www.righteouswarriortemple.org

1. INTRODUCTION

2. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

3. EXPECTATIONS OF MEMBERS

4. SELF-INITIATION

5. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

6. LITERARY SUBMISSIONS

7. THE DEGREES

1.) INTRODUCTION

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in the Temple.

This introductory handbook is intended for probationary members (1^st - 3^rd degree), and has been cleared for viewing by the general public, friend and foe alike. Due to this self-imposed censorship, it may prove a bit dry and tedious, and we apologize in advance for boring you.

This introductory handbook shall consist primarily of what we expect from prospective members, and shall detail how one can formally apply for consideration as a member, if desired. For those of you who are hesitant to make contact with us, yet would like to take part in what we’re doing just the same, there is even a limited provision for "self-initiation," if that is something you might be interested in. If you wish, you may print out this handbook, hole-punch the left margin, and insert it within a green 3-ring binder (be sure to add reinforcements to the first and last pages). Very little shall be disclosed about the structure and operations of the Temple in this unrestricted document.

This information is being made available to the general public due to the significant number of requests which have been made pertaining to membership information. Membership is still conferred by invitation only, and the Temple is making no attempt to either recruit new members or actively solicit contributions, hence, this material is being provided for informational purposes only.

Righteous Warrior Temple (RWT) is presented solely as a Literary and Philosophical Society. Its goal is simply to inform, educate, and entertain those who seek information pertaining to the Warrior archetype in contemporary civilization. We claim allegiance with the forces of "Good" (as we have chosen to interpret it), and have waged war on the forces of Ignorance, Intolerance, and Weakness. Do you wish to join us in our righteous endeavor?

Read on. . .

2.) MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

First and foremost, all prospective members must be at least 18 years of age — there are no exceptions to this stipulation, and, unlike other groups, we do not offer any sort of "junior memberships." It is unlikely that full membership will be extended to anyone under the age of 21, although we shall make exceptions for active duty military personnel.

We despise scumbags, skells, trolls, goblins, and poseurs — so if you fall into one of these categories, read no further — this information is not for you. Prospective members must have good intentions, present a squared-away appearance, be of above average intelligence, and have an open mind. Intolerant hatemongers are not welcome amongst our ranks, nor are rigid dogmatists fearful of having an original thought. We are not a cult, gang, militia, or social club, nor are we affiliated with any religious, political, paramilitary, or government institution. Being an independent organization, we are under no restrictions as to what information we can post (except for those restrictions which we have chosen to impose upon ourselves). Due to these lack of restrictions, a few of our postings have shocked, offended, and even enraged those who are in disagreement with our views (selected postings do not necessarily reflect the views of RWT as a whole). The first thing prospective members need to know, in no uncertain terms, is that we have enemies — some of whom would be all too happy to put a bullet in a patchholder if given the opportunity. Are you still sure you’d like to join us?

Our membership roles are a closely guarded secret, and our patches (when worn) are small and discrete. We do not wear T-shirts and paste bumper-stickers on our vehicles proclaiming our status to the world at large. That would be prideful as well as stupid. Are you willing to be discrete as well, or is it important that you’re able to identify yourself as a "card-carrying member" of a Warrior organization? (No, we do not issue silly little "membership cards," nor do we hand out "certificates suitable for framing" or "secret decoder rings" — if your ego requires such self-aggrandizing trappings there are plenty of other groups who will be all to happy to provide them — for a small fee, of course.) Be honest with yourself. Remember, you’ll need to be able to stand alone, as you won’t be able to count on us for support. Are you enough of a man to be able to stand up for what you believe in without a group of like-minded individuals there to back you up? A true Warrior often finds himself alone.

That being said, here are a few heinous crimes which will automatically disqualify any prospective member from consideration. If you lie about your past, and we eventually find out about it, not only will your membership be retroactively nullified, but if we have a member (or associate) within 500 miles of you, you can reasonably expect a personal visitation. These reprehensible acts follow:

2A.) REPREHENSIBLE ACTS

1.) Any crime of a sexual nature. Such an act shows evidence of degeneracy as well as lack of self-control. An exception might be made for minor indiscretions (like a charge of "public lewdness" for taking a leak in the alley behind a tavern).

