Armored Combat:Authorization process example - Authorization procedures - Practical test

Practical test

Sparring

1. For the first few minutes, the candidate and their opponent will establish calibration of blows, and either fight at 1/2 to 3/4 speed and verbally acknowledge all blows landed, or alternate between defensive only and offensive only.
2. The marshal and the witnessing authorized fighter are looking at:
   1. Basic technique - can they throw and receive blows without the risk of injuring themselves or their opponent?
      1. Note - they don't need to be good, just safe.
   2. Ability to call blows when hit - including 'light', 'good', and 'too stout' blows
   3. Ability to defend themselves safely
   4. Ability to follow the marshal's instructions.
3. If this portion of the authorization is not satisfactorily completed, the authorization procedure will be stopped.
   1. The candidate will be told of the problems observed and given instructions on how to correct the problems.

Formal combat

1. If the first portion of the bout has progressed satisfactorily, the candidate will then fight an opponent in one or more tournament-type bouts, acknowledging the effects of blows appropriately until one of them is defeated.
2. The marshal and the witnessing authorized fighter are looking at:
   1. The same things they were looking for during the sparring portion
   2. Whether they can apply the conventions of combat
   3. How they react to full speed blows
   4. Whether they react appropriately under pressure
   5. Whether they can maintain control and their temper.
3. The marshal and the witnessing authorized fighter will discuss the candidate's performance. They can ask for further bouts or demonstration of technique.