Indianapolis Martial Arts Instructor Takes Prepares to Promote to 5th Dan through "The Ultimate Black Belt Test."

James Theros, owner of Level 10 Martial Arts College, will be taking a 13-month long test to promote to his 5th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, and Hapkido

(PRWEB) December 19, 2004 -- Indianapolis Martial Arts instructor, James Theros, is embarking on a special journey in the year 2005. He is in the pursuit of his 5th Degree black belt, an achievement that will have been 28 years in the making.

Mr. Theros, owner of Indianapolis' "Level 10 Martial Arts College" located on Indy's South Side since 1995 says that this will be the most difficult task he has ever undertaken.

"I'm required to do 15 minutes of meditation 7 days a week for 13 months straight. On top of that I have to mend 3 relationships or right 3 wrongs that I have done in my life."

Those two things alone would probably send most hopefuls packing in despair, but not Theros. He says he is looking forward to the challenge for many reasons.

"I want to test myself again. I want to see just what this body and mind can accomplish at this stage in my life." I'm 36 this year which is retirement age for most guys who do what I do as a profession," says Theros.

"I also look at this as an opportunity to display to my students that anything is possible if you just believe in yourself and get out there and be willing to fall down a few times. I want to be able to demonstrate that leaders lead by example."

The Ultimate Black Belt Test (www.ultimateblackbelttest.com (http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/)) is just that. It is the most demanding black belt test there is in the world of Martial Arts, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Kung Fu, etc...

There are only 30 candidates allowed to participate throughout the entire world each year and this year James is one of them.

The test is one that is customized to each participant, based on what Martial Arts background he or she has. There are, however a few things that will be congruent with each of the participants.

These include the following:
52,000 push ups and crunches by completion date, 1000 rounds of sparring (sport fighting), 20 hours of boxing practice with a certified coach, reality-based self-defense training, indonesian weaponry training in Kali or Escrima (based on the use of either a single or double stick or knife), 1000 repetitions of their individualized testing requirements (including 10 public performances of those requirements).

And that is only the physical side of things. Next, the participants will have to read a minimum of 12 books on philosophy, motivation or management (something that James Theros has already met the qualifactions for many times over, as he usually reads a book each week).

They will also be required to participate in Anthony Robbins 30-day Program on personal development, participate in the "Body for Life" program (which includes daily exercise 6 days per week and a regimented diet program as well).

Probably one of the most unique things about the test is that each participant will have to undergo 3 days of "empathy training," in which they will have to be in a wheel chair for an entire day, wear a blind fold for an entire day and go 24 hours without speaking.

Each participant must also perform and log a minimum of 1,000 acts of kindness and be responsible for 50,000 such acts throughout their community.

The participants must also accomplish 10 personal victories in their lives. Theros will attempt to accomplish one of them by taking a 10 day trip to the orient this year.

In addition to all of that, the participants will fly out to various locations 3 times to undertake special tasks that are assigned. One of those tasks will be building a home for a needy family out of recycled material that will be considered a "work of art."

The test is a long and grueling one but when the participants have finished, they will have basicaly transformed themselves physically, mentally and spiritually in a way that nothing else could.

James is nervous and excited about beginning the task ahead of him. "I made the committment by paying a non-refundable fee of $1500 and then have committed to having $300 taken out of my checking account each month for this program. I believe that when a person makes a committment both mentally, orally, and monetarily, he will be much more likely to achieve his goal. I shall not fail."

For more information on James Theros or Level 10 Martial Arts College log onto: www.level10martialarts.com (http://www.level10martialarts.com/)
or call 782-8000.

# # #

Anyone who meets those requirements certainly deserves the title of black belt, and more. But I can't help but wonder if the money they pay to be part of this is worth it. :idunno: At the end of the 13 months they've spent at least $5400, not counting whatever else it may have cost them to accomplish their "personal victories" and "acts of kindness."