2.) Informing. Snitches are lower than dogshit, although an exception might be made under extraordinary circumstances (like a "whistleblower" or "concerned citizen" who reports a significant "clear and present danger" to the proper authorities with no expectation of personal gain, or other ulterior motives).

3.) Any act of violence versus a woman, child, or elder. However, an exception might be granted under extraordinary circumstances (like a 200 pound female crack addict threatening you with a butcher knife, a 15 year old "child" with gang affiliation, or a degenerate old man caught waggling his pecker at the kiddies).

4.) Prosecution for any act of theft or dishonesty. This applies primarily to acts of burglary, robbery, larceny, or fraud. Exceptions might be made for bullshit legalistic interpretations of "dishonesty" (like telling an untruth in an official report or court of law, in the sincere interests of justice and not for any personal gain).

5.) Being a drunkard, druggie, or pillboy. We define "drunkard" as one who drinks a minimum of 6 alcoholic beverages every night, and is unwilling to cut back. We define "druggie" as anyone who currently uses cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, LSD, PCP, ecstasy, or ketamine, in any amount or form, or anyone who deliberately and regularly abuses any prescription painkiller, muscle relaxant, tranquilizer, or anti-depressant. We define "pillboy" as anyone who is currently under a psychiatrist’s care and has been prescribed Prozac, Ritalin, Lithium, Paxil, Halcion, or any other form of "happy pill" or psychopharmaceutical.  IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are currently dependant upon mind-numbing and reality-distorting "meds" do not stop taking them!!! The detoxification process must gradually occur over a number of months if you intend to overcome this addiction safely. People who suddenly go off their meds "cold turkey" frequently undergo a violent psychotic reaction (consider that nearly every highly-publicized school and workplace mass-shooting of the past decade was perpetrated under such circumstances). If you attempt to drastically reduce your dosage so as to stop within a few weeks, you can reasonably expect to experience severe complications.  If you happen to experience chronic depression (a normal response to the stressors inflicted upon Society at large), and feel the need to obtain some sort of "happy pill" as an alternative to drink, drugs, or weed, look into safe herbal remedies such as standardized extractives of Saint John’s Wort or Kava Kava.   And while we’re on the subject of harmful prescription "medications," Viagra is also on our "forbidden" list due to its chemical similarities to certain psychopharmaceuticals — if you’ve got a limp noodle ‘cause you got kicked in the balls, or something, get a script for Yohimbine Hydrochloride (purified and refined yohimbe) instead, as it has fewer side-effects.

6.) Paranoid Schizophrenics and "Crazed Loners" are discouraged from applying — we’ll be able to pick up on your illness through your ramblings, and you’ll be wasting your time as well as ours. Contrary to many people’s opinions, the Temple does not welcome deranged psychopaths or unbalanced loonies.

7.) Intolerant and close-minded folks, like racists and religious fundamentalists (of any denomination), are also unwelcome.

8.) Any membership in, or close affiliation with, any sort of "extremist" organization (particularly armed militias, or any group which advocates or supports acts of domestic terrorism) is an automatic bar to membership. There is no exception to this stipulation.

Okay, assuming that you are not a degenerate, dime-dropping, woman-beating, shoplifting substance abusing, psychotic, hateful, terrorist, we shall assume that you are "of good character." If you lie, and we find out about it, someone may come to your door to retrieve our patch (if one was issued). RWT does not discriminate based upon gender, race, or nationality. We do, however, frown upon certain religions which we happen to find offensive (usually due to their mandatory imposition of brain-death, or their advocacy of persecution). A partial list of "offensive theologies" follows:

2B.) OFFENSIVE THEOLOGIES

Army of God (for being psychotic extremists, as well as stupid)

Atheists (ya gotta believe in something)

Baptists (all denominations — for being intolerant, hateful, dishonest, and stupid)

Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons — for being twisted automatons)

Church of Jesus Christ, Christian (Aryan Nations — for being hateful and stupid)

Christian Identity (White Supremacists — for being hateful and stupid)

Fellowship of Friends (Quakers — for supporting our nation’s enemies during wartime)

Hare Krishnas (a malevolent cult with stupid haircuts)

Jehovah’s Witnesses (for being annoying, as well as stupid)

