Testing

Advancing through the ranks of any martial system is a laudable endeavor and something that I really enjoy helping people at YMAA to do. Moving up the ranks shows a degree of curiosity and interest in the material we cover that goes beyond merely having a hobby on the weekends. I am very flattered to see students from my class participate in the process. I am very well aware of the commitment of time and effort that goes into preparing for each test and  am always pleased that people want to challenge themselves exploring the discipline that I love so much. Taijiquan really is a path that you can use to plumb your own depths and forge inner resources. (I know that I am not the same person who first tested in front of Dr. Yang many years ago.) Testing and many other challenges and experiences that Taijiquan, Dr. Yang and YMAA led me to indelibly marked my personality. Now as time has passed and I view the path I have traveled while studying Taijiquan I firmly believe that the deepest challenge of the martial arts is to see who you are, to look upon oneself in an honest fashion. The martial disciplines, taught by a sincere teacher and truly engaged in by the student, force you to look at both your flaws and strengths. They help you make the most yourself. What you achieve is the result of your own effort and determination.

When you test in front of your teacher you accept an outside perspective on your own performance. This is the key difference between martial arts and so many other activities we engage in. We willingly sublimate our own desires and prejudices to someone else, accepting an outside standard. We say “Judge me by this; I will accept your critique.” When you Test you decide to ask for help in your efforts to become something more than what you are now. It is this deliberate humility coupled with the force of will needed to push oneself past uncertainty; frustration and pain that make it possible for a person to grow.

I am always humbled when I see truly dedicated people following their path. I have been lucky to see many such people at YMAA.

So I wanted to thank and congratulate on their effort, Jim Noble, Anne Marie, Gerard Ashe, Beth, Dan Salive and Dan hood.

Jeffrey Pratt
Instructor, 3rd degree
Yang’s Martial Arts Association International