Marketing Scam, Marketing Scam!!!!
From the same scamers tyhat brought you NAPMA
Pay up and then talk it up
Todd

Marketing Scam, Marketing Scam!!!!
From the same scamers tyhat brought you NAPMA
Pay up and then talk it up
Todd
My thoughts exactly...nothing here a person couldnt do locally, personally and much of it free of charge.You would loose the bragging rights though.

I've never experienced a black belt test myself, but if and when the time comes, I don't plan on giving away 13 months of my life (some of us have to work for a living) and pay through the nose just for the privalege.

Could I just do all the nice things, have one of you guys watch, and order a black belt from century? :) Would be ALOT cheaper. :D

Sounds like a scam to me as well, though at least a good-intentioned one.

What's any of this have to do with fighting skills?

What's any of this have to do with fighting skills?

You have to fight the urge that tells you NOT to spend the money.

Gee...$5,400 for a fifth dan.

He works the Tony Robbins program, and mends relationships. He'd spend a lot less on therapy. It'd cost about half that.

Regards,


Steve

This is the master mind of Napma and all the other "Marketing companies". The Black Belt is not about fighting skill (Cus, after all that would be demonstrable skill). Instead Black Belt is this vaguely defined warm, fuzzy, feel good experience that any one can do in under 15 months without devoted to much time(but plenty od ca$h) too.
Ulimate Black Belt test is anything Ultinmate or Black Belt, it is however, an fairly accurate predictor how much cr*p you can eat and still smile.

:)
Todd

I would like for them to define, what is the "ultimate?"

Okey dokey, this breaks down into these categories:

Personal goal setting
physical goal setting
pushing your limits
allowing brainwashing techniques so you can better your life (according to somebody else)
recognizing the needs of others
helping fulfill the needs of others
self-led education
fighting
making the world a better place

All nice things. Can't we just include these in our requirement lists anyway? I don't need Tony Robbins to tell me I'm a better person or better able to face the world for the work I've done on myself, nor where my needs lie.

I suppose bragging rights might be nice, but with all these reality shows, there are fewer and fewer names that will be recognized for hitting a benchmark. There will even be fewer and fewer names recognized for the good they do the world (though I hope that will deter no one).

Interesting parameters, though. I'd like the camping trip in Tahoe! Crap, that would be a vacation for me!

I just can't believe that any sane person would actually do this! It is an absolute marketing scam!

Pity the fool.

I just can't believe that any sane person would actually do this! It is an absolute marketing scam!

Pity the fool.
Fool being the operative word in that sentence...

Hi,

Different strokes for different folks, but it does sound pretty ridiculous. Oh well, it doesn't make him a bad person, just a person who spent a hell of a lot of money. I hope for him it's worth it.

The Prof

You hit the nail right on the head. It has absolutelyt squat ti di witgh fighting skills.

The Prof

What's any of this have to do with fighting skills?

while making you a good person if you can do all that...
I don't think it makes you a black belt.

Hello, I agree with most of you. This test is all about money in someone's pocket. If you are not a good person by the time you reach black belt than your teacher is wrong about your promotions. The higher rank person should always be helping others become a better person all the time and set high standards for himself and set the examples for others to follow.

This test sounds a little crazy for me, I would change schools and start all over. I remember my first Shotokan Sensi say for the black belt test , I would have to fight 7 other black belts(full contact) in a round robin of 2 minute rounds than buy beer and food after the test. You don't need to win, the goal is not to quit. Lucky he give me another test instead. The Sensi quit training students and that was the end of my Karate schooling. ......just my thoughts.....Aloha

It si the McDojo soft selling and sell out of the martial arts. Being good is ranked by what programs are tied into Napam. Little Johhy can't fight his way out of a paper bag? Yea, but he calls everyone sir! It is alot easier to teach a shallow type of courtesy than the ma's. sooner or later what do we sell?

Todd

Hello, I agree with most of you. This test is all about money in someone's pocket. If you are not a good person by the time you reach black belt than your teacher is wrong about your promotions. The higher rank person should always be helping others become a better person all the time and set high standards for himself and set the examples for others to follow.