"Jews For Jesus" (for being annoying, as well as stupid)

Lutherans (for past crimes, as well as for being boring and stupid)

Nation of Islam (although certain other "Black Muslim" sects are acceptable)

Pentecostals (and similar "charismatic" sects which delight in glossolalia)

Pilgrim Holiness (for being stupid and pinch-faced)

Satanists (including the "Temple of Set" — for being selfish, spiteful, and dishonest)

Scientology (not to be confused with "Christian Scientists" — for being mind-rapists)

Seventh Day Adventists (including Branch Davidians — for being stupid)

Shi’ite Muslims (and other extremist branches of militant Islam — for being brainless)

Unification Church ("Moonies" — for being a malevolent cult)

World Church of the Creator (White Supremacists — for being hateful and stupid)

Any church which practices: "witnessing," proselytizing, distributing leaflets, televangelism, missionary work, "converting the heathens,""exorcisms" through scourging or ritualized abuse, kidnapping, "deprogramming," torture, brainwashing, glossolalia (speaking in "tongues"), book-burning, vandalism, persecution, arson, bombing, sniping, interfering with the operation of gynecologist offices, or insisting that followers need to be "born again."

The aforementioned theologies are antagonistic to our philosophy of tolerance, rationality, and free-thinking. Past affiliation with such a theology (especially if it was not of your own free will) will not be a bar to membership as long as you have renounced said theology and no longer have any connection with it.

2C.) RWT IS NON-DISCRIMINATORY

We do not discriminate based upon "level of education" (indeed, many of our members are "self-educated"), although prospective members should be literate and of above average intelligence.

We do not discriminate due to physical disability, although prospective members must be capable of defending themselves and their families (i.e., a paraplegic applying for membership would be expected to own, and carry, a licensed handgun).

We reserve the right to reject, or fail to advance, an applicant (or demote or expel a member) for whatever reason we deem fit. Such action will not be done "at whim," but only after discussion and consensus. Possible reasons for this action could include: evasiveness, contradictory statements, suspicion of dishonesty, plagiarism, immaturity, instability, or incarceration. Although we are under no obligation to give details as to our specific reasons for taking such an action, members have the right to appeal a demotion or expulsion (for non-disciplinary reasons), and rejected applicants may reapply after a full year has elapsed, if desired.

Applicants are encouraged to send us:

1.) A brief autobiography (no more than 2 pages);

2.) A short essay (or two) on any topic similar to those found at our site;

3.) A few of your favorite quotes.

If you are already a published author, you may simply send us an excerpt of your work. Be advised: all submissions posted at our site shall be done so anonymously (with rare exceptions).

Although we respectfully request that a $10 donation accompany each application for membership, this is entirely voluntary, and no-one shall be rejected for their reluctance or inability to donate.

Be advised: membership is by invitation only! Simply expressing a desire to join and sending us a donation and a few quotes will not get you in. We need to have some idea of who you are, and what you’re about, before you’ll even be offered the 1^st degree (Novitiate). Unless you are a published author (or otherwise impress the hell out of us), it is unlikely that you’ll receive full membership (4^th degree) within a year of your initial contact with us. We have a total of 8 degrees in our system.

3.) EXPECTATIONS OF MEMBERS

For probationary (non-patchholding) members, our philosophical expectations are rather simple:

3A.) PHILOSOPHICAL EXPECTATIONS

1.) Members shall always try to do the right thing, whenever possible.

2.) Members shall always try to keep an open mind, and never stop learning.

3.) Members shall always be respectful to women and elders.

4.) Members shall always be kind to children and animals.

5.) Members shall try to offer assistance to those who are worthy of it.

6.) Members shall never back down from adversity (unless, of course, they’re wrong).

7.) Members shall kneel before neither man nor god.

8.) When the time comes, members shall attempt to "die well."

Physical expectations for probationary members are simple as well:

3B.) PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS

1.) Members shall own several unadorned green shirts (hunter, shamrock, or olive).

2.) Members should be armed — even if only with a humble belt.

3.) Members shall maintain adequate muscle tone.

4.) Members should abstain from the ingestion of toxins.

5.) Members should not hold employment in wrongful professions (can you justify it?)

6.) Members should try to read a new book every month.

