Promotions & Rank
Recognition, advancement, and excellence in martial arts
Rank Recognition
The United States Martial Arts Association uses a 16 step rank system, broadly modeled on the Japanese system of Kyu and Dan ranks, the Japanese names for these ranks. All styles endorsed by the USMAA have a Rank Equivalency Table that aligns with these ranks.
New members may have their current rank recognized by the USMAA by providing appropriate documentation to the designated style head for review by the appropriate board.
Level 1-5
Beginner Ranks (Kyu)
White to Brown
Level 6-10
Intermediate Ranks (Kyu)
Advanced Color Belts
Level 11-16
Advanced Ranks (Dan)
Black Belt Degrees
Promotion
Up to Sixth Dan (Teacher Level)
Promotion up to and including that of "teacher" in the art (Sixth Dan in the Japanese system) will be totally within the purview of the martial artist's sensei who, if active and in good standing with the association, will be authorized to promote up to and including one rank below his/her own.
Above Teacher Level
Martial artists wishing to be considered for rank above "teacher" in the art and martial artists without teachers may submit dossiers for promotion consideration to their appropriate style head for consideration. Testing for promotion (where appropriate) will be held at the yearly training camp or whenever three or more members of the style promotion board may convene.
Member In Good Standing
Members of the association are considered in good standing if they meet the following requirements:
School Standing
In good standing with their USMAA affiliated school
Current Membership
Active and current USMAA membership
Account Current
All financial obligations with USMAA are current
Clean Record
Testimony of no convictions for violent, sex, or felony crimes
Professional Requirements
Professionals who plan to promote within the USMAA must have, on file with the USMAA, a current background check prepared by a governmental body or the private company authorized by the USMAA. Background checks must pass the Ethics Committee review in order for the professional to remain in good standing in the association. The Ethics Committee will rule on the appropriateness of membership in the association for students and professional martial artists.
Free Standing Martial Artists
Free standing martial artists are encouraged to associate with a USMAA school, but are in good standing if they meet the above requirements less the school affiliation.
Recognition Of New Art Forms
Designation of new art forms or systems will fall under the board of the style to which they are most closely aligned. To be a new system, it must meet one of the following criteria:
Radical Change in Existing System
A radical change in an existing system that is proven to be effective (e.g., Judo vs. Jujitsu)
Hybrid Art Form
A melding of two or more systems with moves demonstrating clear transitions and continuity between those systems (e.g., Hapkido)
Completely New System
A completely new system (e.g., Tiho Jitsu – one-on-one control tactics)
Submission Requirements
The martial artist must submit a complete portfolio of their art's system either in text or video for evaluation, including:
- Documented, demonstrated successes in the application of the art
- Proof of at least parity, if not superiority, to existing systems in that niche
Important: Simply adding moves from one system to another does not constitute a new system. It might possibly represent a better-rounded martial artist, but not a new system.
Creation of a new system must be recommended by the appropriate style board(s) and approved by the Association's Board of Directors.
Rank Equivalency Table
The United States Martial Arts Association uses a 16 step rank system, broadly modeled on the Japanese system of Kyu and Dan ranks. All styles endorsed by the WWMAA have a Rank Equivalency Table that aligns with these ranks.
New Member Recognition
New members may have their current rank recognized by the WWMAA by providing appropriate documentation to the designated style head for review by the appropriate board.
Rank Designation Code
When applying for rank to be recognized by the WWMAA you must use a "Rank Designation Code". You can look up the code in the core Rank Equivalency Table.
Need Help?
If you are unsure as to your Style's Rank Equivalency, you should contact your teacher, style head, or a representative of the WWMAA.
Ready to Advance Your Journey?
Learn more about membership and begin your path to recognition