Rank Advancement

Black Belt Recognition Requirements

The USMAA serves the martial arts community with a valuable resource to validate the legitimacy of black belts. Even though we are not an association tied to a specific martial arts style or training system, the USMAA provides black belts with the opportunity for rank recognition and rank endorsement. The USMAA reserves the right to deny black belt rank recognition or endorsement based on the individual’s inability to provide proper proof of rank and degree or a serious and apparent lack of martial arts ability. The USMAA will evaluate individuals for black belt ranking who are unable to produce the necessary proof of ranking. This evaluation will be based on the submission and review of a resume, and martial arts skills demonstration through a physical skill examination.

 

Black Belt Advancement Requirements

The following guidelines are set to provide legitimacy for the advancement of candidates for promotions beyond 1st Degree Black Belt. The USMAA yields all time and skill requirements to member black belts and martial arts schools to evaluate all under black belt requirements and that of a 1st Degree Black Belt. The USMAA recommends that instructors of specific styles and training systems adhere to a class leveling system for under belt that aligns with the USMAA. The color of the belt is not important to the USMAA; however, belt ranks should be classified from white belt to black belt in a regular numbering system descending for under belt ranks and ascending for black belt ranks. Here is the recommended numbering system, time in rank, titles, and age requirements recommended by the USMAA:

 

Under Black Belt Rank Classification

10th Class / White Belt                                                           

9th Class                                                         

8th Class                                                         

7th Class                                                         

6th Class                                                         

5th Class                                                         

4th Class                                                         

3rd Class                                                         

2nd Class                                                        

1st Class / Black Belt Candidate                    

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The above black belt ranking requirement chart yields to specific martial arts styles, training systems, and grandmasters. The above black belt requirements should be seen as a guideline established by the USMAA to protect the legitimacy of the black belt. Even though the USMAA will recognize individuals outside of these requirements, the USMAA will not endorse or officially promote outside of these requirements without the approval of the USMAA BOA.