7.) Members shall present a squared-away appearance at all times.

8.) Members shall not allow themselves, or their loved ones, to be victimized.

Philosophical and Physical expectations for full (patchholding) members are similar, but more detailed, and shall not be addressed in this publication.

3C.) ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

1.) Members shall obtain copies of the four books on our "Required Reading" list for their personal collections. These titles are:

A.) Cheap Shots, Ambushes, and Other Lessons, by Marc MacYoung

B.) The Gift of Fear, by Gavin DeBecker

C.) Violence, Blunders, and Fractured Jaws, by Marc MacYoung

D.) Hardcore Self-Defense, by C. R. Jahn

2.) Members shall voluntarily donate $10, per degree, to the Temple annually (i.e., a 3^rd degree member would thus be expected to contribute $30 annually). If you cannot afford to do this, you may waive the donation until the following year. If you go two years without making a donation, then you are a deadbeat who oughta be ashamed of yourself! Donations cannot be claimed as tax deductions, nor are they refundable. Donations shall be in the form of a Postal Money Order made out to "RWT Literary Society." Partial donations are acceptable. All monies collected shall be put towards the costs of maintaining our site (fees, copies, disks, patches, etc.). In the event that monies collected exceed our costs of operation (which, to date, has been coming out of members’ pockets), the surplus (above projected expenditures for the following year) shall be used to purchase quality foodstuffs for local food pantries (the only charity we feel worthy of our contributions).

3.) Members shall send one e-mail each month to the Temple (or one of our personal mailboxes, if applicable), to let us know you’re still alive.

4.) Members shall always conduct themselves in a competent, courteous, and dignified manner whenever dealing with the public — whether you happen to be wearing a patch or not.

5.) Members shall not consort with dishonorable persons (unfortunately, this category happens to include many prominent martial-arts instructors, who shall not be named here). We define "disreputable" as: perverts, snitches, thieves, junkies, woman-beaters, racists, liars, fundamentalists, salesmen, and other scumbags.

6.) Members shall refrain from committing felonies (including the possession of prohibited weaponry). If a member errs and happens to violate this rule, said member is prohibited from engaging in a shootout with law-enforcement agents, for any reason (unless they happen to kick in your door at 4 AM, and shoot yer dog).

7.) Members are prohibited from constructing bombs or possessing poisonous substances, as well as possessing bomb components or precursors for the fabrication of "weapons of mass destruction" — there are no exceptions to this stipulation.

8.) Members are prohibited from participating in kidnappings, executions, or assassinations — even if the target in question really fucking deserves it.

These "expectations" may seem rather bizarre to the uninitiated, but, due to the fact that we seem to have attracted a number of rather bizarre applicants, we felt that they were necessary. We do not want some dumbass bringing dishonor upon the Temple simply because we didn’t specifically tell him that he wasn’t allowed to do something the average citizen would never even think of. ("Y’know, I’d really like to shoot my boss in the head, but the RWT Handbook says I’m not allowed to!)

3D.) DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

If you are truly on the Warrior Path, you’ll be highly motivated to improve yourself. Self improvement can come about in many ways (i.e., via: exercise, training, education, reading, meditation, volunteering, helping others, etc.), but, by far, the easiest way to change oneself for the better is to regulate what substances you choose to take into your body. After all, our metabolic structure is continually breaking down and rebuilding itself, utilizing the food we eat as both fuel and building materials. Hence, if you regularly ingest garbage, you shall eventually be transformed into garbage — it can be no other way. The intelligent Warrior realizes this, and thus refuses to voluntarily poison himself.

For probationary members, the dietary restrictions we impose are relatively simple and easy to follow. Instead of expressly forbidding the consumption of certain foodstuffs and beverages, we strongly urge you to avoid them. For probationary members, these restrictions are voluntary.

3D1.) Toxic Chemicals:

Artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, brominated vegetable oil, ester of wood rosin, bleached refined sugar.

3D2.) Inferior Oils & Greases:

Canola oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, margarine, "fat-free" butter substitutes.

