Primary Firearm

The American Rifleman is so named because he/she is competent in the use of the firearm of choice for a free American - the rifle! The rifle of choice for the American Rifleman is a no-brainer: the AR15. This article will discuss preferences for the American Rifleman who is just starting out on the journey of AR15 ownership.

Disclaimer 1 - Already have an AR15

If you already own an AR15 now, that is not of a configuration as listed below, do not panic! Any AR15 is better than no AR15. The primary objective is to get competent with what you have. After that, you will want to build the rifle around what you want to do with it and what you need to be able to do with it. 

A perfectly acceptable option would be to get competent, then upgrade the rifle as funds permit. The neat thing about the AR15 is that it is highly customizable.

Disclaimer 2 - Alternate Rifles
As surely as I will put this up, there will be an M14 fan or some-such that will come on here and try to tell me that their rifle is better than an AR15 for this reason or that. 
Fair. 
However, there is no doubt that when the factors of reliability, ammo commonality, parts availability, effectiveness, range, speed, weight, expense, maintenance, shot capacity, etc.; the AR15 clearly is the most well-rounded rifle on the market.

The Original Is Your Best Bet
When Stoner created the AR15 rifle, he did his homework. The original M16 had a 20" barrel, rifle length gas system, and rifle buffer tube. Since then, many alternative barrels, gas systems, and buffer tubes have been created, but none are quite as effective as the above combination.

20" Barrel
The 20" barrel offers the best projectile velocity, at a manageable weight for the user. Some may select a government profile barrel - most of which should be accurate to within 2 minutes of angle (MOA). That means if you do your part, the rifle can put all rounds within a 12" circle at 600 yards. That is more than good enough for a rifleman.
An 18" barrel would be a second choice. Get one only with a rifle length gas system. 
A 16" (or 14.5") barrel would be less than ideal because of all the lost bullet velocity.

Rifle length gas system
The rifle length gas system is what the system was designed around. It produces the least stress on the bolt and the least recoil to the shooter. It is also the most reliable of the gas systems.

The midlength gas system is better than the carbine gas system, but not as good as the rifle. 

Broken bolts and extractors are commonly associated with the carbine length gas system. Ever hear of a 20" rifle shooter looking for a different buffer, etc.? Nope. There's a reason. The carbine length gas system puts the most stress on the bolt, and the most recoil for the shooter.

A2 Stock
OK, here is where I will yield quickly. The A2 stock is long, and therefore, somewhat uncomfortable for most shooters. With a rifle length gas system in place, the buffer tube becomes far less important to overall reliability. If you want an A1 stock, or a collapsible stock, go ahead and get one... and don't look back.

Barrel twist
Most barrels these days are 1:7 (one twist every 7 inches) or 1:9. Either is fine. Do not worry about it. If you have a specific need to shoot bullets heavier than 75 grain, then you need to build another rifle for that specific purpose. 1:8 is also good.

Barrel Type
The only barrel I'd avoid is the pencil-barrel. Its accuracy will degrade more as the barrel heats up. A heavy barrel is fine, a .gov profile barrel is fine. Free-float is fine. Non free-float is fine.
Chrome-lined is fine.
Chrome-moly is fine.
Stainless steel is fine. 

Ammo
You should practice, practice, practice. That said, the cheapest brass-cased ammo comes in one of two major types: 55-grain (M193 clone) or 62-grain (M855 clone). In most rifles, an M193 clone ammo will shoot to the same point of impact (POI) as an M855 clone. Pick one of these (or both) to stock up on it.

Generally speaking, 55-grain stuff is more accurate. (often around 2 MOA)
Generally speaking, 62-grain stuff bucks wind better at a distance. (often around 4 MOA accuracy)

Most self defense takes place inside of 21 feet, and there will be very few times in a potential SHTF scenario that you will need to shoot past 100 yards.

Training done under 100 yards can be done with steel cased ammo. Do not bulk up on steel cased ammo for self defense or SHTF. 

Magazines
Magazines are a must. Generally, you will want to have 30-round magazines if state law permits. If you have one magazine, you are on your way. Next comes two magazines. Next goal is ten. I prefer Magpul's PMAGs due to reliability. However, USGI style mags can be good... make sure to test them before relying on them.

