USMAF SYSTEM & RANK CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES
The United States Martial Arts Federation (USMAF) serves as a registry for official martial arts rank across the globe. When registering new USMAF members who have martial arts rank, it is important to understand the difference between homologation or validation of martial art rank and promotion in martial art rank. A promotion is the awarding of the next higher rank to a member who already has his or her rank certified with the USMAF. It can only be accomplished when the USMAF member fulfills all the requirements for their next promotion in a specific martial art rank system or in a martial art rank system from a recognized martial art organization as determined by the USMAF National Technical Committee.
For all "Grades or Degrees" of Black Belt - You are required to submit the following Documents, Photo and Information to the USJJF National Office at [email protected].
Send -
1. Copies of all your previous Rank Certificates.
2. Your complete martial arts & professional bio or resume.
3. A copy of the complete training curriculum / rank requirements for the JJ system.
4. Candidate's current Photo (a "close-up" in Business Attire).
5. Three Letters of Recommendation.
6. Complete NCSI On-Line Background Check
7. Safe Sport On-LineTraining Certification
8. Concussion On-Line Training Certification
9. CPR On-Line Training Certification
10. You are required to attend a National Seminar or be evaluated by the USMAF Nationally Certified Instructor - Examiner or submit a Video of yourself demonstrating intermediate & advance techniques from your system.
11. Candidates must be an "Annual" or "Life Member" of USMAF.
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 specific martial art rank possessed by a prospective or current member when that rank has been issued by a recognized martial art organization. Validation is the examination of a prospective or current member to obtain USMAF credentials for a martial art rank issued by an unrecognized martial arts 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 art 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 that is recognized by the National Technical Committee of the United States Martial Arts Federation (USMAF).
In keeping with the International Standards of Minimum Age Requirements for Dan Grades, the USMAF does require that minimum ages are considered when issuing Homologated Certification for rank issued by other martial art 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 (Note - Ranks of 5th Dan & above must be reviewed and approved by the USMAF Technical & Promotion Committee)
· 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 martial art organizations whose rank credentials are recognized by the USMAF. If the new member has acceptable rank credentials, he or she may have their rank certified in the USMAF at the current martial art rank.
USMAF Rank Homologation will be issued to only USMAF recognized martial art systems.
In order for a martial art system to be recognized by the USMAF, all of the following criteria must be met:
1. The martial art system's senior black belts must be current members of the USMAF.
2. The martial art system's complete curriculum and history must be on file at the USMAF National Office.
3. The martial art system's most current roster of instructor / examiners must be on file at the USMAF Global Office.
4. The martial art system's black belts must be certified with the USMAF National Office).
5. The senior black belts of each new "applicant system" are required to attend a Seminar, Camp or place and time coordinated through the USMAF National Office in order to present and demonstrate their system to the USMAF National Technical Committee for induction into the USMAF Yudanshakai.
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 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 Membership Card showing his or her current rank, a USMAF Rank Certificate, USMAF Lapel Pin and a USMAF Patch.
VALIDATION OF MARTIAL ART RANK
Validation is the method by which an Instructor can register a new member who has no acceptable proof of martial art 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 martial arts, (nor their character). However, the term "unacceptable" merely means that the credentials the member possesses are not issued by a recognized martial art organization.
Validation is also a method by which a new member can be registered at the martial art rank that he or she is best qualified to hold. If the new member has not participated in a nationally, 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 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 art knowledge, technical ability, a historical review of their martial art experience, and their service to 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 MAIF holding the rank of Brown Belt or higher. As with USMAF promotions, the member must belong to a USMAF member school or 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 of the USMAF. The examiner will utilize the MAIF Request for Validation of Martial Art Rank Form and send it with the individual’s membership application and appropriate fees to the USMAF National Office for processing. The USMAF Office will insure that the forms are properly completed and will forward to the new member (or their Instructor) a USMAF Membership Card, USMAF Rank Certificate, USMAF Lapel Pin and a USMAF 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 Art Rank of 5th Degree and higher must be approved by the USMAF National Technical Committee. Additionally, the USMAF National Technical Committee has approved the institution of minimal time in grade and age requirements for all USMAF Dan Grade Levels.
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 high international martial art standards, MAIF cannot recognize grades issued by that organization or country.
To register your martial art 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, NV USA, for an application or use the On-Line Application for USMAF Dan Grade Certification.
