The Red Order
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
What: The Red Order is a group whose primary focus is the protection of Life, Love, Liberty, Light and Law. This is done chiefly by fostering the martial spirit that exists in every man and woman. It is through the training of arms, the de-mystification of combat and the tempering of the body that one loses fear of the physical world and is best able to stride free amongst it. Emancipation through the democratization of combat.
What then do the five L’s above refer to?
Life refers to the life of you and yours.
Love refers to “"take your fill and will of love as ye will, when, where, and with whom ye will.” —AL. I. 51”
Liberty refers to “the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.”
Light refers to the protection of the truth against disinformation, propaganda, manipulation and fear mongering. These are the tools and methods of the Tyrant.
Law refers to the protection of Thelemites and those allied with the tenants of Thelema. (Basically anyone who is dedicated to defending these ideals).
Method: The Red Order is organized into a traditional hierarchy which is broken up into five distinct grades. Membership is, and shall be, open to anyone willing to take the oath to protect Life, Love, Liberty, Light and Law.
In your training you will be given a balanced curriculum that combines both “positive” and “negative” material. Positive shall refer to active, high energy training (Stand up fighting, ground fighting, weapon training, exercise) while negative shall refer to lower energy intellectual growth (Verbal Judo, Reading Lists, Note Keeping, Survival, Nutrition).
Upon attaining the second grade, a student will then be able to initiate and guide level one students. A student shall never initiate outside of his grade.
Why?: Because history repeats. Minority religions, cultures, belief groups and lifestyles are constantly used as scapegoats. These same groups often use the persecution of the minority group for political power, slave labor or simply as targets of genocide. Need some convincing?
Since the 1900’s roughly 145,000,000 people have been killed in genocides or ethnic cleansings. From the communist revolutions in China or the USSR, to Cambodia, The Holocaust, Bangladesh, Rwanda and more.*
This of course leaves out every time the strong has made use of it’s advantage to enslave, kill, abuse or control the weak bodied or the weak minded. How many rapes and hate crimes are there every year the world over?
My goal then with this Order is to awaken the martial spirit living inside each and everyone of us. Like anything, you will get out of this what you are willing to put into it but even then, if you are of the mind to simply give nothing but the bare minimum to the program you will still be -that much more- capable than you were before. “Let the woman be girt with a sword.”
It is through this awakening of our martial spirits that we can gain protection from fear and safeguard our ideals, families and beliefs against those that would see us dead or subservient.
To those that follow this system you will become acquainted with hand to hand fighting, ground fighting, blunt weapons, edged weapons, handguns and rifles. In addition to that you will gain knowledge of martial philosophy, survival skills, leadership training and more.
“It is said the warrior's (path) is the twofold way of pen and sword, and he should have a taste for both Ways.”-Miyamoto Musashi
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_genocides_by_death_toll
At Cost Rule: Students of the Red Order will not use the organization to garner profit and training shall be done at cost. Outside specialists, trips, ammunition or training equipment will be purchased and sold at cost.
Ex: A group of students wishes to rent a building or other property for training. They may do so and charge dues -at cost-.
Ex: A group wishes to hire an outside grappling specialist for a lesson. The cost will be $300 dollars. Each student wishing to attend will pay their percentage of the cost.
Exceptions: Outside information such as books, audio or other media made independently by a student can be sold for profit but shall not be required nor forced to be a required purchase to continue training or to achieve initiation into a higher grade (The professor forcing students to buy their own textbook issue.) Likewise this exception extends to private martial artists who own or run training centers. Their business with the Order shall be kept separate from their professional lives and their right to charge for training in their own building not infringed upon. (A red order member will not be able to appear at a Dojo or training center and demand free training based upon having Red Order allegiance). However if they are already a member of such a dojo they may use the class to fulfill their weekly training requirement.
Organizational Structure
Student Grade - 1 = 5
Time: Five Months minimum before one can apply for testing.
Rational: The student grade is designed to introduce you to the wide world of martial activities and philosophies. Training a variety of different movements each week will help you to figure out your natural talents and weaknesses while guiding you in future choices. Students are encouraged (but never required) to seek out professional services and training to augment their learning if they have the option and time available to do so.
Curriculum:
Positive:
1. Once a week you will select one to three “stand up”, unarmed fighting maneuvers to practice ad nauseum for at least 30 minutes.
