Dojo Accreditation

​The United States Martial Artist Association believes that every martial arts training center should meet the highest standards of excellence to ensure the safety, growth, and development of its students. Accreditation is not just a mark of quality but a commitment to fostering an environment where discipline, respect, and mastery of martial arts can thrive. Accreditation demonstrates that the training center meets the highest safety standards and applies industry best practices in the training provided. By obtaining training center accreditation, it further demonstrates a commitment to excellence, and that a training center owners, instructors, and staff uphold highest ethical values, providing students and instructors with the confidence that they are part of a community dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in martial arts education. This policy establishes a clear process for accreditation, setting eligibility requirements, a detailed procedure, and guidelines for earning, maintaining or revoking accreditation status.

 

Purpose

The United States Martial Artist Association – Training Center Accreditation Program provides third-party evaluation of martial arts training centers and to ensure that the training center maintains the highest standards of safety, integrity, and instructional quality, thereby promoting excellence in martial arts education. Accreditation is for all size martial arts schools from those operating in commercial store fronts to small schools operating in a residential garage.

 

Eligibility for Accreditation

To be eligible for accreditation, a martial arts training center must meet the following criteria:

1. The training center must have been in operation for a minimum of two (2) years.

2. The staff and instructors must pass background and sex offender registry checks. The owners must provide a certificate of compliance to the USMAA accreditation team.

3. The training center must pass a facility safety audit that is conducted virtually by a member of the USMAA accreditation team.

4. There must be a demonstrated a commitment to the Martial Artist Code of Ethics, ensuring the promotion of martial arts values such as respect, discipline, and violence avoidance.

5. There must be a written curriculum and clear under black belt ranking requirements.

6. There must have clearly written enrollment and cancelation policies and procedures.

7. The senior instructor must hold recognized black belt certification(s) or equivalent in their respective martial art disciplines.

8. Instructors must hold recognized instructor certification issued by a third-party organization.

9. Instructors have documented professional development including training at a minimum in inappropriate relationships, first aid, and CPR.

10. The training center must pass a virtual instructional observation and evaluation related to safe martial arts instruction.

11. The training center must demonstrate appropriate insurance coverage for general liability and instruction.  

  

Accreditation Process

The accreditation process shall involve the following steps:

1. Application: Martial arts training center seeking accreditation must submit an application to the USMAA International Director, including documentation of their compliance with eligibility requirements.

2. Documentation Review: The martial arts training center must provide artifacts such as enrollment/cancelation policies, insurance, curriculum and ranking documents, instructor certifications, and professional development records.

3. Virtual Site Inspection: An appointed USMAA auditor conducts a virtual inspection of the facility, safety standards, and instructional practices to ensure alignment with the USMAA accreditation standards.

4. Review and Approval: The USMAA Board of Advisors (BOA) will review the application, artifacts provided, and inspection report. training centers that meet the necessary criteria will be granted accreditation status, which shall be valid for a period of two (2) years.

5. Remedial Audits: Accreditation is a vigorous process. Often there are issues that can be improved and adjustments that need to be made prior to awarding accreditation. Remedial steps may be required to earn accreditation.

6. Appeals: Training centers that are denied accreditation may appeal the decision in writing within 30 days of notification.

 

Maintenance of Accreditation

To maintain accredited status, training centers must:

1. Abide by the USMAA’s Code of Ethics, maintain high standards of instruction, and safety.

2. Submit an annual report to the USMAA International Director detailing any significant changes in leadership, curriculum, or facilities.

3. Undergo re-accreditation after the second year from initial accreditation, which will include a review of updated documentation and a new site inspection. After the first re-accreditation, the renewal process occurs annually.

 

Revocation of Accreditation

Revocation decisions will be made by the USMAA BOA, and schools will have the right to appeal in writing against the decision within 30 days of notification. Accreditation may be revoked if a school:

1. Is found to be in violation of the USMAA’s Code of Ethics.

2. Fails to maintain the standards set forth by the USMAA BOA.

3. Does not comply with the reporting or re-accreditation requirements.

 

Accreditation Fees

The USMAA charges a $250 for the initial accreditation fee and $150 for re-accreditation.