This test sounds a little crazy for me, I would change schools and start all over. I remember my first Shotokan Sensi say for the black belt test , I would have to fight 7 other black belts(full contact) in a round robin of 2 minute rounds than buy beer and food after the test. You don't need to win, the goal is not to quit. Lucky he give me another test instead. The Sensi quit training students and that was the end of my Karate schooling. ......just my thoughts.....Aloha
Sounds like a painful but rewarding testing procedure, I would go for buying the beers...

What a complete load of male bovine excrement.

Cthulhu

What a complete load of male bovine excrement.

Cthulhu
Eloquent, yet insulting, I like it!

52,000 push-ups and crunches. That's 130 a day per exercise.

1000 rounds of sparring is about 3 per day, or about 19 per week.

150 hours of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or any NHB style is about 3 hours a week

20 hours of training in boxing or Muay Thai

And, if the individualized requirements are based on what's typical for your next belt anyways then 1000 repetitions is pretty solid practice and the 10 public performances should mean that you really know your stuff (as long as somebody watching is capable of judging your success).

There's more listed, and it all sound like a solid basis in fighting ability.


I assume the money goes to pay for the three special training events. It seems like a lot, but if it works as a marketing tool you stand to make money if it brings in students. However, consider that for most martial artists, money is just a means to an end.


Look, you could definitely have a much more intense training schedule on your own. But, there's a lot to be said about having a support system and making these goals public to help you stick to them.


This isn't a program I'm at all interested in, but it's certainly not something I'd laugh at.

as the fisherman once said....


AAAABALONE!

I've never experienced a black belt test myself, but if and when the time comes, I don't plan on giving away 13 months of my life (some of us have to work for a living) and pay through the nose just for the privalege.
exactly, it would be much much harder if you were also required to do unrelated work 5 days a week 8 hours a day where you can not do any part of the challenge?

Funny, I know this guy. I've roomed with him a few times at the OMAC summer camp. He always struck me as a good guy. I wonder why he would want to buy into something like this? Any of that can be accomplished on your own without spending 5 and half grand.

James is a good guy. I would ask his motivation for doing this challenge but he left our organization a year or two ago and I no longer have any contact with him. Pehaps I will send him an e-mail though.

Wow, Each to their own.

I am not going to say its bad but I am with a lot of people when it comes to that money. I have been in the arts for 15 years and I am getting ready to test for my 5th degree some time this year. I am 35 years old. As for our requiements I would have to say. over the 15 years I have met almost all that has he has listed, even the blind for a day. (I was in the lions club and they had us do that). I have metitated for 20-30 min. 4-7 times a week for the past 5 years. I work out at least 4-6 days a week for the past 10 years. I guess you could say I have been preparing for my 5th degree for the past 15 years. I will be the first to test for 5th under my instructor who has over 300 balck belts. There has only been 4 test to 4th degree and one of them didn't make it. the test will take about 3 days but will only cost me $50.00. My instructor is not into the money making.

Well... isn't anybody gonna contact him and give him the heads up?

Personally I agree with shesulsa that some of those requirements should be added to a Dan test (of any level/rank). Doing good to others doesn't have anything to do with fighting skills but it does build character and one learns things (or should) when one does good things without compensation, for others. Besides it's one of those...umm, <snap-snap> ... wait don't tell me... umm... :idea: right things to do. Yeah that's the ticket yeah.
At least doing a small part to make this world a better place. ....right? :uhyeah:

James is a good guy. I would ask his motivation for doing this challenge but he left our organization a year or two ago and I no longer have any contact with him. Pehaps I will send him an e-mail though.


YOU THINK??

YOU THINK??

Excuse me? What's the point of your post?

I join in with everyone else who said "wtf?!". A 5th dan is just that, a 5th dan, meaning a person with a certain standard of proficiency in his style with all the knowledge required to meet the title. Do you have to be a good person? A deep thinking philosopher? Not really. I do agree that these are things that people should aspire to, but they're not martial art rank requirements.

~ Loki

Excuse me? What's the point of your post? the point is chuck if you know this guy call him and talk to him, thats my point:)

the point is chuck if you know this guy call him and talk to him, thats my point:)

well georgie, it's not the top of my priority list, but if I do this thread will be the first to know.

