#belt system

Has the martial arts industry become more about selling expensive belts than actually teaching you to defend yourself?

Do you actually need a black belt to defend yourself, or is that just a marketing scam to keep you paying for years?

Are traditionalists gatekeeping martial arts by insisting on belts and forms, while early adopters claim efficiency rules everything?

Do most black belts actually deserve them, or is ranking just a participation trophy system?

Is a black belt really just a sign of loyalty, not actual fighting ability?