I passed my 2nd dan about 12 or 13 years ago now, I was offered my 3rd dan when these lads was taking theirs, but I refused.
I will pass my 3rd dan on my own time and terms, and I will pass it with hard work and sweat just like the others!!!
I absolutely agree. I was actually offered my 4th Dan a few years back by a guy I knew in another part of the world (he'd literally get one of his juniors to sign the application for the certificate, I pay for the certificate from Korea and that's it). I was tempted for a few hours (I was at a low point in my feelings towards the national body after they fucked me around for over 2 years regarding getting my 3rd Dan certificate), but normality returned shortly afterwards and I'm now really glad I didn't do it.
I want to earn my 4th Dan. I don't know about your art, but in TKD 1st Dan is an important milestone because you can open a club and 4th Dan is a milestone because you can then grade people up to one grade before black belt (5th Dan is another milestone because you can then grade people up to 4th Dan).
Never mind, give me a couple of years........