Sights
Here is a list of types of sights from least to most desirable:
Fixed-plane iron sight - least desirable (good as a backup iron sight).
Adjustable for bullet drop iron sight (carry handle, KAC, "chopped carry handle," etc.)
Hunting scope
Red dot
Small scope - Burris 332 / Primary Arms PAC3X
ACOG


The Verdict
What I've described above in an M16A4 clone or substantially similar. Whether you get rails or not is up to you. If you want a quad rail, and to free float the barrel, a LaRue quad rail is really hard to beat.


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Rental 103

In my car rental days, I developed a simple training program for new trainees. Car rental was, in those days, an industry that recruited heavily from people straight out of college and looked first for personality traits, instead of specific experience. Just thought I'd put that on here - in case any car rental people find this blog (about 30-40 per month wind up here from Google searches), or in case I have a hard time remembering later!

Overall

Greet customer and determine if they have a reservation.

Select car.

Establish qualifications.

Vehicle inspection / Sell optional products.

Return of vehicle.


We've talked about the first three. Now on to the final three parts - vehicle inspection, sell optional products, and the return of the vehicle. Note: in some companies, optional products are sold at the counter, then the vehicle is inspected; other companies inspect the car first, then offer optional products.


VEHICLE INSPECTION
A good rule here is "trunk-to-trunk." The rental agent starts by opening the trunk to verify cleanliness and assist renter in putting luggage away if necessary. Then the agent walks around the car in one direction, noting any prior damage that might be present, so that the renter is not improperly blamed for causing the damage.  Also, the agent is looking for any noticeable malfunctions with tires, wipers, headlights, taillights, or other parts of the vehicle.


SELL OPTIONAL PRODUCTS
The offering of optional products is mandatory in most areas. Most state laws mandate the offering of insurance or waiver products such that the renter is absolved of financial responsibility in the event of a loss while the vehicle is in the possession of the renter. There are three main types of products:

Loss Damage Waiver
This is not insurance. Loss Damage Waiver is a fee that, if accepted by the renter, obligates the rental company to waive their right to collect for all or some damages in the event of a loss (damage to the rented vehicle)

PAI / PEC
Personal Accident Insurance / Personal Effects Coverage. This is insurance. PAI will pay for medical bills the renter might incur if there is a loss involving the rented vehicle which results in medical bills. PEC would cover damage to personal effects (personal property transported in the rented vehicle) occurring during a loss.

LIS / SLP
Some rental companies sell LIS - Liability Insurance Supplement, some sell SLP - Supplemental Liability Protection. These are both insurance products. These products offer liability insurance - coverage for a third party - in the event of a collision.


RETURN OF VEHICLE
Rental agent should secure the keys. Perform a trunk-to-trunk inspection. Note any damages, and compare to previously noted damages, if applicable. Check and note fuel level, as well as mileage. Ask renter if everything worked as expected with the car. Tally the fees, and present the renter with the bill, asking if they would prefer to keep charges on the card (if applicable).



Simple stuff, huh?
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Rental 102

In my car rental days, I developed a simple training program for new trainees. Car rental was, in those days, an industry that recruited heavily from people straight out of college and looked first for personality traits, instead of specific experience. Just thought I'd put that on here - in case any car rental people find this blog (about 30-40 per month wind up here from Google searches), or in case I have a hard time remembering later!

Overall

Greet customer and determine if they have a reservation.

Select car.

Establish qualifications.

Vehicle inspection / Sell optional products.

Return of vehicle.


ESTABLISH QUALIFICATIONS
There are three main qualifications to rent a car:

1. Identification
2. Form of payment
3. Insurance coverage

IDENTIFICATION
A person must have a valid driver's license in Tennessee to rent a car (state statute). 
The Rental Agreement requires personal identifying information such as:

• name
• address
• contact phone number
• DL number & expiration date
• Date of Birth

The Rental Agreement needs alternative information if a third-party is paying all or some of the rental:

• Repair shop
• Name of the third-party that will be paying all or a portion of the rental bill.
• Amount the third-party is going to pay
• Claim number (insurance replacement), RO number (dealer replacement), etc.
• Type of car renter is having repaired (not required, but will help)

If a customer will not be putting down a credit card as security for incidentals, then a cash-qualification form is required (see "form of payment" segment). 


INSURANCE COVERAGE
Some car rental companies, like Hertz, provide state minimum insurance as part of the rental. Some companies, like Enterprise, require the renter provide primary coverage. As state laws vary, as do company policies, consult your local rental agency for their policy on insurance coverage.

Most standard insurance carriers will extend coverage equal to what their customer has purchased to the rental car while it is in use by their customer.

