We must be doing something wrong!!!

Post by **gmattson** » Mon Mar 19, 2001 7:25 pm

Wonder how many people respond to this con?

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Become a certified Kung Fu Blackbelt in five easylessons for just $499.00 !!

"A $1000 Dollar Value"

Do you want the prestige of becoming a Certified Kung Fu Blackbelt?? Call (352) 307-3821.

Can you handle the respect that comes with the rank of Blackbelt??

IF YOU ANSWERED, "YES" TO BOTH OF THESE QUESTIONS, YOU ARE ONLY ONE PHONE CALL AWAY FROM ACHIEVING THE RANK OF KUNG FU BLACKBELT. CALL (352) 307-3821 !!

Hi, my name is Sifu Edwards, and I am a 3rd degree Blackbelt Sifu Instructor. I have been a martial arts instructor my entire adult life. I am a decorated combat Vietnam Veteran and I received a purple heart for wounds received in combat. I currently own and operate a professional bodyguard agency for wealthy clients outside Orlando, Florida.

After years of study, I have developed five unique, easy to learn, home study,lessons. All you need to learn are the following lessons:

1. Crane (White Belt) 2. Leopard (Green Belt) 3. Praying Mantis (Blue Belt) 4. Dragon (Brown Belt) 5. Serpent (Black Belt)

After learning the five lessons you will be awarded:

1. A FIRST DEGREE BLACKBELT in Kung Fu. 2. An official BLACKBELT CERTIFICATE with authentic seal with my original signature and the original signatures of two other Blackbelts. 3. A notarized certificate of authenticity. 4. A copy of my 3rd Degree BLACKBELT SIFU INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE, signed by a World Champion Grand Master, authorizing me, to certify you.

Simply complete the course, by learnig all five lessons, and you can become a certified first degree Black Belt!

For more information call (352) 307-3821. We will answer any questions you have personally; we also offer Kung Fu uniforms, Blackbelt sashes, dragon patches and other martial arts supplies.

You are only one call away from being a Kung Fu Blackbelt... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Kevin Mackie · Post by **Kevin Mackie** » Mon Mar 19, 2001 7:55 pm

What a liar! First he claims I'm only one phone call away from being a black belt. THEN he says I have to take five classes. Which is it? Plus that's a toll call. Way too much effort to put out. Pick up the phone, five classes...for all that work, I want a Grand Imperial Master certificate.. does that come with a genuine frame too?

kevin

[This message has been edited by Kevin Mackie (edited March 19, 2001).]

Jcseer · Post by **Jcseer** » Mon Mar 19, 2001 8:45 pm

> "Become a certified Kung Fu Blackbelt in five easylessons for just $499.00 !!"

What a toad.

[This message has been edited by Jcseer (edited March 19, 2001).]

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Mon Mar 19, 2001 10:52 pm

Actually the more I read the ad, the more I think this fellow is no less legitimate that many martial artists. It's an odd sort of bait-and-switch that Kevin touches on with his offbeat humor.

Who's to say what constitutes a lesson? The crane lesson itself could involve mastering a form that is on videotape, along with the applications you must learn to apply those techniques. Same goes for the other animals. This isn't dissimilar to a curriculum in most dojos.

But wait, there's more!!...

Think about this for a few minutes. My son, who goes to a respectable private school in the area, was "entertained" by some karate group that came in and basically smashed up building material for a half hour. Those who have done this before know the routine. Cut the lumber so the grain is going the right way and the dimensions of the board are just so... Stack up the tiles the right way so that the first tile breaks all the others... Before the Grand Poobah did his breaks, my son told me that he got down in seiza and bowed to the building materials. Now...how ridiculous is this, folks?

But wait, there's more!!...

Now I first want to communicate that I have the highest respect for my friend Evan. That being said, examine all the teasers that some in the kyusho crowd give you to buy their products or sign up for their instructions and seminars. Fifty ways to knock out your opponent!!...

Sigh...

