The Order — Rank System
The Order’s rank system is built on the universal principle of seven levels of social development. This kind of developmental ladder was found empirically by our ancestors long ago and appears in several ancient teachings. Century after century it has proven its viability, relevance, and universality, and in recent years it has gained scientific recognition as well.
Through years of practice, research, and continuous experimentation, we settled on the most rational and universal system of internal ranks. The Order’s rank system creates an orderly structure for the community, enables efficient organization of gatherings, and allows the group to act as a single, well-coordinated whole.
Below are the current criteria for advancing to each level.
1. Novice — physical/material sphere
To become a Jedi Novice of the Order, you need to acquire a Jedi training costume (black kimono/gi) and protective gloves, and create your own duelling-grade lightsaber. That’s it. You’ll mostly need to understand if that occupation interests you and prepare a basic kit to start. At the end of the probation period, you pass the interview with an officer to clarify expectations and check your motivation to move forward.
2. Follower — emotional/sensual integration
To become a Follower, you must also prove basic technical skills (according to the technical Program) and physical condition. Additionally, knowledge of the Jedi Order Charter, duelling regulations and safety policy are checked. Before the exam, it is nice to acquire lightweight black army boots and a Jedi tabard to complete your look.
3. Apprentice — mental/mindful level
This is another technically assessed level. In addition to a comprehensive knowledge of specified Program techniques, it is important to participate in theoretical classes, winter outdoor classes, and team hiking. To expand the set of skills and explore them deeper, it is nice to get a Japanese wooden sword (bokken), staff (bo), and wooden knife (tanto). The first part of the Apprentice trial usually looks more like a quest.
4. Padawan — application/socialisation frontier
Also a technically assessed level. To match this level, you must reach the peak of practical application of Jedi Martial Arts. The exam is only the final test of your fighting skills and inner qualities. As for the kit list, it is nice to get your own illuminated (at least baselit) duelling lightsaber and a Jedi cape. Before the Padawan level, you need to survive Summer Camp (Convention); being already a Padawan, you assist in conducting them, as well as classes and outdoor activities, help expand knowledge to regional Enclaves, and create content for the web resources.
5. Knight — team/collective level
Knight is the last examined level and has the same meaning as the black belt in traditional schools. To succeed, a Padawan should show complete knowledge of the existing techniques from the very beginning to the most hidden details. The trial usually takes the whole day and ends with an endless series of duels that may never be “passed.” Besides that, you succeed in knowledge sharing and conducting team events. And it is nice to explore other martial arts schools/styles and psychological courses/practices on your own. Technical compliance alone is not enough to become a Knight of the Order — you should also get more than 50% approval among High Council members.
6. Master — society/outer layer
To correspond to the Master level, you should be an experienced Knight focusing not only on the team’s life but also on keeping in mind the community’s place and mission in society. This level does not have a technical exam, but it is assumed that at this level you have already made a significant contribution to enriching the Technical Program. To become a Master, you should get a recommendation from a High Council member (with a title not lower than the candidate’s) and get 100% of the High Council votes.
7. Magister — global sphere
Magister is an honorary degree given by the High Council to a Master for years of dedication, contribution and talented management of the Order. A Magister is also a Master who has raised Jedi from the very beginning of their path up to the rank of Knight.
Certification exams in JMA technique are required for the Follower, Apprentice, Padawan, and Knight ranks, based on current testing requirements. Rank is marked with yellow chevron patches, worn point-down on the right sleeve of the robe, below the Order’s emblem. A Follower wears one chevron, an Apprentice two, a Padawan three, a Knight four, a Master four with a red stripe across them, and a Magister four with two stripes.
It’s worth adding that our community keeps growing and evolving — and our ranks “grow” along with it. Every year, the requirements for the same title become a little more demanding.
Rank criteria updated based on the current post on Instagram (@jediformation).