Many nonstandard (high-risk) insurance companies do not extend coverage to their insureds while a car is rented, unless the rental car in in use to replace their insured's regular vehicle (i.e. - the insured's vehicle is temporarily in the shop).

Check with your insurance agent to see if coverage is extended. 


FORM OF PAYMENT
It is natural in the course of business to expect customers to pay for goods/services rendered. A customer (renter) in the car rental industry is no different. Even if a third-party is paying for the daily rental fee, the fact is that renting a car is a luxury, and there is a cost involved. A renter is responsible for the gas and the condition of the car rented, regardless.

Credit Cards
For auto rental, the typical procedure is to use a credit card to secure the rental. The reasons are numerous, but the main idea is that a credit card can be used for additional charges over and above anticipated rental fees. Cash is good, but it can run out. A credit card can be authorized for more later, if the renter incurs more charges (i.e. - keeps the car a few extra days, etc.).

A secondary reason is that for a person to have a valid credit card, that person has (or at least had at one point) a favorable credit rating. Favorable credit ratings are directly proportional to a lesser likelihood of being involved in an at-fault accident. A renter wrecking a rental car rarely ends well. So low-risk renters are certainly preferable.

Typically, the credit card is authorized for the amount of the rental, plus a small additional amount ($50-$200 over), to cover incidentals. The charges may be left on the credit card at time of return, or may be paid in cash or by check.

Cash
Cash is a good form of payment. Unlike a credit card, cash cannot be "charged back." There are also no fees associated with using cash. The drawbacks to cash are that people rarely have enough cash to provide for a rental amount, plus security deposit for incidentals (which can easily total $400 or more). Also, cash can run out, if the rental is kept long enough.

It is true that if a person has a poor credit rating, they might not be able to secure a credit card, and cash might then be their only way of paying for a rental. There is a known correlation between poorer credit ratings and a higher likelihood of being involved in an at-fault accident.

It is also possible that a renter paying with cash might be less established in their place of residence and job, and might be unable to actually afford a rental. Hence the need for a cash-qualification form.

Check
Checks are a good form of payment at the end of the rental.
As a rule, most car rental companies will not rent a car to a person who wishes to make the initial deposit with a check. To do so would be to invite havoc.

Cash-Qualification Form
Any time a renter rents a car without a credit card on file for incidentals, a cash-qualification form must be filled out. That renter must cash-qualify regardless of who is paying the daily rental fees. The following information is gathered, and verified with other documentation:
Name (must match name on DL)
Address (must match address on DL. If does not match, it must match a utility / phone bill in that renter's name that is paid current through the most recent month)
Phone number (cell phone must be verified via call at the branch, or via cell phone bill in that renter's name, to that renter's address, paid current through the most recent month)
Place of employment and number to employer. (can be an exception on a replacement rental)
Verification of address (usually a utility bill - phone, water, electric, internet, gas. Must be paid current and through the most recent month. Can be internet verification of home ownership through tax assessor. This can also be an exception on a replacement rental.).

Replacement rentals can get one of the final two requirements waived, but not both.
Photocopy of DL is required on cash-only rentals. No exceptions. This is shredded at end of rental. 
No cash-only rental can get an exception on Name, Address, or Phone number verification.
All cash-only rentals must be approved by the manager on duty. 


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Rental 101

In my car rental days, I developed a simple training program for new trainees. Car rental was, in those days, an industry that recruited heavily from people straight out of college and looked first for personality traits, instead of specific experience. Just thought I'd put that on here - in case any car rental people find this blog (about 30-40 per month wind up here from Google searches), or in case I have a hard time remembering later!

Overall

Greet customer and determine if they have a reservation.

Select car.

Establish qualifications.

Vehicle inspection / Sell optional products.

Return of vehicle.

GREETING

The customer's first moments in your rental location should be pleasant. Make sure the branch is clean. 

Be friendly and welcoming when the customer walks in. 

Allow the customer to "get his bearings" in a new environment. 

Most customers will state their business. Have a positive response ready. 

Ask if they have a reservation... not because they need one, but because a reservation can help identify specifics of a rental if they have already called and spoken with a representative of the company.

RESERVATION

Honor the reservation. 

If the car type reserved is not available, offer the next upgrade available at no extra charge.

If no reservation, but we have cars, then move on to selecting the vehicle!

