Congratulations to Mike Hershick for passing the Level 1a Test. Kudos to Kat Krischke for recently acquiring her Level 1b certificate in the Defensor Method of Filipino-Indonesian Martial Arts. A shout out to Mike Querubin for attaining Level 1c certification in Defensor Method. And hats off to James Shea, Eric Meyer, and Jessie Santiago on their recent achievement in passing the Level 2a Certification in DM. I think goals and achievements are important and the fact that these folks went thru the rigors of testing in DM Requirements for Levels 1 and 2 is akin to climbing in the ring and going the distance in any fightgame. Because no matter what, they all put their minds and bodies to the test and challenged themselves to go thru the rigors, the discipline, and the actual battle putting their recently acquired fighting skills to the test. Sure, it ain't Iraq or Afghanistan or Dunkirk or Bataan Death March or Mactan Island proportions. But a fight is a fight is a fight no matter what caliber or how much intensity/preparation/firepower and other factors are involved. Levels, Phases, Belts, Sashes, Stages or whatever term you prefer no matter how you cut the gravy these are achievements. It is a confirmation that you have arrived. To each his own. Some may deem it commercialism. Some may view it as a fraternity-like activity. But there is a goal and there is the achievement. And don't get me wrong, these folks have achieved and done something on July 25th, 2010 and it is way better than not doing anything and let life pass you by and be idle. It is fun, exciting, an adrenalin rush, and a natural high. Peace be with you, Mahaguro Nate Defensor Defensor Methof of Filipino Martial Arts http://www.defensormethod.com