Georgie???? well no one has called me that,let me see?? well i was a little boy
but thats cool, i'm 50 next month:ultracool.
but what i meant was if you know that guy than maybe someone should let him know whats up? thats all i was saying,sorry if you took it the wrong way.

no big deal, I think it was the font that made it look like you were shouting at me. It's all good though. When James decompresses from the test, I'll give him a call or shoot him an e-mail.

no big deal, I think it was the font that made it look like you were shouting at me. It's all good though. When James decompresses from the test, I'll give him a call or shoot him an e-mail. really, sorry i meant really sorry:)

You know I learned not to say anything, if there is something negative to be said. So if this makes him a better person, or makes him happy. And he got the money, than why not.

You'd be better off giving the money to charity then pissing it away on the New Agey NAPMA ispired nonsense

i know a guy that did that, he saide it was one of, if not, the most rewarding things he ever did. and by the way what is nampa????

Sweet Brighit bless your blade

John

NAPMA - National Association of Professional Martial Artists
www.napma.com

Mixed feelings on this one. All sounds good intentioned until the price tag. Then it reminds me of the old Kim's Karate "Guaranteed Black Belt Program" that was here a while back.

Thanks Bob.

Sweet Brighit Bless Your Blade,

John

Could I just do all the nice things, have one of you guys watch, and order a black belt from century? :) Would be ALOT cheaper. :D

Sounds like a scam to me as well, though at least a good-intentioned one.
I would actually order one from Taiwan.

Hello all.

I've taken the time to read all of the responses to the original post, and while it's pleasing to see that so many have taken enough of an interest in it to post replies, it is also disheartening to see that the responses are so funereal...
For those who reply that the test has nothing to do with how well you fight, I would venture to say that many of them have either not yet managed to acquire their initial black belt, or that possibly they haven't progressed further than their first degree/dan as is evidenced by their axiomatic disrespect for it. That leads to another observation; Those that think that they can order a black belt from Taiwan or Century and become a "black belt." Let's face it, those of us who 'get it,' whether we think that the UBBT is a scam or not, understand that wearing a black belt does not make you a "black belt" as a black belt is earned, not appropriated. Some of us may have more or less money than others, and if $5000 or so is an obstacle to EARNING your black belt, regardless of how you would spend it, then it's quite possible that earning the black belt is out of your reach, no offense intended, just an observation.
The black belt, regardless of the degree, is a milemarker of many different things, not only of fighting/sparring skills, but also of patience, life experience, knowledge, physical ability, self confidence, modesty, honesty and strength of will just to name a few. One of the few appreciable responses I read mentioned the benefit of having a support and recording structure in place for the effort of completing the UBBT, and while I know that many of the responses were meant to be facetious, many were showing their lack of knowledge with respect to martial arts as a whole.
To be forthcoming about things, I'll say that James Theros is one of my instructors, not only in Tae Kwon Do, but also Kung Fu and Weaponry, and while I may not always agree with him on every aspect of life, I respect the amount of time and effort he places in self-betterment with respect to martial arts, and feel privileged to have such a knowledgeable instructor. Martial arts skills alone does not make a good instructor, as I'm sure many of us here can attest to, so finding someone who can combine the skills and teaching ability is definitely beneficial. If the sacrifice (minor or not) he has made monetarily helps him to 'stick to his guns' and accomplish the goals that he chose to undertake with the UBBT, then more power to him. I probably wouldn't/couldn't undertake the task, but then again, I'm not him! ;)

Good luck all, and good training!

Moo Do Jung Shin!

Well he is TKD then the cost is way over priced for a 5th Kukkiwon and if you know him personally please ask this question why would a great teacher be taken for a ride. I'm not questioning his morality or dignity but how can he look at others with the same years in and say he is not be taken.

Warmest regards
Master Stoker
PS My question are based off of paflic response.

