When I was in a martial arts class, there were 3 things you had to do to move up, know your stances, be able to spar against others in your division well. It was more important to our master that you knew how to fight (him having been in the korean army) than knowing stances that meant nothing. I agree though.. I was only 1 belt up in our martial arts, my friends was 1 belt down from black belt in his, and yet when we sparred, I still kicked his but. 😛 he was real showy with his moves. Guess that counts for something.