Rank System

Rank notes advancement as fighters progress in their personal conditioning, fighting ability, teamwork, tactical and leadership skills. Evach Lahak is a martial art and like any martial art, getting better requires consistent training and practice. Regular class participation and personal practice can dramatically improve a fighter’s skill level.

Ranks

There are eight ranks which become progressively harder and require more dedication to earn. The highest priority is growth and development in individual fighting ability and team concepts. These skills mature at different speeds for different fighters, so there are no set time periods for advancement. Listed here is what might be expected of a dedicated individual to progress through the ranks.

●   White – After attending four classes

●   Silver (Optional) - Four months after White Sash

●       Yellow – One year after assuming the White Sash

●       Brown – One year after earning the Yellow Sash

●       Purple – One and a half years after earning the Brown Sash

●       Orange, Red, Green, and Blue – These ranks require leadership abilities and time frames are not applicable

White Sash

The White Sash represents a commitment to learning and training. The requirement to wear the White Sash includes a willingness to learn, a positive attitude, a desire to take instruction, and the ability to work as a member of a team. Wearing the White Sash also requires a commitment to regular practice, class attendance, as well as participation in battles and other group activities.

In order to test for the first rank of white one must have attended class for at least four weeks. The test consists of:

●       Desiring to be a White Sash and to be a student

●       Knowing the order of the ranks

●       Passing a quiz on the rules of the field

Note: This is the only rank where it is completely up to the student to decide when they are ready to test. The commitments made should not be taken lightly. Students should inform the field leader of their desire to test before class so a testing section can be created. This test does not need to be held during the normal testing cycle.

A White Sash should focus their training on improving their stamina and mastering the basic fighting skills, teamwork, tactics, and control.

Promotion to Silver Sash

This is an optional rank. Depending on the rate of progression and development, white sashes may be tested to Silver Sash or Yellow Sash directly.

In order to test for the optional rank of Silver Sash, one must have regular attendance for four months and be able to do basic sword movements (basic blocks and strikes, use proper sword form, and demonstrate controlled movements.) The test will consist of the following:

●   Knowing the first four sutras

●   Demonstrate 2-step line drills with the same movement called for both steps

●   Demonstrate a 4-step form that is created by the person attempting the test and is approved by the field’s leader. The 4-step form should have two different sword strikes, two different blocks, and at least three of the four basic foot movements.

●   Pass the fighting portion of the Silver Sash Test

○       The opponent should be a Silver Sash or Yellow Sash using an appropriate level of difficulty

○       The test is 12 rounds of fighting

○       The judges will monitor the tester for appropriate control, attacking, defending, and mobility.

○       The tester does not need to win a certain number of fights but simply needs to show competence.

Promotion to Yellow Sash

In order to test for the second rank of Yellow Sash, one must possess proficiency in basic swordsmanship, teamwork, and tactical concepts. Swordsmanship should focus on having control of power, proper shot placement, the correct balance of offensiveness and defensiveness, being able to hold a location, and being appropriately aggressive. Teamwork should focus on following orders, listening for changes in the plan, and proper spacing with both teammates and opponents. Someone who is ready for yellow contributes to their team’s success and should be able to engage with anyone on the field. The test consists of performing:

●       Recite the first 7 sutras

●       Demonstrate proficiency in the first form “The Eight”

●       Perform two step line drills as called out by the testing judges

●       Complete a written tactical exercise on basic tactical concepts

●       Win the fighting portion

o   Failure to win the fighting portion but successfully completing the other requirements results in the tester promoting to silver

Yellow Sash 

The Yellow Sash represents basic fighting competence. Yellow Sash fighters have learned basic individual fighting skills with the shinai and basic teamwork. They can fight effectively against most fighters most of the time. They can contribute effectively to the plans of their team leader by listening and following the leader’s direction in combat. Yellow Sash fighters demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to get along with the rest of the group.

Yellows are encouraged to start working on a second weapon other than the single shinai to build proficiency in multiple weapons. Working on a second weapon set does not replace the primary importance of improving use of a single shinai. Yellows should start to branch out and try new things, seeing which styles suit them mentally and physically. A Yellow Sash should focus on improving control, accuracy, tactical awareness, and team effectiveness. This means understanding the goals of the plan and making adjustments without needing to be told new orders.

Promotion to Brown Sash

In order to test for the third rank of Brown Sash, one must possess proficiency in a second weapon set, execution of basic tactics and tactical awareness, understanding of intermediate concepts of teamwork and tactics, and employ a personal blend of sword styles. Tactical awareness is the ability to identify what is unfolding on the battlefield and adjusting the plan to capitalize on opportunities and mitigating risks. Someone who is ready to test for Brown should be able to fight any opponent well and be able to hold against multiple opponents. The test consists of performing:

●       Recite the first 14 sutras

●       Demonstrate proficiency in two forms (likely The Eight and one other)

●       Perform two step line drills with 45-degree steps as called out by the testing judges

●       Complete a written tactical exercise on opportunities of situational awareness

●       The fighting portion

Brown Sash

The Brown Sash represents a solid and effective fighting style. These fighters can fight well with the shinai and with their chosen second weapon set. Brown Sashes display intermediate teamwork ability and a solid knowledge of battlefield tactics. They can contribute effectively to the plans of their team leader without direct instruction in the middle of a fight.