3D3.) Inferior Meats:

Cheap frankfurters, cheap luncheon meats (especially bologna and the various "loafs"), cheap sausages, bulk supermarket grinds (burgermeat shipped in huge tubes from an unknown source before being split up into individual packages), frozen burger patties, ground chuck, inferior cuts of meat (i.e.: chuck, flank, or "Swiss" steak, as well as liver, kidneys, or brains), "minced" fish filets, "mechanically separated" chicken nuggets, canned meat (of any sort), Slim Jims (and similar processed meat snacks), or anything in the meat case that is turning brown, grey, or green (usually with a "reduced price" sticker on it).

3D4.) Inferior Grains & Vegetables:

Minute Rice, instant rice, white bread, bleached flour, irradiated vegetables, genetically modified vegetables (especially those mutant "Sandwich Stackers" pickles).

3D5.) Inferior "Fast Foods":

McDonald’s, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Hardee’s, and various other notorious purveyors of gastrointestinal distress (i.e., pushcart vendors, carny chow, truckstops, dingy diners, greasy spoons, and nearly any restaurant you’ll find on the interstate). You’d be better off eatin’ ravioli out of a can than anything some minimum-wage earnin’ nosepicker had sittin’ under a heat lamp for two hours!

3D6.) Hazardous Food Preparation Methods:

Microwave ovens, convection ovens, deep frying in Canola oil, cross-contamination, exposure to contamination by vermin or insects, lack of required refrigeration, or preparation by contagious persons (all of which can be expected at even the "best" local restaurants — yet another reason to eat at home!).

4.) SELF-INITIATION

We are aware that many folks who identify with our philosophy, and would like to support the work which we have undertaken, might nonetheless be hesitant to contact us (whether out of "fear of rejection" or due to the legitimate concern that our e-mails and letters might be subject to examination by government agents). For these individuals — as long as they meet the aforementioned requirements and agree to abide by our expectations — we offer the option of "self-initiation." Although self-initiates have no formal connection with the Temple, and thus are not expected to contribute either donations or literary submissions, they may be recognized as probationary members (although self-initiates cannot grant themselves the 3^rd degree).

If you are new to the Warrior Path — and intend to stay on it for some time — you may feel free to grant yourself the 1^st degree (Novitiate), provided that you have thoroughly familiarized yourself with the bulk of our website and agree with most of it (particularly the essays entitled: The Warrior, The Persecuted Warrior Class, Rules to Live By, Character, and Thoughts on Dishonor — you may want to print these essays out and add them to the back of this pamphlet). Probationary members are not allowed to represent the Temple in any way, shape, or form, although they are permitted to wear a green shirt (to show their support for our beliefs) and tell various friends and associates about our website (as long as they do not identify themselves as a "member").

If you are already proficient in the fighting arts (any style, including "PIBU" and "no-style") and own a fighting knife, tactical folder, or handgun (which you have achieved proficiency with and are legally permitted to carry), then you may grant yourself the 2^nd degree (Man-at-Arms). In the event that, for whatever reason, you are not legally permitted to possess a knife or firearm, you may substitute an improvised weapon of your choice — provided you intend to achieve mastery in its use! The humble belt is one of our favorite improvised weapons (as long as you’re not wearing baggy pants), as it is legal to carry anywhere, can easily defeat an adversary with a blade, and is unlikely to inflict a lethal injury. Please refer to the excerpt from Hardcore Self-Defense entitled Beltfighting (which can be found at our site — you may wish to print it out and add it to the end of this handbook).

The 3^rd degree can only be granted by a member of the 5^th degree, or higher. Although our membership roles are a closely guarded secret, if a non-patchholding individual (if he claims to be one, ask to see it) is going around claiming affiliation with the Temple (or otherwise acting stupid), we’d like to hear about it. Although we’re not gonna kick some dipshit’s ass based solely upon some stranger’s say-so, if you can provide their name, e-mail address, and area in which they reside (we do not want or need their actual address), we can check our roster and let you know if they have actually applied for, and been granted, a formalized membership. THIS SERVICE DOES NOT APPLY TO AUTHORS, CELEBRITIES, LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENTS, ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL, OR PUBLIC FIGURES!!! (Affiliation with any sort of "questionable" organization could prove damaging to such individuals’ reputations and/or careers.) It applies only to non-patchholders who are wrongfully claiming affiliation with us (even if they are actual probationary members, it is a violation of our rules for them to be identifying themselves as such, and they would thus be subject to disciplinary action, which could include: fines, demotion, or expulsion, dependant upon the severity of the alleged offense).

