For thousands of years warriors have undergone Initiations and Rites of Passage in order to be accepted into the tribe. These ritual initiations were designed to be difficult, dangerous and sometimes painful. Once an individual passed the tests, they would often be given a scar, a token, a special symbol or object only possessed by members of the group.

Mantlan Indians perform "O-Kee-Pa" a ritual imitation in which young warrior candidates hang from hooks inserted into their chest.

Shown in this painting; Mandalan Indians perform the ritual initiation known as O-Kee-Pa in which young warrior candidates are hung by hooks inserted into their chest.

It was a way to solidify what was learned through the initiation through symbolism. A symbol communicates powerful concepts faster than words. Our symbol reminds us that one day we will die. This is certain. But will we truly LIVE? Fear is what stops people from living the life of their dreams. By regularly facing our fears we grow stronger and more able to handle the stress of life. By confronting death itself we become fearless.

The 13 represents a rejection of superstition in all its forms. The most devastating superstitions are usually the ones we are unaware of. By meditating on our fears, hesitations, anxieties, and unconscious beliefs about our "limitations" we become aware of the invisible bars of the "prison" of fear. By choosing to break through these invisible bars we become free. Repeated acts of courage build character, fortitude, inner strength and self respect.

These qualities of character are invisible, yet anyone can see them in the way a person walks, talks, moves and breathes. We admire people with courage but imagine it to be something some people are just born with and others are not.

Painting of Hercules fighting the Hydra. Ancient Greek Myth tells us that the demigod "Hercules" fell out of favor with the gods. In order to redeem himself he had to perform 12 dangerous "labors" (tests) each one more difficult and deadly than the one before.

By repeated acts of courage anyone can become courageous. And this courage spills over into every area of our being improving every aspect of our lives. Like an athlete who trains their body to become stronger, faster, and more powerful through lifting heavier and heavier weights, in the same way, the mind becomes stronger and stronger with each attempt to break through our hidden fears.

To wear this symbol you must earn it. To earn it you must prove yourself. Once you have earned it, no one can take the patch away from you. It's yours forever. You are encouraged to continue to challenge your fears and you will be rewarded with additional Black Diamond Patches at 25, 50, 75 and 100 completed tests. There are over 150 tests (and the list is growing) You choose the tests that you want to conquer.

To begin your initiation into Club Fearless start HERE.