The United States Martial Artist Association (USMAA) was established in 1977 by Dr. William A. Rankin, Ph.D., 10th Degree Black Belt, and Grandmaster of Uchuno Shorin-Ryu Karate Do. Our Founder, Dr. Rankin, had a vision of a non-political, diverse community of martial artists that would become the leading force in promoting excellence in the martial arts. Our start was slow in the beginning but through his perseverance and deep passion to serve others, we would hit our stride in the late 1990s and begin to secure that vision. In 1999, we hosted the first USMAA Hall of Fame event. This event grew into an extravaganza of legendary martial arts performances, the sharing of martial arts knowledge and skills through training seminars, black belt testing and evaluations, Krav Maga beach workouts, and first-class entertainment as well as the recognition of member martial artists’ contributions and successes. In 2025, we celebrate our 25th USMAA Hall of Fame Anniversary. Through the years, our membership has swelled to over a thousand members from across the United States and around the world. Over the course of the past 45 plus years, Dr. Rankin provided pioneering leadership and organizational structure, setting up his legacy and the envisioned community of likeminded martial artists committed to a shared purpose of advancing a non-political group from a diversity of martial arts styles and systems that promote excellence and support each other. We have a history of celebrating our successes and achievements while championing each other.

After seeking wise counsel from numerous grandmasters, state directors, and longtime members of the association, Dr. Rankin enacted a leadership transition plan for the USMAA in summer 2024. The transition plan for the USMAA was as carefully and thoughtfully planned as the selection of Dr. Rankin’s successor. At the 24th annual USMAA Hall of Fame event, Dr. Rankin announced his successor. He tapped Grandmaster Matthew D. Antkowiak, 8th Degree Black and co-founder of Invictus Martial Arts in Arlington, Texas as the next and only second International Director of the United States Martial Artist Association. Previously, Grandmaster Antkowiak served as USMAA Oklahoma State Director (1999 – 2007), USMAA Texas State Director (2007 – 2024), USMAA Sergeant at Arms (2004 – 2024), and a USMAA lifetime member from 1998 – present. Through this tremendous selfless and humble act, Dr. Rankin secured the future of the USMAA and his legacy of that martial artist community he envisioned and built for over four decades.

An action-oriented executive leader, Grandmaster Antkowiak brings over 35 years of experience in the martial arts as well as over 30 years of dedicated service to our country as a public servant. In 2004, as one of only 50 police instructors worldwide, Grandmaster Antkowiak earned the distinction an ASP International Instructor Trainer. In 2005, earned a certification as a Master Police Defensive Tactics Instructor through the Maryland State Police & Correctional Training Commission. In 2014, Grandmaster Antkowiak earned his Practical Krav Maga Instructor Certification from the Wingate Institute located in Netanya, Israel. Grandmaster Antkowiak currently serves as the Police Chief & Director of Public Safety for Newman International Academy, which has numerous school campuses throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex in Texas. Serving as a U.S. Army Infantry Company executive officer, military police officer, firefighter, EMT, police officer, security professional, and law enforcement executive, Grandmaster Antkowiak has a track record of cross disciplinary expertise and leadership. One of the only 235 individuals out of the 5.45MM security professionals globally, Grandmaster is a board-certified Triple Crown holder by ASIS International. This designation was achieved by earning board certifications in management (CPP), investigations (PCI), and physical security (PSP). Grandmaster Antkowiak is also a certified Texas Master Peace Officer, and he recently graduated from the prestigious Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College (LEMIT LCC). Grandmaster Antkowiak career achievements are complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, with 4.0 cumulative GPA graduating Summa Cum Laude from the American Military University.
 

As a relational executive and having demonstratable executive expertise in all aspects of the police and security industries, Grandmaster Antkowiak infuses his faith with his professional experiences and knowledge to provide his unique approach to people-focus leadership. Grandmaster Antkowiak understands the importance of developing relationships and fostering cooperation. His leadership philosophy is “Build Relationships First” to establish other’s trust and confidence in him, his leadership, and capabilities while developing a mission-focused culture aligned with the global marital arts vision of the Founder, Dr. Rankin, of the United States Martial Artist Association. Having deep executive leadership experience in the management of martial arts masters, black belts, warfighters and law enforcement officers, under his direction and leadership, he will equip, encourage, enable, and empower the USMAA leadership team and members by providing purpose, direction, and motivation for the USMAA to realize its future. Grandmaster Antkowiak leverages his past experiences and relationships to improve the USMAA, develop a culture of excellence, champion the member martial artists, and further the initiatives of the United States Martial Artist Association.