Basically, if you want to affiliate yourself with the Temple, you’re free to do so as long as you adhere to the specified guidelines above. There is no need to conduct any sort of mysterious "initiation ritual" or send us money. If, however, you would like to receive one of our patches, you’ll need to contact us directly. Be advised: only about a third of all applicants ever earn the right to wear our patch — and the process usually takes at least several months!

Be advised: although anyone who meets our basic requirements may "self-initiate" into either of the first two degrees, we reserve the right to beat yer ass if we hear tell you’ve been fucking up! Furthermore, any future violation of our bylaws shall effectively serve to sever any semi-official ties you might have with the Temple, thus negating any claim of "affiliation" or "membership." If you bring dishonor upon yourself, you could conceivably cause accusations of dishonor to be brought against the Temple. We do not tolerate fuck-ups!!!

5.) HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS

Honorary memberships are occasionally extended to various individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Warrior Path, whether it be through the written word or by the example of their own strength of character. In addition, honorary memberships are occasionally extended to certain individuals who have either made a significant contribution of time and/or resources to the Temple (as did our webmaster), are in a unique position to be of significant assistance to us, or who have obviously earned the right to wear our patch but happen to reside overseas. Although some honorary members have made donations to the Temple, they are exempted from this requirement as we are honored simply to have them with us. Honorary members are to be considered "full members," and thus are entitled to wear our patch. Very few honorary memberships are given out each year, and they are conferred solely at our discretion. Do not contact us asking to be considered for an honorary membership unless you truly believe that you are legitimately entitled to one (and if we haven’t heard of you, that means you probably aren’t). If you are unsure as to if you qualify, simply apply for a standard membership and we’ll let you know. With rare exceptions, most honorary memberships are at the 5^th degree.

6.) LITERARY SUBMISSIONS

In order to be considered for the 3^rd degree (and subsequent degrees), you’ll need to show us that you are, indeed, "literate," and that you also "know yer shit." If you send us a sloppy first draft rife with misspellings and factual errors, that is actually worse than sending us nothing at all! Any material you send us should be proofread and corrected, truthful and accurate, and in your own words (excerpts from other sources should be properly noted). Any materials received by us are with the understanding that they may be posted at our site, they may be edited or revised (at our discretion), and that they shall be posted anonymously (don’t worry — we shall make no attempt to copyright your original material or otherwise "steal your ideas"). Furthermore, the following guidelines should be adhered to exactly:

6A.) SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

THIS SECTION HAS BEEN DELETED.  REFER TO SECTION 8 FOR MORE INFO.

7.) THE DEGREES

There are a total of 8 degrees in our system. These degrees are separated into three distinct levels: probationary member (1^st- 3^rd degree), full member (4^th- 5^th degree), and Scribe (6^th- 7^th degree). The 8^th degree is speculative, and thus unattainable by mere mortals.

Your degree shall be assigned to you based more upon your perceived level of philosophical and emotional advancement than upon your "fighting prowess." After all, there are a few "nationally renowned" masters of the fighting arts who, quite frankly, would be deemed unworthy of affiliation with the Temple due to their history of unethical conduct (i.e., blatant self-aggrandizement, overcharging for tapes & seminars of dubious value, deliberately hospitalizing various training partners, sexually victimizing female students, use of cocaine, unwarranted acts of violence versus noncombatants, etc.). We could provide you with a list of a half-dozen of the most notorious offenders — and you would surely recognize at least three of the names — but this would be too much like "snitching." Besides, most serious martial artists on the Warrior Path probably know about this already. You see, being able to "kick someone’s ass" might make one a "tough guy," but it would hardly qualify one as a Warrior.

A true Warrior is intelligent, respectful, and kind. Fighting skills are also important, but "heart" is a far more valid indicator of Wariorship. I have known of many alleged "warriors" who either turned tail and fled, or else broke down and cowered in fear, when faced with overwhelming odds and the likelihood of impending doom. Do you want to go out like a wussy? Do you wanna be remembered as "the tough guy who cried and pissed his pants when the shit hit the fan?" FUCK NO!!! It is important to die well — facing your adversary and standing up like a man! If you disagree, then you are a weakling (regardless of the size of your biceps or the caliber of your sidearm) who has no place with us . . . go play with yer "G.I. Joes" instead!

