Bruce,
After looking at the testing rules, it should be doable.........someone would have to make sure that the proper implements where there to conduct the test. A portion of the rules state....
TESTING CONDITIONS:
This test must be observed and administered by an ABS Master Smith.
The applicant must make prior arrangements with the Master Smith whom he/she selected to supervise the performance test.
Any suitable location for the test is permitted, as long as it is mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the Master Smith supervising the test.
Either the supervising Master Smith or the applicant may request that one or more witnesses be present during any or all testing procedures. This must meet with the approval of the Master Smith supervising the test.
If I were you I would contact the ABS office, or someone on the board and get their thoughts/permission to conduct the test. The individual testing would have to bring enough rope and 2 x4s to conduct the test....after that the only thing that I can think that would be needed is a sturdy vise for the bending portion of the test.
It takes a lot of guts to test in front of a bunch of people (as you well know), but if everything goes well (as it did with you), it's a great feeling when it's done!
I really hope that folks who are testing for their JS and MS ratings read this post. I also hope that it prompts them to study the rules. It amazes me the number of tester who show up at Blade that have either not read the rules, or do not fully understand them. I have never figured out why a person would go to all the expense of getting to Atlanta, only to fail because they didn't take the time to read and understand the testing rules.
