Although there is no better way to hone your skills than to come to a seminar or arrange a private lesson with Grandmaster Richard Van Donk – and the feedback and insight you’ll receive is well worth the time spent – we realize that most students studying this art will be studying long distance with the BlackBelt Course and will only occasionally come to a seminar or to the dojo for a private lesson. We understand that traveli ng to test in person for each level might be a challenge for some students who don’t have the extra funds available to make the journey.

Because of this, we are providing a video testing program for levels 1 through 3. At this time Grandmaster Van Donk is the only one authorized to do the testing and his schedule is extremely busy. But he would like to offer this DeCuerdas ranking and certification to serious students who are dedicating themselves to the DeCuerdas training. His promise is that anyone who starts the testing process with him will have the opportunity to be tested for each level up to Black Belt. This is a great opportunity so we suggest you get yourself on the list of people wanting to rank in this art NOW. As stated, the video testing will be available for Levels 1-3. The Black Belt level testing must still be done in person by an authorized, certified DeCuerdas Instructor.

Be ready before sending in a test and know your material inside out. In order to pass a ranking test you will be required to know all the material for that level plus the levels before that one and look sharp in all your actions. You will be supplied with a testing requirements sheet once you register as a DeCuerdas Eskrima Student by calling Guro Becky Norton at 1-707-987-9322.

We know that this training works! It was developed over a 5 year time period by taking brand new students with no experience in the martial arts and training them to Black Belt level. Each level was filmed at the point in real time that the students got there. We need to be honest here – we are not looking for a massive amount of people to sign up to become certified instructors in this art. On the contrary- we are only looking for a few instructors of high quality willing to learn and pass this system on to others so the art stays alive.

Upon successfully passing a level by Grandmaster Van Donk you will receive a most beautiful Bushindo University Certification Diploma signed personally by Grandmaster Van Donk and a DeCuerdas Eskrima board member. Your certification will be dated and numbered. Your name will be entered as a certified student for the level achieved on the website at rank-list for the level you have obtained and the date you achieved it.

Although there is no better way to hone your skills than to come to a seminar or arrange a private lesson with Grandmaster Richard Van Donk – and the feedback and insight you’ll receive is well worth the time spent – we realize that most students studying this art will be studying long distance with the BlackBelt Course and will only occasionally come to a seminar or to the dojo for a private lesson. We understand that traveli ng to test in person for each level might be a challenge for some students who don’t have the extra funds available to make the journey.

Because of this, we are providing a video testing program for levels 1 through 3. At this time Grandmaster Van Donk is the only one authorized to do the testing and his schedule is extremely busy. But he would like to offer this DeCuerdas ranking and certification to serious students who are dedicating themselves to the DeCuerdas training. His promise is that anyone who starts the testing process with him will have the opportunity to be tested for each level up to Black Belt. This is a great opportunity so we suggest you get yourself on the list of people wanting to rank in this art NOW. As stated, the video testing will be available for Levels 1-3. The Black Belt level testing must still be done in person by an authorized, certified DeCuerdas Instructor.

Be ready before sending in a test and know your material inside out. In order to pass a ranking test you will be required to know all the material for that level plus the levels before that one and look sharp in all your actions. You will be supplied with a testing requirements sheet once you register as a DeCuerdas Eskrima Student by calling Guro Becky Norton at 1-707-987-9322.

We know that this training works! It was developed over a 5 year time period by taking brand new students with no experience in the martial arts and training them to Black Belt level. Each level was filmed at the point in real time that the students got there. We need to be honest here – we are not looking for a massive amount of people to sign up to become certified instructors in this art. On the contrary- we are only looking for a few instructors of high quality willing to learn and pass this system on to others so the art stays alive.

Upon successfully passing a level by Grandmaster Van Donk you will receive a most beautiful Bushindo University Certification Diploma signed personally by Grandmaster Van Donk and a DeCuerdas Eskrima board member. Your certification will be dated and numbered. Your name will be entered as a certified student for the level achieved on the website at rank-list for the level you have obtained and the date you achieved it.

The following people are Officially Certified in Dynamic DeCuerdas Eskrima by Grandmaster Richard Van Donk. 

If they are not on this list then they are not official. If you read this and you think there is an error then please contact us. If you haven’t already started training, get started now and work your way to the top. You may be that one student the art is looking for.

LEVEL TWO- Green Belt

1. Must know all Level ONE and TWO material by name and have the ability to demonstrate it without hesitation.

2. You must have purchased the BLACKBELT Course all 4 levels from Bushindo University.

3. You MUST be wearing the proper DeCuerdas Eskrima uniform with the patch on the back and the proper belt ranking.

3. You must be a registered Dynamic DeCuerdas Eskrima student and have certification for the previous level.

4. You must submit a testing application and the required testing fee prior to the test.

$50 in-person testing and Certification Fee. $100 video testing, feedback and Certification fee.

LEVEL FOUR – Black Belt

1. Level THREE certification and all previous requirements apply.

2. Must know all LEVELS ONE – FOUR material by name and have the ability to demonstrate it without hesitation.

3. Must be able to teach Level ONE material.

4. You must submit a testing application and the required testing fee prior to the test.

$175 In-person Only testing and Certification fee.

1. Level FOUR certification and all previous requirements apply.

2. Must know all LEVELS ONE-FOUR material by name and have the ability to demonstrate it without hesitation.

3. Must be able to teach Levels 1-4 material and have brought at least one student to Level Four and 2 students to Level Three.

4. You must attend a private 2 day session with Grandmaster Richard Van Donk where he shares with you the deeper aspects of the DeCuerdas knowledge and you must agree that you will keep this information to yourself. The private session will include your certification WHEN it is issued. It may happen then or it may happen at a later date – whenever GrandMaster Richard Van Donk thinks that you are ready. At the time of certification you will be allowed to test your students at least to Level Three. And you will be awarded the title of Guro.

The Private 2 Day Session and certification investment will be at the current private session rate of Grandmaster Richard Van Donk.

In-person Only testing and $400 Certification fee.

Note: Everything posted above is approved by Grandmaster Richard Van Donk and is subject to his change or discretion at a moment’s notice. He also holds the right to either test or not test anyone. Life lessons are also given for advancement in this system. Your certification will be earned and it be acknowledged anywhere including by several first class world martial arts organizations such as the World Head Of Family Grandmasters council of which Mr. Van Donk is a prestigious member. Study hard and enjoy your life! Dynamic DeCuerdas Eskrima

All in-person testings must be prescheduled.

Testing is available in person at our dojo in Middletown, CA, and at camps or seminars held by Master Richard Van Donk or a certified DeCuerdas Instructor .

Call 1-707-987-9322 to schedule an in person testing. It is recommended that you schedule a private session with Master Van Donk at the same time so that he can polish up your skills and give you the feedback to further your studies. Also remember that there are some teachings that are only handed down teacher to student privately. He will let you know when you are ready for these teachings.

Video testing is currently available for long distant students who meet the requirements above.

Here is a brief report on how to properly do your video test.

We do not need you to teach us (unless asked). We only want you to demonstrate what you know. We are not looking for professional quality and you will not be judged on that. We do need to be able to see you well on the video though. Make sure that you are in view properly for whatever skill that you are showing. It helps us when you show the technique from more than one angle.

LEVEL ONE – Yellow Belt (3 mos)

Be brief, concise and demonstrate that you know the material. No teaching to us.

25 years of experience makes it easy for us to see where you are at in the studies and to give you some feedback necessary for you to continue on your Eskrimador Path.

For all other grade levels consult your DeCuerdas Student Manuals