SELECT VEHICLE

Keep an open mind, the customer may need a smaller car, larger car, or a different car than was reserved:

Sometimes, customers who call the 800-number or reserve online see a price first, and neglect their needs. I have seen a family of 5 who reserved a compact car for a 1400-mile road trip... just because they saw dollar signs saved. That family wound up in a more expensive car when they realized that the five of them would not fit in a Ford Escort. They gladly paid $6 more per day to get the Ford Crown Victoria.

Take the customer out to look at available vehicles - both in the class reserved (if they had a reservation) as well as other classes of cars that might apply.

Put It Into Action

Recently, a reader wrote in and asked for advice dealing with people. His question was one that gets asked in many circles, over and over. The reader is a nice guy, has a good job, but doesn't do so well with the ladies. He asked what he could do differently to attract women instead of repulse them. Evidently, he has no problem getting a first date, but has difficulty finding that elusive second date.

My response shall take place all this week - and has implications far beyond the question at hand. Understand these simple points, and you can drastically improve your position in life.

Speaking of life, we must look at the four basic categories of life: mental, physical, social, and spiritual. Ignore one at your own peril. All of the facts and advice over the next week will revolve around these categories.


I've heard other men say time and again that women play games. That may be true from a certain point of view, but when you understand the simple rules, they are very much child's play. Same is true of sales: I've heard many a "salesman" say that selling such-and-such is hard or impossible... when my numbers were through the roof. In the end, it's all about how you go through life.

If you go through life a victim, allowing life to happen to you, then you will get what you earn.
If you go through life taking half the opportunities and making the other half of the opportunities, well...

So:

1. Learn to converse well. Actively listen. Obey the rule of 3:2.
2. Avoid the pitfalls of conversation.
3. Make your mission (successful dating) your priority, not her.
4. Be self confident. 
5. Utilize her emotions to your benefit. 

But, these are all the social categories. What about the others?
Mental - you just learned something.
Physical - I said it in the first post - don't allow yourself to be obese.
Spiritual - I said it in the first post again - don't talk religion on the first few dates.



The real trick
You'll read this, and you won't put it into action. You'll make excuses why not.  Meanwhile, my quota shall be shattered year after year with minimal effort. The few men who put these simple techniques into use will continue to date whomever they want whenever they want. And you'll have your excuses to keep you company.

The trick is... getting motivated enough to put it into action.
Just.
That.
Simple.


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Controlling the Conversation

Recently, a reader wrote in and asked for advice dealing with people. His question was one that gets asked in many circles, over and over. The reader is a nice guy, has a good job, but doesn't do so well with the ladies. He asked what he could do differently to attract women instead of repulse them. Evidently, he has no problem getting a first date, but has difficulty finding that elusive second date.

My response shall take place all this week - and has implications far beyond the question at hand. Understand these simple points, and you can drastically improve your position in life.

Speaking of life, we must look at the four basic categories of life: mental, physical, social, and spiritual. Ignore one at your own peril. All of the facts and advice over the next week will revolve around these categories.

OK, so you feel confident about using active listening. You are going to let her speak thrice for every two times you speak. You know the pitfalls of conversation, and are superbly prepared to avoid them. But something is still missing. So far, we've only discussed broad overviews of what to do and not do. What are some of the specifics?

How to control the conversation without controlling it. 
You do not want to seem like that jerk used-car salesman. You would rather be smooth like James Bond when it comes to controlling the conversation. Here's the real art... and here is where real salesmanship shines!

Rule #3 - Make your mission (not the woman) your priority.

• Don't play by her rules.
• Tactically make her jealous if needed.

If the waitress flirts with you, flirt back a bit. 
Attractive blonde on the other side of the room gazing at you? Gaze back.
Never say "I love you" first. 

Rule #4 - Be totally self-confident. 

• Err on the side of too much confidence rather than too little. 
• Maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.

If you are over age 30 and available, with a job, car, and your own place, you are automatically in the top 5% of available men. ACT LIKE IT!

Rule #5 - Connect with her emotions, utilize them to your benefit

• Keep her guessing.
• Do not tolerate her BS, though. 

This, men, is your playground. This is where men are made, and boys go home. Allow her to feel her emotions, not just drag through your inane male logic. Take the conversation to each of these:
Hope, then fear
Joy, then sorrow
Love, and then hate
Attraction, then disgust
Pride and embarrassment 
If you successfully get into and out of three full categories, this date will go as you wish. 

Use active listening and carefully placed anecdotes, followed by questions about her to rouse each of these emotions. Be completely self confident the whole time. Pay attention to what is said, but do not get lost in the story - be completely aware of and the master of your surroundings.

