The United States (USA) Martial Arts Federation has a long history and legacy of providing Strong Leadership in serving the American Martial Arts. Most of the Founding Trustees of the USMAF began their Service to the American Martial Arts over 30 years ago in 1967. In that year the American Martial Arts Society (AMAS) was founded with the primary mission to serve the American Martial Arts. The Society’s Founder was Shihan Sensei John J. Chaffin. Although today in his 70’s Shihan Chaffin is no longer active, many of his students & associates such as Bruce R. Bethers, Robert M. Carver, Charles Voerster & others continue to carry this "banner" to further the development of the American Martial Arts. In 1981, the members of the American Martial Arts Society, along with the Leadership of the Armed Forces Martial Arts Association merged together to form the United States Martial Arts Association (USMAA). The USMAA was incorporated in 1981 in Oklahoma. Although the organization’s name had changed, the Leaders of the USMAA still had their roots and principles well founded in the AMAS mission of providing an organization committed to mutual respect for all styles or systems of martial arts, while providing services and guidance to foster technical excellence, fellowship and human character development. In 1997, the Leadership of the USMAA attempted to "merge in spirit" with a new organization (by the same name). For the next two years, the Leaders of the original USMAA worked very hard to achieve the goal of "Unifying American Martial Artists". However after many problems surfaced with the design, structure and leadership of the USMA, the founders of the original USMAA realized that their goals would not be achieved with that organization. Today, the NEED to Unify American Martial Artists has never been stronger. Thus, the decision was made by the original USMAA Founders and other Key Leaders, such as Hanshi George E. Anderson, that an Alternative is needed, if the Goal is to be Achieved. The United States (USA) Martial Arts Federation is the Straight-Up (Legal & Correct) alternative to meet the "needs" and achieve the goals of today and for future generations in the Martial Arts. Although our name has changed a few times, our commitment to ethical leadership is solid and our principles are strong, "Integrity, Honor, Discipline".

The USMAF has many "Partner" and "Affiliate" Organizations. The USMAF is the USA National Member of the Martial Arts International Federation (MAIF). The USMAF is the Official Coalition of USA National Organizations, united by a common goal to the further development of the American Martial Arts.

Serving the American Martial Arts Since 1967

A Working Partnership

The special contributions of both the National Directors/Board Members and the Federation’s Members are essential ingredients to make a "Working Partnership" of the USMAF's Leadership Team.

A "Working Partnership" of the USMAF National Directors / Board Members and its Members will thrive on open & honest communications, a shared sense of responsibility, and a climate of mutual support.

Organizational Goals

The Programs of the United States (USA) Martial Arts Federation (USMAF) are based on the following statement of purpose:

"THE MISSION OF THE UNITED STATES (USA) MARTIAL ARTS FEDERATION IS TO UNIFY AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTISTS WITH A FOUNDATION OF MUTUAL RESPECT FOR ALL STYLES OR SYSTEMS OF MARTIAL ARTS AND TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND GUIDANCE TO FOSTER TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE, FELLOWSHIP AND HUMAN CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT."

1. Develop the various styles and systems of Martial Arts into a unit working together for a common goal.

2. Develop self-confidence and self-respect and an appreciation of their worth as individuals.

3. Grow as responsible members within their respective Martial Arts System(s) and be positive citizens within their communities.

4. Appreciate that health of mind and body is a sacred gift and that physical fitness and mental well-being are conditions to be achieved and maintained.

5. Recognize the worth of all persons, and work for interracial and inter-group understanding through Martial Arts.

6. Develop a sense of world-mindedness, and work for world-wide understanding through Martial Arts.

7. Develop their capacities for leadership and help them to use this responsibility in their own Martial Arts System(s) and in community life.

Program Goals

IN GIVING EFFECT TO THE PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE FEDERATION, THE USMAF CHOOSES TO, AND WILL:

Excellence in Martial Arts	Demonstrate its commitment to the further technical development of Ju-Jitsu & service to its Members through its National Directors / Board Members, Volunteers, Staff, Programs and Activities.
International Understanding and Unity in Martial Arts	Join with others locally, nationally, and around the world to recognize the unique qualities of all Martial Artists and provide the fairest (politics free) promotion system in American Martial Arts.
Building Character & Interpersonal Relationships	Provide programs and activities that build a sense of personal self-worth, strengthen family and develop an appreciation of interpersonal relationships through the study & participation in Martial Arts.
Physical and Mental Well Being	Provide motivation and opportunity for achievement of physical and mental well being through Martial Arts Programs or recreation, skill training, self-defense, conditioning and competition activities.
Human Resources	Recruit and develop volunteer and paid personnel to assure growth and productivity in the achievement of USMAF's program goals.
Planning and Financial Resources	Institute and maintain a corporate planning and financial development process for the achievement of USMAF's program goals.

Core Programs

 PROVIDING:

Dividing the Work

 Policies are principles, selected from available alternatives, which provide a course of action. They are stated broadly enough to encompass the full range of anticipated actions and narrowly enough to provide definite guidance. They are guides to the National Directors / Board Members who set specific rules and regulations to provide direction in the development of American Martial Arts and the USMAF.

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL DIRECTORS / BOARD MEMBERS AND THE PARTNER & AFFILIATE LEADERS IS:

1. POLICY DETERMINATION – POLICY DETERMINATION – is the responsibility of the NATIONAL DIRECTORS / BOARD MEMBERS as defined in the Bylaws of the United States Martial Arts Federation. This responsibility is derived from their legal status and their relationship to both the martial arts community and the general public. Their action establishes policy.

2. POLICY FORMULATION – is the task of "BOTH" the NATIONAL DIRECTORS / BOARD MEMBERS and the PARTNER & AFFILIATE LEADERS. In this they cooperate, each bringing their special insights, experience, and skills to bear on the concerns or opportunities involved. is the task of "BOTH" the NATIONAL DIRECTORS / BOARD MEMBERS and the PARTNER & AFFILIATE LEADERS. In this they cooperate, each bringing their special insights, experience, and skills to bear on the concerns or opportunities involved. POLICY FORMULATION – is the task of "BOTH" the NATIONAL DIRECTORS / BOARD MEMBERS and the PARTNER & AFFILIATE LEADERS. In this they cooperate, each bringing their special insights, experience, and skills to bear on the concerns or opportunities involved.

3. POLICY EXECUTION – is the responsibility of the OFFICERS and the – is the responsibility of the OFFICERS and the – is the responsibility of the OFFICERS and the LEADERS in the USMAF Partner Martial Arts Organizations. Once policies are established, it is the task of these Leaders to see that the policies are carried out. USMAF Members may participate in this, but the Partner and Affiliate Leaders are ultimately responsible to see that policies are placed into action, regardless of who engages in the tasks involved.