Advancement shall be conferred based primarily upon how you present yourself to us. If you frequently make immature remarks, or deluge us with frivolous e-mails, advancement will be slow (you could even go backwards). If, however, your communiques are of publishable quality — and you seem to be in agreement with our core philosophy -- you could very well be moved ahead several degrees. There is no rigid criteria for determining an individual’s level of advancement. Each member’s file shall be reviewed by several ranking members before any decision is made. Since only a few files are pulled for review each month, this can be a slow process, although the decisions shall be conducted with fairness and impartiality. Some things cannot be rushed, and if (for whatever fucked up reason) you attempt to do so, it will definitely count against you. Once rank has been conferred, it can also be taken away based upon new information. All decisions are final, but if you seriously believe that we have erred due to incomplete or erroneous information, you can feel free to "appeal" our decision (provided you have new information). Basically, if we feel that you are ready to be advanced, then it shall happen (although we make no claims of infallibility). Just who the fuck do we think we are, to sit in judgement of you? Maybe we’re your betters, perhaps we’re your equals, but it is pretty fucking unlikely that your "magnitude" would overshadow us . . . after all, it was your choice to undergo this process! A brief description of the 8 degrees shall follow:

7A.) PROBATIONARY DEGREES

"Probationary" degrees are called such due to the fact that said members have not yet proved themselves to us. Since we have not yet had an adequate opportunity to get to know them, we are understandably reluctant to give them a patch and say "You’re one of us!" It just doesn’t work that way. Some folks get pissy about our "high standards," but we can’t run this organization effectively any other way, and if you are in disagreement then you obviously do not belong with us.

1^st DEGREE (Novitiate): This is the basic introductory degree for those who are still finding their way along the Warrior Path. It is Standard Operating Procedure for all new applicants to initially be conferred the 1^st degree, so please don’t misconstrue this as an "insult." It takes time to process new members. You may "self-initiate" yourself into the 1^st degree, if you wish.

2^nd DEGREE (Man-at-Arms): This is the basic introductory degree for those who have been on the Warrior Path for some time, and are well on their way towards mastering the use of their personal weapon of choice (handgun, blade, belt, or "other"). Skill-at-arms is a requirement for this degree. If you meet the requirements, you may "self-initiate" yourself into the 2^nd degree, if you wish.

3^rd DEGREE (Sentinel): This is the rough equivalent of the "Master Mason" degree (boy, are we gonna piss off a lotta folks by that statement!), in which the initiate has gained a significant amount of self-control (mastery) over his emotions. The true Warrior is neither "unbalanced" nor "out of control" — ever. Fear, rage, lust, and envy are all negative emotions which can easily result in self-destruction if they are not mastered and suppressed. Once the Warrior realizes that anger makes him weaker, it becomes much easier to keep it in check. The 3^rd degree signifies that the individual is a man worthy of respect. As such, the 3^rd degree member is duly authorized to confer the 1^st degree upon those whom he deems worthy (provided they meet the aforementioned requirements). The 3^rd degree cannot be "self-initiated" — there are no exceptions to this stipulation. Be advised: only about half of all applicants ever attain this rank (you’d be dismayed by the number of fuck-ups who come to us, expecting to be made a member, when they’d probably even be turned away from their neighborhood karate school!) — and that usually takes at least several months.

7B.) FULL MEMBERSHIP STATUS

"Full members" are awarded one of our patches due to their commitment to the Warrior ethic and ideals. Literary merit is a necessary prerequisite for full membership. We require at least one publishable essay, as well as an outline of their personal philosophy before an individual will even be considered for full membership status. Once we have secured the required materials, and found them to be good, the prospective member shall be contacted with a request for additional personal information (we will never ask for your SSN or telephone number, so don’t worry about that!). Once this information is added to your file, you’ll be sent one (1) RWT patch. This will be the only patch you shall be issued, and if it becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen, you will be expected to notify us immediately as to the circumstances. If we decide to issue you a replacement, you can reasonably expect to pay a hefty fine. Patches should be sewn onto a vest or jacket — but never a baseball cap! If you do not wish to wear your patch, you may choose to display it in a frame or add it to your shadowbox.

