World Headquarters Sao Paulo San Jose, Brazil
                  INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MARTIAL ARTS and CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

AASKF Membership Types, Requirements, & Benefits (Rev)

AASKF Ranks, Requirements, Titles, & Fees

FORMS and Applications  (Click below for printable forms)
         AASKF Student Application
           AASKF Instructor Application

Phone 1-859-402-2006
       Directors - during office hours, Monday-Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Eastern Standard time.

 Shihan Ron's cell 1-859-402-2006 
           Monday through Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Eastern Standard time.
 

  Membership, Testing,
Seminars and other Fees
may be paid on line by
clicking the button below.

All American Shotokan

Karate Federation

Ranks, Requirements, Titles, & Fees

Ranks & Requirements

Kyu Ranks:

Generally speaking, individual kyu ranking requirements will be left at the discretion of the AASKF instructor, provided that they adhere to the AASKF manual, ranking structure, code of conduct, and system of kata. Ideologically every kata will be performed the same way in every school (this will be much more realistic when we videotape every kata, and make it mandatory that all charter schools purchase a copy)

·         There will be 12 kyu ranks, and 5 kyu rank belt colors (white, yellow, blue, green, brown). These will be separated by a degree system (ie. yellow 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd etc.)

·         There will be a mandatory $10.00 testing fee paid to the AASKF  (this is in addition to whatever the individual instructor charges per test)

·         The AASKF will issue kyu rank certificates for every member that receives a promotion (individual instructors may choose to issue their own certificates in addition to this)

·         Kyu rank progression will be retained for each member and updated as they are promoted

Dan Ranks:

When possible dan ranks should be issued by a panel of licensed AASKF instructors (this includes tests for shodan or 1^st degree).  Listed below are the generally agreed upon requirements for rank advancement beyond shodan (first degree).  Since we are an open shotokan organization, the ranks after shodan needed to be generalized. These requirements are vague for the purpose of individualization. Each dan test will be a little different depending on the student and his/her background.  Testing fees for all dan ranks will be $50.00 per test up through 7^th dan, after which there will be       no charge for rank advancement.

Nidan (Second Degree Black)

·            1 year time in grade from previous test

·             Review of all previous material

·                Demonstrate continuing education

Sandan (Third Degree Black)

·             1 year time in grade from previous test

·                 Review of all previous material

·                 Demonstrate continuing education

Yodan (Fourth Degree Black & Red Belt)

·              1 year time in grade from previous test

·                     Review of all previous material

·                     Demonstrate continuing education

Godan  (Fifth Degree Black & Red Belt)

·                 2 years time in grade from previous test

·             Review of all previous material

·             Demonstrate continuing education
 

·         The individual must have made a significant contribution to the art and to the organization as a whole (this includes books & articles written, research projects etc.)

·         Godan reciepiants are eligible to be nominated for the title of Renshi (he who knows himself)

Rokudan (Sixth Degree Red & White Belt)

·             Two years time in grade from previous test

·             Review of all previous material

·             Demonstrate continuing education
 

·         The individual must have made a significant contribution to the art and to the organization as a whole (this includes books & articles written, research projects etc.)

Shichiden (Seventh Degree Red & White Belt)

·         2 years time in grade from previous test

·         Review of all previous material

·         Demonstrate continuing education

·         The individual must have made a significant contribution to the art and to the organization as a whole (this includes books & articles written, research projects etc.)

·         Shichiden recipients are eligible to be nominated for the title of Kyoshi (he who teaches / master teacher)

Hachidan (Eighth Degree Red & White Belt)

·         2 years time in grade from previous test

·         Review of all previous material

·         Demonstrate continuing education

·         The individual must have made a significant contribution to the art and to the organization as a whole (this includes books & articles written, research projects etc.)

Kudan (Ninth Degree Red Belt)

·         Time in grade not specified

·         This rank is awarded based on time training & teaching, and dedication to the art. It is awarded by the organization as a whole for an individual’s outstanding contribution to the art.

·         Kudan recipients are eligible to be nominated for the titles of Hanshi or Shihan (example for all / Teacher of Teachers) 

Judan (Tenth Degree Red Belt)

·         Time in grade not specified

·         This rank is awarded based on time training & teaching, and dedication to the art. It is awarded by the organization as a whole for an individual’s outstanding contribution to the art.

Titles

Martial titles are not awarded based merely upon rank, they are given only to those who deserve them, and who are considered among their peers to be worthy of the specific title. Below I have listed the specific titles we will use in our organization, and how one would go about attaining them.

Sensei: Sensei literally means “teacher”, and should be reserved for those who actually teach. In our organization to be considered a “Sensei” you must hold at least the rank of nidan, and teach actively on a regular basis.  This title can only be awarded to you by someone holding the title of Renshi, Kyoshi, or Hanshi.

Note: In Japan Sensei is a very commonly used title to describe a teacher. In general conversation, and in the exception of formal
         occasions, any of the below titles may be simply referred to as Sensei.

Renshi: Renshi means “He who has mastered himself”, and cannot be awarded before the rank of 5^th dan. This title is only awarded to those who have achieved a level of superb technical mastery in their given art. This title can only be awarded by someone holding the title of Kyoshi or Hanshi.

Kyoshi: Means “Master Teacher” and is reserved for those who have made a life out of teaching their art. Kyoshi is generally attained around 7^th dan. This title is awarded only to those who are truly seen as master instructors of their art. This title can only be awarded by someone holding the title of Hanshi.

Hanshi or Shihan: These titles are the highest that a practitioner of martial arts can attain. One who is called Shihan or Hanshi is a teacher of teachers, and should be an example of perfection for all to see. These titles can only be awarded by another who holds this specific title, or by the individual’s students. These titles are reserved solely for 9^th and 10^th dans. 

 
       Directors - during office hours, Monday through Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Eastern Standard time.

 Shihan Ron's cell 1-859-402-2006 
           Monday through Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Eastern Standard time.

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