Perhaps I've become too cynical with age. Or...maybe George has it right. Maybe we can learn something from this schlock. I have no intention of calling this number, but I do pay attention to the advertising gimmicks. I watch the infomercials on TV long enough to see the game they are playing. I play games with the telemarketers that torment people on the phone during dinner time, largely because I know what they are trying to do and I know they don't know I know. If they are going to waste my time with their call…

No, I won't be advertising my own blackbelt certificate factory any time soon. Most of us in this community like to think they ascribe to a marketing approach that retains a bit of dignity. But does this tell you more about the seller, or the buyer? What does primetime TV or the WWF tell you about the mind (or lack thereof) of Joe Sixpack? Some days, I think Darwin was wrong...

- Bill

LenTesta · Post by **LenTesta** » Tue Mar 20, 2001 9:14 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote

Who's to say what constitutes a lesson?

He says, "after YEARS OF STUDY I developed 5 unique easy lessons."

What he does not say is it may take you 5 years to learn the 5 lessons.

First, all he needs is people to believe that they will be able to spend only $499.00 and possibly a test fee.

If he gets the money for the lessons he is way ahead even if NO ONE comes forth to take a test.

I can't believe that anyone can be so naive to think that this is worth the money spent.

------------------
Len

Mary S · Post by **Mary S** » Tue Mar 20, 2001 10:09 pm

Er...Len....I reread it just to make sure but I saw no mention of a "test". I don't think this has much to do with naivete....it has more to do with getting something quick and easy without a lot of effort....in his case some poor fool's money and in the buyer's case, something that is probably not worth much. There are a lot of hucksters in the world and a lot of delusional people. Some things will never change.

gjkhoury · Post by **gjkhoury** » Wed Mar 21, 2001 3:35 am

Yeah, big deal.

We have a similar program here at Khoury's Karate:

Become a ninja assassin in one afternoon for $975.

It's a completely computer generated, virtual reality course, except for the
last part when you have to dodge real throwing stars and disappear in a poof
of smoke.

So far we've had 30 participants, but no graduates. 27 of the people died
during the death match portion of the test and the three who made it beyond
disappeared in a poof of smoke, but never re-appeared.

Maybe they're studying advanced technique on the Wutang Mountain?

Gary

student · Post by **student** » Wed Mar 21, 2001 11:16 am

As for me, I'm waiting to learn swordwork and immortality from Duncan Macleod.

student

Panther · Post by **Panther** » Wed Mar 21, 2001 1:57 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by gjkhoury:

So far we've had 30 participants, but no graduates. 27 of the people died
during the death match portion of the test and the three who made it beyond
disappeared in a poof of smoke, but never re-appeared.

Maybe they're studying advanced technique on the Wutang Mountain?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No... You didn't tell us that learning the "reappearance" part of it would take a lifetime and cost more money!

It really stinks this walking around invisible! Fercryinoutloud... I was almost hit by a truck the other day!

And now I find out that I have to spend the rest of my life doing Khoury's patented Ninja Assassin training just to become visible again!

And since I'm invisible, there's absolutely no possibility of legal redress because no one can see me when I try to visit the courthouse to file a complaint! So, since only those that are trained under Khoury's patented Ninja Assassin program can see me... I'm stuck with just going and training...

Allen M. · Post by **Allen M.** » Wed Mar 21, 2001 3:21 pm

Just make sure to cash the checks before candidates start the program, Gary.

Doesn't Duncan Macleod teach Uechi-ryu in Canada?

Mary S · Post by **Mary S** » Wed Mar 21, 2001 3:23 pm

Why yes, yes he does!!! We are lucky up here!

Colin 8 of 8 · Post by **Colin 8 of 8** » Fri Mar 23, 2001 11:19 pm

Try this!!!!

Buy a few books. Write a syllabus. Declare yourself grand master. Give yourself a 12th dan

Colin 8 of 8

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Tue Mar 27, 2001 2:01 am

So, does this Mr. Macleod ever have people ask him about his 300+ years of experience?

Adam
The white belt who finally found something to laugh about. (all in good taste of course)

student · Post by **student** » Tue Mar 27, 2001 4:36 am

I've never actually met him (Come to think of it, I've never actually met any of you!], but my understanding is that for a 300+ year old man, he looks good!!!

student

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 27, 2001 6:45 am

I think I'll just hold on to my money until some one offers the 1 minute Grandmaster deal.It comes with a free house ,car,,and a tool that slices,dices and indicates were the really big trout live.The second lesson if required teaches one to drive 300 yards and turns one into Tiger Woods.

Laird