Belt Ranking Standards

GMAU Belt Ranking System

The purpose of a ranking system is to provide Christian martial artists with a structure to strive for excellence (mastery) in martial arts and in character. The ranking system takes the end goal of becoming a master martial artist, and breaks it into reasonable goals. Paul writes on the subject in I Corinthians 9:25, "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." His first point is that "mastery" of anything requires strict training. The implication of the text is that one can’t become a master at something overnight, it takes strict training, involving systematic improvement. Hence, the GMAU Belt Rank System is structured to ensure that our members "strive for the mastery" through balanced and reasonable steps. However, there is also an issue of motive, if it is not done for the glory of God it means nothing — Paul’s second point. We must strive for mastery in Christ-like character. This correct focus on spiritual development (that which is "incorruptible") is the last point made by Paul, and is what we should all strive for.

Rank:

Color Belt Kyu Ranks

Kyu ranks are the foundation ranks, and represent childhood or immaturity in the arts. The Kyu ranks systematically take a beginner through martial arts "childhood" to the level of black belt. Each Christian martial arts system has a different number of Kyu rank levels, reflecting the learning approach of the system. There are up to ten ranks starting at the highest number (ten) and working up to the most advanced level of one. Most systems have between ten and six Kyu rank levels. Each Kyu rank is represented by a color belt, and the use of color belts varies greatly. The general rule of thumb is that the Kyu ranks start with a white belt and end with a brown belt. The other colors that usually make up the other ranks are yellow, orange, green, purple and blue.

The numbering system works backwards in the Kyu ranks because the black belt is the standard that signifies the "root" level of maturity in the Christian martial arts. In the GMAU the "root" level of maturity is reflected in the requirements for the rank of Shodan-Ho (Provisional I Degree Black Belt). The rank requirements of the Kyu ranks can be structured in any way as long as the student meets all the "root" requirements by the time they are ready for the Shodan-Ho examination. The general characteristic of the Christian martial arts Kyu ranks are a balanced physical, mental and spiritual system, which gradually become more difficult as the "child" moves toward "adulthood." in the martial arts and in Christ. These are the core elements expected at the Shodan-Ho level of any Christian Marital Arts system:

• The student must have a personal relationship with God. There can be no compromise about having non-Christians in Christian leadership, at any level. Hence, all members of the GMAU, meaning black belts must be Christians. However, because many schools teach non-Christians, we shouldn’t black-mail our students into becoming Christians. This is not to say that we as instructor’s shouldn’t do everything in our power to lead our students to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Yet, sometimes people have too many walls between them and God, and we may only be the first stage of God’s ministry plan for that individual. Thus, chartered schools may issue student certificates to students that will not take the steps to go further in the Christian marital arts.
• Christian character references.
• Knowledge of biblical principles/standards, and the ability to support this understanding with memorized verses.
• Conformance to the standards of lifestyle set forth in the Bible.
• Discernment and knowledge within the areas of body physics, first aid, the legal aspects of the martial arts; and martial arts principles, history, theory, and philosophy.
• A written examination.
• A written research paper.
• Grappling techniques (such as throws, takedowns, passive restraint, and release techniques).
• Striking techniques (such as hand & foot strikes, leg & arm strikes, blocking & jamming, knowledge of targets, i.e. nerve centers).
• Falling and rolling techniques.
• Self-defense responses (counterattacks) to all kinds of attacks.
• Fighting skills, with highly developed personal style, meaning effective and efficient use of his or her skills in spontaneous confrontation.
• Power and/or control tests.

The time between color belt levels can vary greatly, and is up to the discretion of the instructor of each charter school.

Black Belt Dan Ranks

The black belt or Dan ranks represent not only the achievement of "adulthood" in the Christian martial arts, but also the recognition that one has just begun to learn. If the completion of the Kyu ranks is considered the "root" stage of one’s martial arts development, the Dan ranks should be considered the "tree" stage. There are five earned levels of black belt and three positional black belt rankings Black belt ranks starting at Yondan (IV Degree Black Belt) are considered the master levels. A master Martial Artist is one who has not only achieved a high level of martial arts knowledge and skill, but is now also a candidate to be certified as a master instructor, being able to impart that knowledge and skills to others. The basic nature of a master Christian martial artist is a person that doesn’t even know that he is one. There is no bragging and no pushing one’s weight around.

A black belt must show maturity in character and technique. Hence, there is a minimum waiting period between each rank. It is recommended that the time between belt levels be at least two years (1st to 2nd), three years (2nd to 3rd), and so forth to allow for the proper physical, mental and spiritual maturing to take place. There is also a minimum age requirement for each rank.