If ever you decide to sever your connections with the Temple due to irreconcilable differences, the patch (which is Temple property) should either be returned to us or burnt. If you are demoted or expelled due to a dishonorable act, the patch must be immediately returned to us (or else you can expect someone to drop by to collect it). If you choose to "retire" on amicable terms, you may keep the patch. We take our patches very seriously, and don’t hand them out very often. Less than one third of all applicants ever receive a patch — and the process usually takes about a year.

4^th DEGREE (Warrior): By earning the right to wear our patch, you have proved to us that we can trust you to represent the Temple (to a limited extent) without embarrassing us too much (we hope). We consider this a great honor, and we do not bestow it lightly. If it turns out that we have made a mistake in doing so, you can expect that we shall rectify it quickly.

5^th DEGREE (Righteous Warrior): Outside of the honorary degrees (which can go as high as 7^th degree, unless awarded posthumously), this is the highest rank we can bestow upon an individual we’ve never actually met. Among the privileges which accompany this rank are the right to have the Sigil tattooed upon your body (voluntary), as well as the authorization to confer memberships (up to the 3^rd degree) upon those on the Warrior Path who meet our requirements and are found worthy.

7C.) ADVANCED DEGREES:

Advanced degrees are an honor above and beyond full membership status which is primarily bestowed upon those individuals whose commitment to the Warrior ethic and ideals goes far "above and beyond" that of the average Warrior. Roughly half of the advanced degrees awarded have been in the form of honorary memberships extended to various role-models and notable authors whom (we believe) most Warriors can look to for inspiration and enlightenment (and no, we will not provide you with a list!). The remainder consist of the Temple’s "inner circle" which oversees the operations and security of the Temple. Only members of the inner circle are permitted to award patches, respond to e-mails, or post information at our site. On rare occasions we may bestow the 6^th degree upon worthy individuals, if the circumstances merit such action. The specifics of these advanced degrees shall not be detailed here.

6^th DEGREE (Warrior-Scholar): An individual may only achieve this degree through literary merit. You’ll need to have a minimum of 3 essays posted at our site, or be a published author, to even be considered for this honor. To date, less than 15 individuals have been awarded this degree.

7^th DEGREE (Warrior-Philosopher): This degree is exclusively offered to combat veterans (foreign or domestic) who are published authors. To date, less than 8 individuals have been awarded this degree.

8^th DEGREE (Warrior-Sage): This is a speculative degree which represents the ideal of "perfection" towards which all true Warriors strive. As perfection is an elusive goal, accessible only in small doses by mere mortals, it shall only be awarded posthumously (if at all). To date, no-one has been honored with this degree.

7D.) A MESSAGE FROM THE "GRANDMASTER"

"Being far from perfect, I feel that I am unworthy of the 8^th degree, and thus must respectfully decline the honor which you, my brothers, have offered to me. Furthermore, I also feel uncomfortable being dubbed "Grandmaster" of our Temple, as I look upon you, my brothers, as equals rather than subordinates. I realize that the originator of a fighting system, as well as the overseer of a Temple, is entitled to call themselves "Grandmaster," but I do not like this word — it is far too presumptuous, and suggests that one is somehow better than everyone else in some way. I do not wish to be accused of aggrandizing myself — a trap into which so many others on the Path have fallen. People tend to expect great things from their Grandmasters, and any insinuations about their human fallibility is attacked as blasphemous — well, I have news for you folks — I am, by no means, ‘infallible.’ I occasionally reveal my imperfections to others, and have no desire to be the subject of ridicule for ‘pretending to be something I’m not.’ I have no desire to be your ‘8^th degree Grandmaster.’ I shall, however, be honored to accept the 7^th degree, as well as oversee Temple operations when required to do so. If you dipshits feel the need to bestow some lofty title upon me, you could always refer to me as your ‘Grand Poobah,’ or something. I am not Grandmaster material, nor are any of you, so I decree that the Temple shall never be controlled solely by a single individual — ever. I have spoken."

— Mister Green (RWT7)

8.) THE APPLICATION PROCESS

— THE CIRCLE OF EIGHT