And most importantly - use a push / tug type of technique. 
Draw her in, then push her away. 
Never too dramatic. Never too forceful. No overkill. Be subtle. 




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Pitfalls in Communication

Recently, a reader wrote in and asked for advice dealing with people. His question was one that gets asked in many circles, over and over. The reader is a nice guy, has a good job, but doesn't do so well with the ladies. He asked what he could do differently to attract women instead of repulse them. Evidently, he has no problem getting a first date, but has difficulty finding that elusive second date.

My response shall take place all this week - and has implications far beyond the question at hand. Understand these simple points, and you can drastically improve your position in life.

Speaking of life, we must look at the four basic categories of life: mental, physical, social, and spiritual. Ignore one at your own peril. All of the facts and advice over the next week will revolve around these categories.

Yesterday, we talked about effective communication. If you do those things, you'll be able to handle yourself in any situation or setting. However, as a person, it is natural to want to talk more yourself. A perceived alpha, after all, will dominate the conversation (not really in that matter, but some people think this).

So, YOU get to talking too much. That's not necessarily a bad thing... just don't fall into one of these pitfalls:

Rule #2 - Things to Avoid in Conversation

• Don't talk about religion. Not on the first few dates, anyways. 
• You are "friend-zoned" because women construe your excessive emotions as feminine and needy. 
• A woman wants to feel secure in your masculinity. 
• Never tolerate a woman's BS. It is either a game to test your "alpha-ness" or it is simply her emotions getting in the way of your good time and hers. 
• If a woman is spewing BS, distract her. If that doesn't work, leave her alone. If it never works, dump her.
• Self-deprecation and self-pity are nothing more than narcissism. People will see through you and not want to be around your "woe-is-me" attitude. Drop the BS. 
• Your impending sense of doom is nothing but an emotion. Deal with it as such (discard it).
• Never say you're sorry (unless absolutely necessary). Step on her foot accidentally? Tell her to get her Sasquatch-foot out of the way!
• Do not compliment her on her looks more than once per date. 
• Never give her a reason to believe you fear losing her.

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Communicating Effectively

Recently, a reader wrote in and asked for advice dealing with people. His question was one that gets asked in many circles, over and over. The reader is a nice guy, has a good job, but doesn't do so well with the ladies. He asked what he could do differently to attract women instead of repulse them. Evidently, he has no problem getting a first date, but has difficulty finding that elusive second date.

My response shall take place all this week - and has implications far beyond the question at hand. Understand these simple points, and you can drastically improve your position in life.

Speaking of life, we must look at the four basic categories of life: mental, physical, social, and spiritual. Ignore one at your own peril. All of the facts and advice over the next week will revolve around these categories.

If you are not grossly obese, have a job (and a car), and do not live at home with mommy, then "The Date" will come. But what then? So, we know that the female of the species biologically wants the alpha, and would gladly accept the beta, as mentioned in yesterday's post (sometimes called a "lesser alpha" in some circles). You land a date, and you've had poor luck from here on out as my poor reader above has. What to do?

Well, if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten. You must change if you want different results. 

Rule #1 - Change how you communicate. 
I am not saying you should change who you are.
I am saying you should watch what you say and how you say it.
I am saying I've seen more guys talk themselves out of more dates than you could possibly imagine. 

Learn how to actively listen.
Obey the rule of 3:2 - only speak twice for every three times she speaks. Ask her about herself (her favorite topic).

PS - You've heard how women always like the "mysterious man." What's more mysterious than a man you've had a date with and yet you don't know much about him at all (because you, the woman, spoke most of the evening)?
Ah, yes. Now you are getting it, grasshopper!

PPS - This technique works wonders in sales.

Pack Behavior Origins

Recently, a reader wrote in and asked for advice dealing with people. His question was one that gets asked in many circles, over and over. The reader is a nice guy, has a good job, but doesn't do so well with the ladies. He asked what he could do differently to attract women instead of repulse them. Evidently, he has no problem getting a first date, but has difficulty finding that elusive second date.

My response shall take place all this week - and has implications far beyond the question at hand. Understand these simple points, and you can drastically improve your position in life.

Speaking of life, we must look at the four basic categories of life: mental, physical, social, and spiritual. Ignore one at your own peril. All of the facts and advice over the next week will revolve around these categories.


