Test Methods

The determination of when an individual is ready to test up to the next rank is decided by the field leader. Orange ranks and above can also recommend fighters for testing up to a level below their own rank. A knight may recommend their apprentice. A fighter may also request to be tested, but they should not be offended if told they are not ready yet.

Testing is held on a regular basis or as the need arises. Fighters testing are given adequate notice of the impending test so that they can prepare. All fighters are expected to assist people preparing to test.

For each rank multiple criteria must be met before someone is even allowed to attempt a test. Once these conditions are met the individual testing will be required to perform the necessary forms, drills, information, and fighting in order to pass. Ranks are not handed out for “time served” and tests should not be easy. Almost everyone will fail a test at some point, sometimes several in a row. Failing is an important test of character. Someone who fails and redoubles their effort to pass the next time shows dedication and determination.

There are a few ways the fighting portion of the test can be conducted. Listed below are some examples depending on the availability and number of other ranks. The method used is determined by the test conductor and field leader.

Points Testing Method

This method consists of the tester fighting a single opponent for brief rounds to accumulate points. A round consists of an engagement between fighters where a wound is suffered and ends when there is a distinct pause in the fight or when one of the participants steps out of bounds. At the end of each round the point total is scored and summed, and if the tester goes over the target point total the test is completed as passed at that time. If after the maximum number of rounds, or when it is mathematically impossible to reach the needed points in the rounds remaining the test is failed.

If two opponents are available, the tester needs to pass against both of them. Passing requires scoring 21 points in 14 rounds. Each opponent is treated as separate events without any crossover of rounds, points, faults, etc.

If only one opponent is available, the tester is required to score 30 points in 20 rounds.

In each round, wounds are added for points as follows:

Arm: 2 Points

Leg: 1 Point

Kill: 5 Points

Thus, two legs are worth 2 points, an arm and a leg are worth 3 points, and two arms are worth 4 points. A kill, via three limbs is the same as a body shot and is still worth 5 points.

Wounds the tester lands score positive points, but wounds the tester suffers count as negative points. Thus, if both participants are the same rank, trading arms would count as 0 points because 2 -2 = 0. If the tester is fighting a higher rank, the values of wounds for a higher ranked opponent are multiplied to represent the higher difficulty. For one rank up, the multiple is 2 and thus, an arm is worth 4 points and so on. As with the example above, both fighters lose an arm, the tester gets 4 points for hitting the arm, but loses 2 points for losing their arm, resulting in a 2-point round.

A mutual kill results in the round being repeated with no points scored. As above, a three limb death is the same as a torso death and still results in a repeated round.

Illegal shots, (head, neck, and groin if helmets are not being used,) are treated as normal and anything in connection with them does not count. An illegal shot committed by the tester results in the end of the round and at best 0 points. An illegal shot committed by the opponent results in whatever points were earned in the round (minimum 0), and the round gets to be re-done. For the following examples, Brandon is the tester and his opponent is one rank up:

If Brandon hits his opponent in the head and suffers no wounds, he would get 0 points for the round.

If Brandon hits an arm and then on a separate swing hits his opponent in the head and suffers no wounds, he would still get 0 points.

If Brandon hits his opponent in the head and is killed in the process he would get -5 points for the round.

If Brandon hits his opponent in the arm and then in a separate swing hits his opponent in the head and dies in the process the arm points would still help to cancel out the death points and Brandon would get -1 points for the round (2 arm X 2 rank – 5 death = -1 points for the round.)

If on round 4, Brandon is hit in the head and in the process gets an arm, he would get to re-do round 4 and have 4 points added.

A boundary should be established by the test conductor to give a way for wounded participants to end the round. Boundaries should be visible and easily discernible when they are crossed, like with a rope ring or lines on the ground. In the event that someone steps out of bounds and no wounds have been suffered on either side of the fight, the fight is paused, but does not count as a round. If the tester steps out of bounds and no wounds have been suffered, they get two warnings and then the third and all subsequent times lose a point. If the opponent steps out of bounds when no wounds have been suffered, the tester gains a point. Gaining a point with this method is not considered when determining the mathematical possibility to reach the target score. If gaining a point with this method cannot end the test even if the target point total is met. The tester must finish (non-mutual) the round before the score is summed.

At the start of each round, the round number should be called. The tester may designate one person to be their test advisor. Between rounds the test advisor may check the score and offer advice and encouragement.

Multiple Opponents Test Method

The tester must simultaneously fight three opponents as selected by the test conductor. The four fighters start in the four corners of the ring. A line should be drawn connecting the two adjacent corners to the tester. All four fighters start each attempt with their back to the center of the area. The two opponents in the adjacent corners can move forward but cannot retreat. If they cross the line, falling back to their teammates it is considered a misstart and the attempt is restarted. Once the initial engagement has ended the diagonal line may be ignored. The tester gets five attempts. After each attempt, rotate the three opponents to a new starting position. The tester must disable all of the opponents and survive the fight.

Sequential Opponents Test Method

The tester must fight four fighters, one rank lower than the tester, one at a time with wounds carrying over between fights. The tester must survive defeating all four opponents.

Other Test Methods

Other methods may be devised by field leaders due to local circumstances as long as the test is suitably challenging.