General Rules for Earning Your Belt

As you progress through the Lockpicking Karate Belt system, it's important to follow a set of guidelines to ensure your achievements are properly documented and recognized. Below are the general rules and tips for submitting your belt requests and climbing the ranks:

• Provide the Lock Model: When making your belt request, always include the model of the lock you picked. There are many different lock types around the world, and providing this information helps the moderators validate your achievement.
• Visible Flair: Once your belt request has been processed, make sure to select the option to "show my flair on this subreddit" in order to display your belt ranking on Reddit. You must activate this option for others to see your progress.
• Pick Locks That Are Not in Use: Ensure that the lock you pick is not currently securing anything. Photographs and videos should clearly show a lock that is not in active use.
• Clear Photographic Evidence: Your photos must be in focus, clearly showing the lock in the turned position with no key in the keyway. This is the best way to prove that the lock has been picked successfully.
• Continuous Video Evidence: Your video submission should be a single, continuous shot showing both the picking and gutting process. The lock and its components must remain in frame, and the video should be clear and well-lit. Avoid using vertical video formats or YouTube Shorts, as these formats make it difficult to review specific details.
• Mentorship and Community Involvement: Higher-ranked belts require you to assist and mentor others. Be patient, friendly, and helpful to new members of the community as you guide them in their lockpicking journey.
• Tool Creation: Some belts require you to create your own lockpicking tool. Using basic materials like paper clips or bobby pins does not count. Instead, you must create a specialized tool designed for lockpicking.
• Normal Access Methods: Ensure that all lockpicking is done via "normally accessible" means. This means tools should be inserted into the keyway, and no manipulation should occur from angles that wouldn't be naturally accessible if the lock were installed.
• Lock Submissions: The lock list is continuously updated. If you believe you've picked a lock that meets the requirements but is not listed, reach out to the moderators for validation. They will research the lock and add it to the list if it matches the required difficulty.

How to Submit Your Belt Request

If you believe you've met the requirements for your next rank, or if you are ready to be initially ranked, here's how to submit your request:

• Compile Evidence: Gather the links to your photos or videos that demonstrate your lockpicking achievement. Ensure they meet all the necessary criteria, such as clarity, focus, and proper lighting.
• Message the Moderators: Send a request via Reddit modmail (please do not post your request publicly). Include your proof, the model of the lock, and specify which belt you are requesting.
• Include Timestamps: If the video is long, include timestamps for major events (e.g., "Lock opened @ X time") to make it easier for the moderators to review your submission.

Remember, the Lockpicking Karate Belt system is designed for fun and personal growth, so enjoy the journey of learning and mastering this unique skill!

Further Reading and Helpful Resources

• How to Learn Lockpicking: A Beginner's Guide
• How to Pick a Lock with a Lock Pick Set: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
• Are Lock Pick Kits Legal? Understanding the Law in the U.S.

Ready to unlock your potential and start your lockpicking journey? With the Lockpicking Karate Belt system, you’ll have a clear roadmap to master your skills. Good luck!