- Senior Dan Grades Promotion Policy -
Dear Colleagues,
Over the years, our National Office has received numerous requests for promotions in Black Belt Grades of 5th Dan & above. In nearly all cases, the individual has noted that they have "not been promoted in a while" and generally that they have proper "time in grade" for the promotion.
What is often "forgotten" is in addition to training & skill development, the Dan Grades of 5th Dan and above are clearly classified as "Leadership" ranks.
What this means is that any promotion for grades 5th Dan & above must be reviewed and approved by the National Technical & Promotion Committee.
And, in addition to looking for skill development (per our Rank Requirements), the Committee Members are looking for "Evidence" of long-term Leadership and Service in our National Organization.
"Key Examples" of Leadership and Service include the following -
1. Regular Dojo Teaching in USMAF Registered School
2. Leading or assisting in Seminars or Special Events
3. Conducting specialized Training Courses for advanced students, teachers, coaches & referees
4. On-Going Recruitment and Registering "Student & School Memberships" in our National Organization
5. Teaching / Testing / Promoting Students and Associates in our USMAF National System(s)
6. Leading or Assisting in Regional or National Events such as Tournaments or Camps
7. Researching / Writing / Publishing Technical Papers, Manuals or Books related to Traditional Martial Arts(s).
8. Participating at a Regional or National Level on Committees or Board(s)
9. Serving as an Officer of our National Organization.
10. Providing Special Counsel to Officers or Committees of our National Organization
Above are "Key Examples" of providing Leadership and Service in our National Organization.
Also note that -
For 5th & 6th Dan - You should be serving at the Regional Level
For 7th & 8th Dan - You should be serving at the National Level
For 9th & 10th Dan - You should be serving at the International or World Level
I hope this information is helpful to you as we continue to Develop and Grow our National Organization.
Sincerely,
Bruce R. Bethers
President -
USMAF, www.usmaf.org
Over the years, our National Office has received numerous requests for promotions in Black Belt Grades of 5th Dan & above. In nearly all cases, the individual has noted that they have "not been promoted in a while" and generally that they have proper "time in grade" for the promotion.
What is often "forgotten" is in addition to training & skill development, the Dan Grades of 5th Dan and above are clearly classified as "Leadership" ranks.
What this means is that any promotion for grades 5th Dan & above must be reviewed and approved by the National Technical & Promotion Committee.
And, in addition to looking for skill development (per our Rank Requirements), the Committee Members are looking for "Evidence" of long-term Leadership and Service in our National Organization.
"Key Examples" of Leadership and Service include the following -
1. Regular Dojo Teaching in USMAF Registered School
2. Leading or assisting in Seminars or Special Events
3. Conducting specialized Training Courses for advanced students, teachers, coaches & referees
4. On-Going Recruitment and Registering "Student & School Memberships" in our National Organization
5. Teaching / Testing / Promoting Students and Associates in our USMAF National System(s)
6. Leading or Assisting in Regional or National Events such as Tournaments or Camps
7. Researching / Writing / Publishing Technical Papers, Manuals or Books related to Traditional Martial Arts(s).
8. Participating at a Regional or National Level on Committees or Board(s)
9. Serving as an Officer of our National Organization.
10. Providing Special Counsel to Officers or Committees of our National Organization
Above are "Key Examples" of providing Leadership and Service in our National Organization.
Also note that -
For 5th & 6th Dan - You should be serving at the Regional Level
For 7th & 8th Dan - You should be serving at the National Level
For 9th & 10th Dan - You should be serving at the International or World Level
I hope this information is helpful to you as we continue to Develop and Grow our National Organization.
Sincerely,
Bruce R. Bethers
President -
USMAF, www.usmaf.org
