THE OKINAWAN MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION

Structure of Progress

While the O.M.A.A. does not dictate a training programme or syllabus for its member dojo and groups, it does nevertheless set a high standard in respect of its structure of progression.  The following notes indicate our orientation and may act as an approximate guide for member clubs and groups in the formulation of their training programmes.  We will be happy to offer guidance to our members or discuss any issues relating to the creation of a syllabus.

More importantly, as O.M.A.A. makes an effort to adhere to good, and high standards, we do ask that every member group adheres to the older model of progression as outlined below.

Yudansha examinations and awards

All yudansha technical awards (Shodan to Godan inclusive) are levels governed by the requirements of a syllabus and are awarded subsequent to a formal assessment or grading examination in which the candidate successfully completes all the requirements laid down in the member group's syllabus. 

All yudansha technical awards (Shodan to Godan inclusive) will be determined by a registered O.M.A.A. official who is at least two ranks higher than the rank being tested for, or by an agreed examining board.

In respect of promotions, due consideration will be given to the existing experience, length of previous training and rank of new members of the O.M.A.A.

Higher Student Levels

Shodan (1^st degree black belt), subject to successful examination or assessment, may be awarded to those who have trained consistently for a minimum period of three years but more commonly up to five years.  Shodan means first step and is a stage of consolidation in which the student is examined on all the basic techniques, forms and sparring methods that he or she has learned to date.  The student must have a good understanding of the basics of his or her system and must be able to apply them.

It is strongly recommended that a probationary or temporary level of Shodan-Ho black belt be introduced as to precede the full Shodan level.  After a period of one year as Shodan-ho a student may be assessed or examined again to attain full Shodan status.  Only Shodans will be registered with O.M.A.A., Shodan-Ho’s will not.

Nidan (2^nd degree black belt), subject to successful examination or assessment, may be awarded to those who have trained for a minimum of three years after attaining Shodan.  Nidan is a specialist grade focusing on kumite.  This level ensures that although ‘technically’ good people can achieve black belt, in order to further progress, the student must have genuine self-defence / kumite skills.  In order to attain Nidan, the student must be very determined and dedicated in pushing forwards on his or her own. 

This is a very important part of the grading syllabus.  We are seeking to develop independent martial artists who can think and act for themselves, not clones.  Anyone who takes Nidan has to spend a lot of time training on their own and that way, they learn to motivate themselves rather than relying on a class, group, or sensei to do it for them.

Practitioner and Teacher Levels

Sandan (3^rd degree black belt) is a consolidation grade and again, the student is tested on everything.  However, there is a strong kata bias for this level and candidates are required to teach a seminar on kata to the wider group.  The student is required to investigate, perform and explain the bunkai for the kata used by other groups of similar style – what the bunkai are, where they think they came from, what lessons they are attempting to teach, etc.

Yondan (4^th degree black belt) is another specialist grade, this time focusing on the use of weapons.  Candidates are expected to develop and demonstrate a competence in traditional Okinawan weapons and specialise in two weapons of their own choice.  They are required to give two courses over the period of a year, one on each of their chosen specialist weapons.  Again, they are expected to go outside of their own group to achieve the knowledge they need.  We are no longer happy to see material we have taught them regurgitated, we expect them to return with genuine knowledge which will strengthen and enhance both them as individuals, and us as a group.

Godan (5^th degree black belt) is the last formal technical grading before an examiner or examination board and as final consolidation, involves the candidate holding a course in the presence of the examiner/s on any aspect of his or her martial art / style. 

The training must display originality, be innovative, deconstructed and demonstrated to a very high level of competence.  The candidate must demonstrate a deep understanding of the practices and principles of the style, show a high level of confidence and natural enthusiasm.

The O.M.A.A. approach ensures that a Godan has all the pieces in place from kumite to kata to weapons and that all dan grades are genuinely challenging and different, not mere repetitions of the same material.

Rokudan to Judan are honorary awards given for ‘services to Okinawan Bugei’ and in particular for services to the O.M.A.A..  All honorary awards (Rokudan and above) will be determined by members of the O.M.A.A. Executive along with any other designated advisors who might be invited to be involved, either from within the O.M.A.A. or from an external organisation.

The candidate will have given service to his or her art and attained a high level of martial arts competence both in technique and attitude after devoting him or herself to many years of consistent training and service to the art.

Judan may be awarded to those who have mastered the essence of their martial art after devoting themselves consistently to a lifetime of training and service to the art (65 years).  There can only be one judan within the O.M.A.A. at any one time.