The United States Martial Arts Federation (USMAF) serves as a registry for official martial arts rank across the globe. When registering new USMAF members who have martial arts rank, it is important to understand the difference between homologation or validation of martial art rank and promotion in martial art rank. A promotion is the awarding of the next higher rank to a member who already has his or her rank certified with the USMAF. It can only be accomplished when the USMAF member fulfills all the requirements for their next promotion in a specific martial art rank system or in a martial art rank system from a recognized martial art organization as determined by the USMAF National Technical Committee.
For all "Grades or Degrees" of Black Belt - You are required to submit the following Documents, Photo and Information to the USJJF National Office at [email protected].
Send -
1. Copies of all your previous Rank Certificates.
2. Your complete martial arts & professional bio or resume.
3. A copy of the complete training curriculum / rank requirements for the JJ system.
4. Candidate's current Photo (a "close-up" in Business Attire).
5. Three Letters of Recommendation.
6. Complete NCSI On-Line Background Check
7. Safe Sport On-LineTraining Certification
8. Concussion On-Line Training Certification
9. CPR On-Line Training Certification
10. You are required to attend a National Seminar or be evaluated by the USMAF Nationally Certified Instructor - Examiner or submit a Video of yourself demonstrating intermediate & advance techniques from your system.
11. Candidates must be an "Annual" or "Life Member" of USMAF.
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 specific martial art rank possessed by a prospective or current member when that rank has been issued by a recognized martial art organization. Validation is the examination of a prospective or current member to obtain USMAF credentials for a martial art rank issued by an unrecognized martial arts 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 art 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 that is recognized by the National Technical Committee of the United States Martial Arts Federation (USMAF).
In keeping with the International Standards of Minimum Age Requirements for Dan Grades, the USMAF does require that minimum ages are considered when issuing Homologated Certification for rank issued by other martial art 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 (Note - Ranks of 5th Dan & above must be reviewed and approved by the USMAF Technical & Promotion Committee)
· 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 martial art organizations whose rank credentials are recognized by the USMAF. If the new member has acceptable rank credentials, he or she may have their rank certified in the USMAF at the current martial art rank.
USMAF Rank Homologation will be issued to only USMAF recognized martial art systems.
In order for a martial art system to be recognized by the USMAF, all of the following criteria must be met:
1. The martial art system's senior black belts must be current members of the USMAF.
2. The martial art system's complete curriculum and history must be on file at the USMAF National Office.
3. The martial art system's most current roster of instructor / examiners must be on file at the USMAF Global Office.
4. The martial art system's black belts must be certified with the USMAF National Office).
5. The senior black belts of each new "applicant system" are required to attend a Seminar, Camp or place and time coordinated through the USMAF National Office in order to present and demonstrate their system to the USMAF National Technical Committee for induction into the USMAF Yudanshakai.
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 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 Membership Card showing his or her current rank, a USMAF Rank Certificate, USMAF Lapel Pin and a USMAF Patch.
VALIDATION OF MARTIAL ART RANK
Validation is the method by which an Instructor can register a new member who has no acceptable proof of martial art 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 martial arts, (nor their character). However, the term "unacceptable" merely means that the credentials the member possesses are not issued by a recognized martial art organization.
Validation is also a method by which a new member can be registered at the martial art rank that he or she is best qualified to hold. If the new member has not participated in a nationally, 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 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 art knowledge, technical ability, a historical review of their martial art experience, and their service to 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 MAIF holding the rank of Brown Belt or higher. As with USMAF promotions, the member must belong to a USMAF member school or 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 of the USMAF. The examiner will utilize the MAIF Request for Validation of Martial Art Rank Form and send it with the individual’s membership application and appropriate fees to the USMAF National Office for processing. The USMAF Office will insure that the forms are properly completed and will forward to the new member (or their Instructor) a USMAF Membership Card, USMAF Rank Certificate, USMAF Lapel Pin and a USMAF 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 Art Rank of 5th Degree and higher must be approved by the USMAF National Technical Committee. Additionally, the USMAF National Technical Committee has approved the institution of minimal time in grade and age requirements for all USMAF Dan Grade Levels.
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 high international martial art standards, MAIF cannot recognize grades issued by that organization or country.
To register your martial art 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, NV USA, for an application or use the On-Line Application for USMAF Dan Grade Certification.