The Pack
Imagine Earth 30,000 years ago. If you were lucky enough to find a roaming tribe of people (there may have been as few as only a couple thousand in Asia or Europe at the time), you could observe some really neat pack characteristics. The tribe would likely have had anywhere from 5 - 30 members. There would have been a clear alpha male and anywhere from one to a handful of beta males, depending on circumstances.

Please note that these pack rankings are completely different than the psychological motivations of interaction that I identified here. The terms "alpha," "beta," "gamma," and "omega" are the same, but the meanings are clearly not the same.

The alpha male would have been one of the largest, strongest, and smartest of the tribe. A natural leader. The only appreciable difference in an alpha and a beta would have been opportunity. It would not have been uncommon for a top beta to go out and start his own tribe and be alpha there.

So you have this social pattern for many generations, and the natural outcome will be very predictable:
Males will gravitate toward the most desirable female possible. 
Females will prefer, if possible, to reproduce with the alpha. Strongest genetics and all that.
Females would gladly reproduce with the pack beta, as he could easily become alpha one day.
Less desirable females would end up being forced to settle with having the pack gammas or deltas. Or not reproduce at all.

So we see the natural and evolutionary origins of reproductive selection revolve around the pack. Why?

Because humans are and always have been hunters. When chasing a horse, deer, elk, or some other tasty animal which enjoyed all the athletic advantages, people had to use thinking ability and group tactics to ensure success. Having a decisive leader to organize the hunt was essential to simply being able to eat! Women and the grandparents might help the tribe by foraging for edible plants, but that's not where the bulk of the calories came from.

The results are clear in any event: women biologically want the pack alpha if at all possible. 


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Hey, Mom!

Hey, Mom!

Just thought I'd write to you a bit. It's been a while since you left us. I remember you used to really enjoy writing us letters. First, the traditional kind, and then later the email letters.

Your two youngest grandchildren are in kindergarten. Mine loves it and rides the bus every day with her big brother. My nephew also goes every day. I hear he rides the bus, too.

Cael got his black belt this past weekend. You'd have loved being there. He showed much poise and concentration.

I am on my way to a third straight President's Club award. I know that doesn't surprise you at all. Still, I know you'd enjoy hearing about it.

My wife got a job at a preschool when Cali went to Kindergarten. She really loves it. Deals with older 3-y-o children.

Have you talked Jeremiah's ear off yet? I bet you'd enjoy speaking to Isaiah after you get finished.

Well, gotta go. See you when we get there!


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Time for a Change

From my dojo:

Dear students & parents, Recently, it was learned that The Usagi Dojo’s parent organization, Martial Arts USA (MAUSA) will not recognize students who receive black belts under the age of 17. This struck home - I earned a black belt before age 17. Many fantastic martial artists I know and respect earned their black belts before age 17. Because this would have affected me, a number of people I respect, as well as several current students, it has become evident that keeping MAUSA as the primary parent organization is not in the best interest of The Usagi Dojo. Moving forward, the up-line of The Usagi Dojo will be the Kenwayoshin Ryu Bujutsu Renmei (KRBR). KRBR allows for black belts in respective styles based on the discretion of that style. We will not be abandoning MAUSA - not at all. However, we will be calling on KRBR to certify our black belts. As a result, a modification in our curriculum shall take place. Black Belt Requirements Henceforth, I shall be qualified and willing to award a black belt to deserving candidates age 9 & up (3 years to black belt for a person who hypothetically could have started the program at age 6), with full discretion for consideration of younger candidates on a case by case basis.  Our rank system will consist of 10 Kyu (under black belt) ranks, and 10 Dan (black belt) ranks. Our curriculum will also be modified to mandate knowledge only those techniques deemed broadly useful. Current students will not see an increase in time to black belt. If anything, the time to black belt will be slightly reduced with the new requirements. A talented student who attends classes regularly can expect to earn a black belt in less than four years. Rank Belt Requirements We shall maintain the combatives curriculum that has been in force since Day 1. Additional material will be greatly reduced. Our Little Tigers' program and rank structure will remain unchanged. Kids' ranking system will mirror exactly the adults' ranking system. Rank belts will be earned in the following manner: White White / Yellow Yellow Yellow / Orange Orange Orange / Green Green Blue Purple Brown Black There will be a requirement of a certain number of moves to earn each belt, as well as a minimum number of classes to attend to qualify for examination. Exams will still be held every 3-4 months as needed. What is not changing Our style. Our techniques. Our self-defense focus. Your rank.