Student Ranks

Grading Criteria and Rank Meaning

 

Students begin training without any rank. There are three levels of ability to be reached. Each new level is attained by attending a ‘Pressure-Test Grading’ at the appropriate point in the student’s training. This is a test of knowledge, physical skill and psychological attributes that takes place over several hours. If the student is successful in passing, they will be certified at their new level. These grades are recognized by the BCA, with each certificate being counter-signed by BCA chief Peter Consterdine.

.

 

Level 1 

 

Must be able to:

 

Demonstrate a deep understanding of awareness tactics

 

Demonstrate instinctive use of The Fence and de-escalation tactics under pressure

 

Deliver one or more effective pre-emptive strikes under pressure

 

Cover up against strikes

Demonstrate instinctive 'early phase' counter-grappling techniques

 

Deliver all long range strikes with speed and KO power

Demonstrate instinctive 'early phase' close quarter weapons defence

 

Demonstrate an understanding of the law in relation to self-protection

 

 

A Level 1 student is not a white-belt equivalent or a beginner. A Level 1 student is more comparable to most black-belts of the traditional martial arts. This person has the tools and knowledge to survive the most common types of street crime.

 

 

Level 2

 

Must be able to:

 

Demonstrate again all the skills of a Level 1 student

 

Demonstrate a good understanding of pre-fight psychology and conflict management

 

Cover and close through strikes

 

Demonstrate basic vertical grappling skills

 

Deliver all close quarter strikes with KO power in an instinctive flow

 

Demonstrate good positive reactions to sudden attack

 

Defend against static weapon threats under pressure

 

 

A Level 2 student has not only the physical skills but the psychological attributes of a fighter – someone who can defend themselves by outwitting and/or physically dominating their would-be attacker. This person has ingrained the attributes necessary for instinctively performing under pressure.

 

 

Level 3

 

Must be able to:

 

Demonstrate again all the skills and attributes of a Level 1 and 2 student

 

Effectively deal with ground attacks under pressure

 

Take down a resisting opponent using vertical grappling skills

 

Defend against dynamic knife attacks

 

Defend against mid-range pistol threats under pressure

 

Demonstrate knowledge of ground containment and basic restraints

 

Demonstrate an understanding of the moral and ethical issues that come with training in Self Protection

 

Demonstrate an understanding of the psychology of fear and the adrenal-release process

 

A Level 3 student is no longer just a student. This person has demonstrated time and again an instinctive ability to effectively deal with all forms of violence. A Level 3 individual’s nervous system is hardwired to react effectively to any form of violence; without any need for conscious thought or recollection, this person is a potentially dangerous individual whose moral understanding provides the balance necessary for counteracting their level of fighting skill.

 

A Level 3 student potentially has an instructor-level understanding off Self Protection.