The Dan ranks further develop the general requirements of the Kyu ranks, and add several additional requirements. However, these requirements are not exclusive to the Dan ranks, as some systems incorporate a few of these elements into the Kyu ranks:

• Ability to defend your faith verbally, with supporting Scripture.
• Ability to share your faith with others.
• A personal library of martial arts books.
• Leadership responsibilities.
• Weapons techniques.
• Ground fighting.
  

Black Belt Positional Ranks

The sixth, seventh and eighth degree black belt levels are considered positional and are reserved for those who hold major leadership positions within the Christian martial arts. These are not honorary, but represent significant contributions to the Christian martial arts by those who have also earned the level of fifth degree black belt. A individual must be recommended by the president of the GMAU and have the unanimous support of the board of governors of the GMAU to be issued a provisional rank.

Color Belt To Provisional I Degree (SHODAN-HO)

General Requirements

• At least 15 years old.
• A minimum of two years training in the martial arts.
• Must have a personal relationship with God.
• Provide four Christian character references from their pastor, teachers, principal, or employers. This is evidence that both inside and outside of the school you are acting with excellent Christian character. Once the GMAU has your reference letters on file you don’t need further references for any black belt examinations thereafter.
• Must become a black belt member of the GMAU.

Ryu Requirements

• Vary according to the Ryu.
  

Provisional I Degree To Full I Degree (SHODAN)

General Requirements

• At least 16 years old and a minimum of one years as a Provisional I Degree.
• Complete a 60-minute written exam on the martial arts (75% correct).
• Has demonstrated the physical, mental, and spiritual maturity worthy of the Christian black belt during the year as Provisional I Degree. This is demonstrated by your ability to demonstrate Christ-like character at home, at school, at work, and at church.
• Must be a Black Belt Member of the GMAU.

Ryu Requirements

• Vary according to the Ryu, generally a strict re-examination of the Shodan-Ho examination.
  

I Degree To II Degree (NIDAN)

General Requirements

• At least 18 years old and a minimum of two years as a I Degree (including time as Provisional I Degree).
• At least one year as an assistant instructor.
• Has four Christian character references on file.
• Complete a 90-minute written exam on the martial arts (80% correct).
• One year personal ministry in the local church.
• Must be a black belt member of the GMAU.

Ryu Requirements

• Vary according to the Ryu.
  

II Degree To III Degree (SANDAN)

General Requirements

• At least 22 years old and a minimum of three years as a II Degree.
• Hold dojo instructor rank.
• Has four Christian character references on file.
• Complete a 120-minute written exam on the martial arts (80% correct).
• Must be a black belt member of the GMAU.

Ryu Requirements

• Vary according to the Ryu.
  

III Degree To IV Degree (YONDAN)

General Requirements

• At least 30 years old and a minimum of four years as a III Degree.
• Has four Christian character references on file.
• Provide three promotion recommendations from three black belts ranking IV Degree, or higher. Like the Christian character References these only need to be submitted once.
• Complete a 120-minute written exam on the martial arts (80% correct).
• Must be a black belt member of the GMAU.

Ryu Requirements

• Vary according to the Ryu.
  

IV Degree To V Degree (GODAN)

General Requirements

• At least 35 years old and a minimum of five years as a IV Degree.
• Hold master instructor rank.
• Has four Christian character references on file.
• Has three rank recommendations on file.
• Complete a 120-minute written exam on the martial arts (80% correct).
• Must be a black belt member of the GMAU.

Ryu Requirements

• Vary according to the Ryu.
  

V Degree To VI Degree

General Requirements

• At least 40 years old.
• Has earned the rank of V degree black belt.
• Has four Christian character references on file.
• Has three rank recommendations on file.
• Is responsible for major functions within the GMAU.
• Is personally responsible and an instructor in one or more schools.
• Is nationally known through participation in clinics and seminars.
• Must be a black belt member of the GMAU.
  

VI Degree To VII Degree

General Requirements

• At least 45 years old.
• Has earned the rank of V degree black belt.
• Has four Christian character references on file.
• Has three rank recommendations on file.
• Must be a black belt member of the GMAU.
  

VII Degree To VIII Degree

General Requirements

• At least 50 years old.
• Has earned the rank of V degree Black Belt.
• Has four Christian Character references on file.
• Has three rank recommendations on file.
• Is the president of the GMAU, or the head of a martial arts style/family.
• Must be a black belt member of the GMAU.

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