Regardless of what NAPMA, money orientated foolishness tells you, Black Belt is a rank to denote martial arts skill. Not wisdom, life experience(explain a 8 year old black belt) or any other nobleness. Black Belts are human - prone to the same strenghts and downfalls as everyone else. "ulitimate Black Belt" carries a heavy price tag-mostly monetary

Thank you both for your replies. With respect to being taken, again, I refer to the concept of relativity... If you do not desire the resources and/or outcome provided by the UBBT, then one would not expect you to participate in it. If I would/could state it a different way, why test for your belts at all? Why not just learn the testing requirements and call your self a "certifiable" black belt? I can tell you why, it's because of the recognition. The certification says that you are recognized in an official capacity by an organization of some worth. Now while many have indicated that the UBBT is not one of those organizations, there are many who would venture to believe otherwise. James Theros is undertaking the UBBT to show his students who say "it's too hard" that if you want something bad enough, it can be achieved. If being recognized by the UBBT organization as having completed the UBBT is worth the effort, time and money to someone, how is it that they are being 'taken' if they participate? On the other note, that the belt is solely for the ranking of skill, then perhaps we (our schools) seek more compensation from our training than do most others, which I already know is true. Eight year old black belts are non-existent in our organization, for obvious reasons, however there are a few who have managed to make it to first gup. We have one (1) 12yr old who will be testing for his second dan in December, and he is the exception to the norm, and one of the most admirable and respectful individuals, regardless of age, that I know. Personally I think it sad that someone could have reached their 4th dan and spent over 40yrs practicing martial arts to gain nothing more than a bit of physical skill out of it.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be critical of anyone, I'm just stating that a 'belt factory' school is not one that suits me or my family's needs. Anyone can learn their poomse, spar enough rounds and demonstrate self defense in short order and test through their ranks without too much effort. In order to become a better person, in all respects, then pounding out forms is not enough, at least in my opinion.

Moo Do Jung Shin

Oddly enough, by avoiding a "belt factory" you've stepprd into the biggest pile of horse cra* from the factory that car*s out belt factories. When you are paying for the "honor" of your teacher' UBBT- try to feel special. Cuz your are after all there's only 1 sucker born every minute and this is your minute. Enjoy

Paflick, I would imagine the comment about being a 4th Dan Kukkiwon certified is directed to me so I'll responsed.

First of I started traing in Okinawa Karate and Judo then I participated in the old PKA of the seventies and early eighties swicthed over to TKD with Master Gin Kim in the beginning of the eighties, it was 18 years between 3rd and 4th for me because rank had no meaning, I just wanted knowledge then came December of 2004 and went and tested for my 4th so I could issues certificates without being pressure to do join organization. See paflick a beltmean nothing to a man that has dedicated himself to the Art of his choice.

I hope I do not sound arrogant about anything and I have no ill will towards the UBBT do not know enough info. on them my questions where simply from my point of view, if he is doing it to prove it can be done then I wish him great success and if he is doing it to get some sort of recognition GOD Bless, just remember so many so called Mickey dee's martial arts out there. I have seen so called Grand Master sell there pride for $10,000.00 just to get monies out of guys that could not fight there way out of a wet paper bag.

Paflick I can only imagine what this is suppose to mean, I have trained over sea's and I have trained in the middle of the woods to get knowledge my forty years is over the Arts and my travels have taken me to so many great places to learn what some would see stupid.
I think it sad that someone could have reached their 4th dan and spent over 40yrs practicing martial arts to gain nothing more than a bit of physical skill out of it.

