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Originally Posted by gabbah
But I don't really get the idea of having the test... in that form at least. I mean the trainer already knows your level both in sparring/match and technique wise, there's no need for a test is there?
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Also, the test doesn't prove whether or not you are a good instructor. However, Ajarn Chai wanted to test my heart and desire before making me an instructor. To him that is very important. Also at the time, Guro Dan Inosanto required certification through the Thaiboxing Association before he would make someone an instructor. He only wanted instructors in his organization that could pass the test as it proves a certain dedication, toughness and heart. He has since dropped that requirement realizing that the test is not for everyone.
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Originally Posted by gabbah
Also I can't see it being worth the damage you got.
Anyway, nice to see the vid! Keep them coming.  Oh btw, how long had you been training when you did that test? And what do you gain by passing? |
In some ways it was definitely worth it. It forced me to train very hard to reach a goal. It was a good gut check. In the second round after being kicked down several times I knew I was not going to be able to pass. Many people have commented that I should have just stayed down and avoided the beating. To me, that would have been worse than not passing. I would rather fail the test than to fail myself. I'm glad I did the test. I'm also glad I don't have to do it a third time!!
I began my martial arts training in 1980 with boxing, kickboxing and judo (growing up in Iowa I often entered wrestling tournaments while in lower grade school, but I don't count that as I got my butt kicked too often). So, I had been training for 10 years prior to the test. In 1984 I attended my first seminar with Ajarn Chai and it was also that same year that I began private training daily with two of Ashihara's black belts from Japan. Much of it was very similar to Thaiboxing and the sparring was done full contact with no pads (no face punching). We would also include punching to the face with gloves on. That training I got with the two Ashihara guys really helped my development. I took daily beatings from them!
The main benefit I got from passing the test is a huge sense of accomplishment.
Tim