Sifu Richard, and Eddie. They decided.
Sure, it may seem like things are "clique-y" at times, and sure I have my personal thoughts and get frustrated at times as well, but after 22 years training, 13 or so years coaching, you get a different perspective. Rank isn't important-knowledge is. Maybe if I'm feeling good, I'll fly to HQ one weekend and meet up with some of the friends I've made there, roll with Sots, Eddie, Eisner, and Einstein and see what happens. Maybe if work and life permit, I'll get some good tournies in for a few months. Maybe not. It doesn't diminish or define me.
Now, as to Frank; I think everyone deserves a second chance. Was he out of line? Yes. Does he need to eat some crow? Yes. Someone who has some experience with him should probably speak to him one-to-one and just say "Dude, chill out. Opinons are like assholes" or something to that effect and just let him know that he needs to conduct himself differently.
Having said all that: the ultimate opinion that matters is Eddie's. The standards of conduct are for Eddie to decide. Criteria for promotion are for Eddie to decide. End of story.
Frank, if you're reading this: just chill out man. It's good to be passionate. It's good and encouraged to have strong opinions, but just know when/how to express them and who your audience is, comprende Amigo?

[Brandon Palmer]

Did you read the whole thread, he gets pretty out there at times.

It's entertaining if nothing else, but i wouldn't want that guy repping me.


Misrepresenting his rank is what did it for me. You're either a purple belt or not, there's no such thing as an "honorary purple belt". He said he got his purple belt from Charuto Verissimo, and then later stated that he just told him he was purple belt level or something or another. That ain't cool, and i think we can all agree on that.

[John Roderick]

Did you read the whole thread, he gets pretty out there at times.

It's entertaining if nothing else, but i wouldn't want that guy repping me.


Misrepresenting his rank is what did it for me. You're either a purple belt or not, there's no such thing as an "honorary purple belt". He said he got his purple belt from Charuto Verissimo, and then later stated that he just told him he was purple belt level or something or another. That ain't cool, and i think we can all agree on that.

Yep, I just finished the thread. I was reading while here at work, so I replied with Herzog's quote, and then completed reading of the thread. Now, I HAVE to eat some crow and recind my positive message. This is bad. Reading everything that was written and seeing some of the details, I don't think a second chance is appropriate as there appear to have been several instances. Sorry guys, this is what happens when you take some time off.

[Brandon Palmer]

Hah, thats why i brought it up, no crow eating necessary John...i was almost positive that you hadnt had roughly 2 months time to make it through reading that whole mess...and when Zog posted that first bit about benefit of the doubt, i felt the same way....then....the misrepresentation of rank, which i cant condone, whatsoever.



Anyways, hopefully this poor thread will get lost in the shuffle now. RIP.

[Drew Parks]

I'm not sure if you've ruled on this decision already (and believe me I know I'm late to the game), but I believe my opinion might be of some value as a "student" directly under Frank James. I have a lot to say, but I wont say it unless prompted, I dont want to waste anyone's time. I will, however, state that I would not allow Frank into the system if the system were mine. I know my opinion as a white belt is irrelevant, but I'd like to submit this particular opinion as the son of a local Business owner. I will one day own that business and now I am a manager. I let Frank teach there, and I've regretted it ever since. If you are interested in the rest of what I have to say, Mr. Bravo, I'd be more than happy to email you. Again, I'll not say anything without being prompted because the situation is so old, I fear I may have missed my opportunity to speak about my very strong negative feelings on the person in question, and I'd like to speak my mind: but ONLY if Mr. Bravo wants to hear it and permits it. If the situation is settled, then I understand completely. I am sorry for my delay in posting this, but my Grandfather was very ill and recently had to get a heart transplant, which went VERY well btw. He is doing fine and life is back to normal.

[Jay Chow]

I'm not sure if you've ruled on this decision already (and believe me I know I'm late to the game), but I believe my opinion might be of some value as a "student" directly under Frank James. I have a lot to say, but I wont say it unless prompted, I dont want to waste anyone's time. I will, however, state that I would not allow Frank into the system if the system were mine. I know my opinion as a white belt is irrelevant, but I'd like to submit this particular opinion as the son of a local Business owner. I will one day own that business and now I am a manager. I let Frank teach there, and I've regretted it ever since. If you are interested in the rest of what I have to say, Mr. Bravo, I'd be more than happy to email you. Again, I'll not say anything without being prompted because the situation is so old, I fear I may have missed my opportunity to speak about my very strong negative feelings on the person in question, and I'd like to speak my mind: but ONLY if Mr. Bravo wants to hear it and permits it. If the situation is settled, then I understand completely. I am sorry for my delay in posting this, but my Grandfather was very ill and recently had to get a heart transplant, which went VERY well btw. He is doing fine and life is back to normal.

Great to hear about your Grandfather recovering, and your input is helpful!

[Karim Graham]

well drew, lets just say that punctuality isnt your strong point

[bobby rivers]

Let it out if it will make ya feel better.

[Aab]

Where is that guy that stole the hotdogs that had chili and cheese all over them????????????? if i find him ima choke him i swear.....fuck that dirty son of a bitch.