Belt Tests: do we really need them?

Yes!

I should probably stop this blog right now, because at the end of the day, that is the short and truly only answer to this question.

But why did I ask the question to begin with?  Honestly, many do not understand the reason behind what they may consider an archaic and traditional "ceremony" in a progressive self-defense system such as Israeli Combat System.

The reasons for which we do these "belt tests" vary.  But before we get into that let's discuss the name.  Belt Test.  We wear no belts.  Well...at least none that signify a level, only ones to keep our pants from falling.  Obviously the term comes from the traditional martial arts that make some of the basis of ICS, such as Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, etc.  In addition, when we first developed ICS, we used to wear belts.  At the time the belts were in recognition of the primary system that ICS is rooted in: Skornik Israeli Combat.  We also wore them because when applying to have ICS recognized by the International Martial Arts Federation, we needed to show ranks and curriculums.  Thus, our belt system was created.  You will notice that our belts are not like any other system out there.  We start at Yellow and not at White, have Red before Black, etc.  We are unique to say the least.

There was also a practical reason for the belts, or more precisely to levels.  ICS is a comprehensive self-defense system.  We teach everything from personal self-defenses to ground skills and advance weapon disarms.  But one of the main beauties of our system is that there are no "Advance" skills, we only have "Basic" skills that are applied in a different manner...one that many consider higher risk.

As the risk level of the defense increase so does the need for the skill to be executed perfectly.  If an outside defense can be somewhat "sloppy" when defending against a hook, that margin of error is decreased when defending against a knife.  So even though the skill is essentially the same, the need for precision is significantly higher.

Belt tests allow us to promote individuals we believe have the proficiency to apply the more technical aspects of their skills to address new and more dangerous threats.

Probably more importantly though, Belt tests allow us to see who has the "heart" to make it through a grueling experience and not quit.  Belt tests last anywhere from five to eight hours (depending on level and number of participants), and are torturous from beginning to end.  Our goal is to get the students to the point of physical and mental exhaustion and see them fight on.  Like we always say: "the one who will win a fight is the one who didn't give up!".  We want to make sure that our students have the will to make it through hardship and come out victorious.

Call is a tad too much if you want, but at the end of the day that is what makes Masada the special school that it is.  Our members are warriors.

And don't misconstrued the ability to sustain the pain as an automatic pass.  We are picky.  We, as instructors, are looking for perfect execution of skills even though fatigue and stress are on an all high level.  As we said, these skills will be put to use in new and more demanding contexts, so there is no "so-so", it has to be great.  We fail people if we think they aren't ready to move on.  It isn't personal, but our levels are true to what they signify, not just a prize for being a member long enough or paying for a test.

One thing is for sure though, and ask every person that ever passed our test, once you completed this test of skill and will you will feel like you earned the right to wear the next level's patch.  We don't sell or give the next belt.  You will earn it, and be darn proud that you did!

For all of those testing this month.  Good luck, and may God have mercy on your souls!

Stay safe,
Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical.=