The United States (USA) Martial Arts Federation serves as an official registry for martial arts rank. When registering new USMAF members who have martial arts rank, it is important to understand the difference between homologation or validation and promotion of martial arts rank. Click here to read our promotion policy.

A promotion is the awarding of the next higher rank to a member who already has his or her rank homologated with the USMAF. It can only be accomplished when the USMAF member fulfills all the requirements for their next promotion in the rank system as established by their systems Technical Committee or in a Martial Arts Rank System from a recognized affiliate or partner organization.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOMOLOGATION AND VALIDATION:

For students or instructors who wish to join the USMAF and already have martial arts rank, the USMAF rank system provides procedures for homologation and validation. Homologation is the issuance of USMAF credentials for martial arts rank possessed by a prospective or current member when that rank has been issued by a recognized affiliate or partner organization. Validation is the examination of a prospective or current member to obtain USMAF credentials for a rank issued by an unrecognized organization, or for which no credentials are possessed.

Each procedure, homologation or validation is explained below. These procedures apply to all new members with martial arts rank of Brown Belt or higher. New members, with lower ranks may be registered at their current rank with approval of their Instructor.

HOMOLOGATING NEW MEMBERS WITH ACCEPTABLE RANK CREDENTIALS:

Homologation is the method by which an Instructor can register a new member (Brown Belt or higher) who has proof of rank in the form of a rank card or certificate issued by a affiliate or partner organization that is recognized by the Central Technical Committee of the United States Martial Arts Federation.

In keeping with the International Standards of Minimum Age Requirements for Dan Grades, the USMAF does require that minimum ages are considered when issuing Homologation Certification for rank issued by other martial arts organizations.The following minimum ages are required for dan grade certification in the USMAF:

• 16 yrs. old for Shodan, Black Belt, 1st Dan

• 18 yrs. old for Nidan, Black Belt, 2nd Dan

• 20 yrs old for Sandan, Black belt, 3rd Dan

• 25 yrs old for Yondan, Black Belt, 4th Dan

• 30 yrs old for Godan, Black Belt, 5th Dan

• 35 yrs old for Rokudan, Black Belt, 6th Dan

• 40 yrs old for Shichidan, Black Belt, 7th Dan

• 50 yrs old for Hachidan, Black Belt, 8th Dan

• 60 yrs old for Kudan, Black Belt, 9th Dan

• 70 yrs old for Judan, Black Belt, 10th Dan

Note: There are many organizations whose rank credentials are recognized by the USMAF. If the new member has acceptable rank credentials, he or she may have their rank homologated in the USMAF at their current rank.

USMAF Rank Homologation will be issued to only USMAF recognized martial art systems.

To homologate a new member with acceptable rank credentials, an Instructor simply fills out a USMAF Membership/Certification Form, attaches a copy of the new member’s recognized rank card or certificate, and mails this to the USMAF National Office for processing along with the annual membership and rank registration fees. If the Instructor is in doubt as to whether a certain rank card or certificate is acceptable, he or she has only to send a photocopy of the card or certificate to the USMAF for determination.

The Instructor will always receive a prompt and courteous reply. A new member who has his or her rank certified will receive a USMAF National Membership Card showing his or her current rank, a US Martial Arts Federation Rank Certificate and a USMAF Patch.

VALIDATION OF MARTIAL ARTS RANK:

Validation is the method by which an Instructor can register a new member who has no acceptable proof of Martial Arts rank. Instructors and prospective members should understand clearly that when we refer to a new member’s credentials as "unacceptable" there is absolutely no reflection on the member’s technical competence in the Martial Arts, (nor their character). However, the term "unacceptable" merely means that the credentials the member possesses are not issued by a recognized organization.

Validation is also a method by which a new member can be registered at the martial arts rank that he or she is best qualified to hold. If the new member has not participated in a standardized rank system, he or she may not have been promoted to the rank now held by contemporaries in skill, knowledge and experience. Validation is the method for correcting this situation. Validation is the detailed process by which the USMAF Central Technical Committee or individual system's Technical Committee examines new members to verify their credentials or to determine the rank they are best qualified to hold. It involves a thorough examination of their martial arts knowledge, technical ability, a historical review of their martial arts experience, and their service to the martial arts. The historical review may go back to their first day of training (and their Instructor) or to the date of their last "acceptable" rank credentials. All new members who do not possess acceptable rank credentials must have their rank validated to be registered with the USMAF holding the rank of Brown Belt or higher. As with USMAF promotions, the member must belong to a USMAF member club to be eligible for rank validation.

If the validation is for a Kyu (Brown Belt or below) grade, then the examination must be performed by a certified USMAF Black Belt (and current member of the Federation). If the validation is for a Dan (Black Belt) grade, then the examiner must be a certified USMAF Black Belt who is at least two grades higher than the rank validation level of the new member. The examiner for all validations or promotions must be a Certified Instructor/Examiner and current member of the USMAF. The examiner will utilize the USMAF Request for Validation of Martial Arts Rank Form and send it with the individual’s membership application and appropriate fees to the USMAF National Office for processing. The National Office will insure that the forms are properly completed and will forward to the new member (or their Instructor) a National Membership Card, USMAF Rank Certificate and a US Martial Arts Patch.

Note: The USMAF Request for Validation Form has all of the necessary instructions for completion and the current validation fees. Promotions, homologations, or validations for Martial Arts Rank of Godan (5^th Dan) and higher must be approved by the USMAF Central Technical Committee or the individual systems Central Technical Committee. Additionally, the USMAF Central Technical Committee has approved the institution of minimal time in grade and age requirements for all USMAF Dan Levels. Please click here to learn more.

Because the USMAF is a national registry for martial arts rank, we simply cannot accept rank credentials or recognize organizations that do not meet requirements of Central Technical Committee. This is necessary to avoid the appearance that the USMAF is a "rubber-stamp diploma mill of martial arts rank. Furthermore, USMAF is an organization for all martial arts rank, but we do not issue rank credential for the arts of Judo and Ju-Jitsu. There are appropriate organizations for these martial arts. We highly recommend that you also consider one of the organizations listed in our Partners and Affiliates Section <affiliates.html> for credentials in these other arts. In the case of Judo or Ju-Jitsu, we recommend that you consider certifying your rank with the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF).

Finally, the United States Martial Arts Federation does deal in reciprocity. That is, if an organization or country does not recognize USMAF rank, the USMAF will not recognize grades issued by that organization or country. However, if an organization or a country recognizes USMAF certification but does not meet the minimum standards of becoming an Affiliate or Partner organization, USMAF cannot recognize grades issued by that organization or country.

To register your martial arts rank with the United States Martial Arts Federation, contact either your registered style or system organization, or the USMAF National Office at 3816 Bellingham Drive, Reno, Nevada 89511 for an application or download the appropriate form from the USMAF official Forms Page.

Click here for Membership information and requirements.

Forms for Rank Promotion, Homologation, Validation and more can be found here.