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...
Archive for category: News
New Boards and Directors
Message from the Executive Director The reorganization of the association requires dedication and effort. The board members are a limited group of dedicated martial artists who are serving the membership. Please view the New Organization Chart below if you have an interest in service. Anyone that is willing to...
Consider Aikido Now and in the Future
Aikido has been one of the four principal martial arts of the USJA and later the USMA. The additional three are Judo, Karate, and Jujitsu. I have been very fortunate to be able to start my beginning in martial arts at Minot AFB (1962-64) with both Judo and Karate...
Message from the Karate Division Director
The Karate Division requests all USMA Members ranked in a Karate or Karate-Do Martial Arts Style to send an e-mail with your current Rank, Style, and Sensei to the Director of Karate by clicking here: Kar@mararts.org. If you have your membership number available please include it in your message....
The Personal Touch in Martial Arts Promotions
Phil Porter, the founder of the USMAA, wrote about the unfairness of martial arts promotions in the United States years ago. The USMAA is dedicated to provide a means for all martial artists to receive appropriate rank based skills, dedication, and years of experience. The USMAA has developed examination...
Martial Artists Aren’t Liars
I’ve been administering Martial Arts rank promotions for 52 years. When I came back from England while serving in the Air Force in 1958, I was elected as Secretary of the old SAC-ARDC Judo Society, and that’s how it all began.
May 2010 Newsletter from O-Sensei Porter
Dear Friends in the Martial Arts, I send you cordial greetings and sincere best wishes always from our US Martial Arts Association. I am happy to tell you that our USMA is growing steadily. Many of you know that I have been ill during the fall and winter. I...
Need the Perfect Gift for a Hard-to-Please Teen? Try a Black Belt
Oh, I know you can’t give someone a black belt, any more than you can give them a high school diploma or a college degree. But you can give them a nudge in the right direction along with the financial resources to make the journey. And the martial arts...