At no time did I mean to be dis-respectful toward you or the gentlemen taken this UBBT test so why be that way toward me. My door has always been open to anybody wishing to train or teach me new techs. If you are anywhere in my area stop by and we can talk and work-out.
Have a pleasant day and journey.
Master Stoker

Master Stoker,
I humbly apologize if my comments came across as derogatory, as my intentions were not so. The other poster, The Kai, made a comment to the effect that the 'belt' was nothing more than a way to rank fighting skill. When I used the example of your stated rank and experience, I was just using you and your experience as an example to that poster that for someone to have spent so long studying martial arts and to have achieved their 4th degree black belt while not learning life lessons in the process would be a sad situation. The comments you have made in the way you have in your posts obviously indicate that you are a wise and respectful individual, and those are qualities you do not gain at a 'belt factory.' I am very respectful of my martial arts seniors and was simply trying to state a fact: If someone is willing to pay what another is asking for a service or product that is being offered, then that person is not being played or taken. Certain others feel the need to belittle individuals without taking the time to place interest in their reasoning (which you have not done) and it's my belief that it's all too easy to mistake one's intention in writing, so I hope that I have clarified my position and not offended you in any way.

Moo Do Jung Shin!

Paflick, I believe your sesorious in the Art itself and I agree with your post that it is up to that individual to prosess the fact before proceeding. I sir believe the UBBT is not for me and I hope that the gentleman taking this test does very well on it. I believe I could not fulfill all the requirements without properly making my mind and body to believe the test. I find your respectfulness to be of the highes standered so far which means you have learned from a great instructor which is hard to find these days. Stay true to the Art and the Art will stay true to you.
:asian:
Master Stoker

Just wondering. Is there some sort of "pyramid" associated with this program. I.E. become a sponsoring school, charge students for the test and you get to keep some of the money, get other schools to participate and get some of their money too sort of thing?

It's a strange experience to find myself nodding along with Blotan and saying "Yup. I think he's onto them" :) $10,000 plus all sorts of expensive training, travel and seminars from the guy's affiliates? You have to wonder...

It's a strange experience to find myself nodding along with Blotan and saying "Yup. I think he's onto them" :) $10,000 plus all sorts of expensive training, travel and seminars from the guy's affiliates? You have to wonder...

This very day a MT member started a thread about being a part of this year's event.

I'm hopeful that there will be a change in tone to this thread from the one of several years ago and that some polite and respectful discussion might yield some insider insight.

Polite and respectful doesn't mean abandoning one's critical faculties and personal honesty. It most definitely doesn't mean "sit down, shut up and don't ask inconvenient questions". I certainly admire bushidomartialarts' dedication. But the thing he's doing has all sorts of signs that point to "deeply suspicious".

Just by means of comparison, the Alliance of Non-Aligned Martial Artists aka Mushtaq's Merry Marauders aka The Set of All Sets Which Are Not Members of Any Set will custom design a black belt challenge for you if you come out to Chuck Pippin's (http://innovativemartialarts.com) Gathering. They'll challenge you if by "challenge" you mean "run you through a ringer specially formulated to push you as hard as you can go and a mile or so past what you think you can do". They'll also do an advanced black belt challenge that tests your maturity and sophistication in your Art. And they'll provide an eclectic board of advanced martial artists from many different disciplines to do it.

The cost?

0.2% of what the other guys are charging. And only if you pass. And the only travel you have to do is to Grand Rapids to show your stuff. And you don't have to take special motivational seminars. It's entirely what you know and what you can do under pressure.

That's the standard I'm judging by. And it makes me view the UBBT with a touch of skepticism. That's not disrespectful or impolite. It's simply failing to abandon integrity.

I subscribe to Mushtaq's blog, and since we both have an interest in RMAX, I expect I'll have the pleasure of meeting him someday soon.

And, I absolutely agree with you about critical thinking.

But, I'm not sure you can judge any ranking system by another.

What's any of this have to do with fighting skills?
I think the point is that martial arts is a lifestyle mindset not just a physical art. I think one reason for the cost is that many people will continue to work on something they've paid for yet will cast away something of equal value of it's free.

I'm not involved in this in any way, but their ad in an MA magazine intrigued me so I checked it out. Here it is if you're interested.

http://ultimateblackbelttest.wordpress.com/how-to-join-team-6/

For what it's worth, since the beginning of this thread back in '05 the guy in question has literally drowned in the Mc Kool-aid (so to speak). So much so that he's become a joke to many of his peers, employees, and students.

It's a shame because he really is a talented martial artist but his need for recognition and self promotion has overshadowed everything that is truly special about him.