This is the first rank that, with leadership approval, may attempt the Knight’s Test. Knights are expected to work with and train less experienced fighters. This includes but is not limited to basic drills, sword work, and tactics. Brown Sashes who would like to work with others should express this to field leadership.

A Brown Sash should focus on improving speed, mobility, and squad leadership. They should continue to also work on building proficiency with their second weapon set and should start to work on a third set.

Promotion to Purple Sash

In order to test for the fourth rank of Purple Sash, one must possess proficiency in a third weapon set, execution of intermediate concepts of teamwork and tactical awareness, understand advanced concepts of teamwork and tactics, demonstrate proficiency fighting with helmets, and have mastered their personal blend of sword styles. Someone who is ready to test for purple should be able to fight any opponent well and be able to win against multiple opponents of a lower rank. The test consists of performing:

●       Recite all 21 sutras

●       Demonstrate proficiency in three forms

●       Complete a written tactical exercise on proactive situational awareness

●       Win the fighting portion with helmets (helmets may be waived by the test conductor)

Purple Sash

The Purple Sash represents an advanced and effective fighting style. These fighters can fight very well with a single shinai and be a threat with any weapon they pick up. Purple Sashes display advanced teamwork ability and battlefield tactics. Purple Sashes give good advice when coming up with plans. These fighters are a force on the field not only because of their individual fighting ability, but also because they are able to create situations that give their team an advantage. Purple Sashes can contribute effectively to the plans of their team leader by directing others assigned to them.

Purple Sashes are expected to help train beginning fighters both in class and individually. The fourth rank of purple is the start of increased responsibilities and may be called on to oversee a class or a field battle on a given day. A Purple Sash should focus on improving teaching ability, team tactics, and leadership.

Promotion to Orange Sash

In order to test for the fifth rank of Orange Sash, one must possess proficiency in team leadership, teaching, and advanced concepts of teamwork and tactics. The test consists of performing:

●       Recite all 21 sutras

●       Demonstrate proficiency in four forms

●   Complete a written tactical exercise dealing with leadership and planning

●       Demonstrate two-on-one fighting

●       Win the fighting portion with helmets (helmets may be waived by the test conductor)

Orange Sash

The Orange Sash represents an excellent fighting style and tactical competence. As an individual fighter the Orange Sash is one of the best fighters in the group. An Orange Sash is able to work very well as part of a team or as the team leader.

Orange Sashes are expected to exercise a leadership role in the group and this is the first officer rank. Orange Sashes are expected to be able to oversee regular battles, teach class, handle disputes, set field policy when needed, and support the decisions of other ranking officers. At the discretion of a Red Sash or higher, Orange Sash is the lowest rank that can run an independent fighting group. When running their own group, an Orange Sash may test their fighters up to Brown Sash at their own discretion and to Purple Sash with the agreement of a Red Sash or higher.

Promotion to Red Sash

In order to test for the sixth rank of Red Sash, one must demonstrate understanding of group leadership, coordination of multi-group battles or tournaments, and aid with individual and class teaching. The test consists of performing:

●       Recite all 21 sutras

●       Demonstrate proficiency in four forms

●       Perform a form developed by the testing candidate as an exhibition of skill

●       Complete of a written tactical exercise dealing with advanced leadership and planning

●       Demonstrate tactical expertise and command and control during live exercise

●       Demonstrate fighting multiple opponents

●       Win the fighting portion with helmets (helmets may be waived by the test conductor)

Red Sash

The Red Sash represents a superior fighting style, tactical ability and team leading skills. Red Sashes can dominate a battlefield. Red Sashes use their fighting skill and leadership ability to win battles. Red Sashes also run regular battles, lead classes and work to train up new fighters. They pass on their knowledge and experience to anyone who is willing to learn from them.

Red Sashes need to know how to handle problems and how to help prevent and settle conflicts within the group. They need to know how to deal with parents, park officials, law enforcement, and others who have questions or concerns about the organization. Red Sashes need to know how to delegate the above tasks to individuals who are proficient in such actions. Most of all, Red Sashes are people who can be counted on. Red Sashes running their own group may test and rank their fighters up to Orange Sash at their discretion.

Promotion to Green Sash

There is no test required to transition from Red Sash to Green Sash and the position is appointed. The differences between Reds and Greens are leadership and responsibility, not fighting ability. In order to advance from Red to the seventh rank of Green, one must show the maturity, responsibility, and dedication needed to run a group.

Green Sash

The Green Sash is a non-fighting rank above Red Sash. Green Sashes are able to dominate a battlefield both with individual fighting skills and ability to direct large fighting groups using varied tactics. Green Sashes are able to run groups and manage battles between different groups. Green Sashes manage and maintain good relations with those inside and outside of the group.

Promotion to the Blue Sash

The Blue Sash is another position of leadership within the ranks and the position is appointed.

Blue Sash

The Blue Sash is a non-fighting rank above Green Sash that represents the top of the organizational hierarchy. The difference between Blue Sash and Green Sash is one of management ability and organizational experience. The Blue Sash has the added responsibility of overseeing multiple groups. They may not manage each group directly but they help maintain good relationships between groups, oversee testing to ensure consistency between fields, and coordinate large events.