2. Once a week you will select one to three “ground fighting” unarmed fighting maneuvers to practice ad nauseum for at least 30 minutes.
3. Research your chosen movements for the week. Practice, experiment explore information pertaining to them through any media available to you. Document any important findings or experiences in your journal.
((NOTE: If you are a member of a martial arts dojo/club or similar you may use your trip to said club towards your training. If your school is entirely focused on one aspect (say boxing is all stand up) then you will still need to drill ground fighting on your own time.))
These training days can be done alone or with other students. It is recommended to find a partner so that sparring and testing may be done in a more realistic and conducive environment. If you are unable to find a partner then a variety of trainings aids can and should be used (punching bags, pads, weighted dummies and so forth). Your training partner does not necessarily have to be a member of the Red Order.
4. Develop a solid base of athleticism. The majority of people in the developed world have lost the majority of their physical abilities due to the growth of technology and unhealthy lifestyles. The following goals are set and will be graded during testing
Males:
18-40: 25 push ups (In one minute), 25 sit ups (in one minute), One mile run (10 minutes).
41+: 20 push ups (in one minute), 20 sit ups (in one minute), One mile run (14 minutes).
Females:
18-40: 18 pushups (in one minute), 18 sit ups (in one minute), One mile run (12 minutes)
41+: 15 push ups (in one minute), 15 sit ups (in one minute), One mile run (16 minutes)
Keep in mind that these are base levels and merely a guide-line. You should be fostering the pursuit of excellence and aim for higher. There are numerous programs and guides available online to help one train for these goals. The 100 pushup challenge and Couch to 5k program coming to mind first.
Negative:
1. Students shall keep a weekly journal documenting their physical or martial training. Entries can be short or detailed and will serve as a reminder of your self chosen duty. Even if you practice nothing for the day simply write “I practiced nothing for the day.” This can easily serve as an exercise journal!
2. Students shall read the following books on martial science and philosophy. They will then document in their journals their thoughts or opinions on these works. Almost all of these books can be found for free online or purchased for very cheap if you’d like a home copy.
Book List
1. The Book of Five Rings (By Miyamoto Musashi)
2. On Combat (By Dave Grossman)
3. The Art of War (By Sun Tzu)
4. The Fighter’s Mind (By Sam Sheridan)
5. The Dao of Jeet Kun Do (By Bruce Lee)
6. Verbal Judo The Gentle Art of Persuasion (By George J. Thompson)
Testing
After accomplishing five months of steady training the student may then apply for testing. Testing will be multifaceted and is designed as an initiatory experience.
Part 1: Physical Testing
Students under the watch of a 2nd grade or higher student will perform a physical test. They will be given one minute to reach their push up goals followed by a 30 second rest before a test of their sit up goals. Following that they will be tested on their run. If the student has passed they will be permitted into the second part of testing.
Part 2: Written Essay
Student will write a one to two page essay detailing what they have learned or found out about themselves during their five months.
Part 3: Sparring
Students will be given head gear, gloves and a mouth piece. They will then undergo a variety of sparring matches and go through a variety of high stress situations. While the sparring may be intense it will not be the intent of either student or their sparring partners to overly harm or injure one another. This will be a test of courage and, for those who have been unable to find sparring partners prior, a chance to see how you will react during high-stress situations.
Part 4: If the student has passed all of their tests they will then be asked if they wish to take the oath.
“The Oath of Entry.”
“I ____ on ____ with a sound mind and under no threat or coercion do swear on the blood in my veins, the air in my lungs and the higher force that guides me to protect Life, Love, Liberty, Light and Law. I acknowledge that this oath is a binding one that will lay heavy upon my shoulders. I acknowledge that if my resolve is found lacking or dedication fails that I should come forth and resign my place within the Order. I understand that by doing this there will be no ill will aimed towards me but that I will be barred from re-entry into the order.
If you decide not to take the oath or do not believe you are yet ready then we wish you well but your part in the testing is now over. If you change your mind then in five months you may re-apply.
Part 5: Knowledge, Ritual and Celebration
If the student has succeeded in their testing they will then be rewarded the mark of their grade (A red cloth, sash, or belt), taught the secret of their grade (BNS Ritual) and brought out for a proper celebration.
Higher grading syllabi will be revealed as they are created and we have students for them.