Martial Arts Organizations

[ShoriKid]

I looked back at this subject, or the related ones to see what had been said before. Not wanting to raise 2 year old threads I figured I'd start a new one here. The instructor's forum seemed the place as they are the ones most likely to deal with this issue. The Who Teaches You thread got me thinking on this again.

As most of you will know I practice a mixed style of karate with grappling elements we have always found important. I've been at this for a good number of years and PittbullJudoka and I run a small dojo in a small town. Our instructor is a good ways off from us and with our lives not cooperating training together on a regular basis is not something we can do. His first instructor is no longer with us, mine is retired and the one we were under together is not actively teaching now due to life issues. Because of all of this I have been looking at various organizations to affiliate with for a couple of reasons. Recognition of my student's rank would be nice. The resources of a net work of instructors with seminar information etc. And, yes, the opportunity to be tested and advance myself would be nice. The freedom to teach our style as we see fit is very important. I don't need someone else's content to learn and teach. We're not standard issue Shotokan/Shorinryu folks and don't wish to be.

Does anyone know of some good organizations that fit what I'm looking for? I can find a dozen places that fit for traditional, big system, buys. Or are straight belt factories. Basically, my google-fu is weak in this area. We're in the South Eastern US and most of what I find is west coast, north east.

[Dobbersky]

Wish you luck on this, I'm in the UK so unable to assist but looking forward to knowing how you got on

[bushido_man96]

What kind of recognition in particular are you looking for with the grades?

[sensei8]

I looked back at this subject, or the related ones to see what had been said before. Not wanting to raise 2 year old threads I figured I'd start a new one here. The instructor's forum seemed the place as they are the ones most likely to deal with this issue. The Who Teaches You thread got me thinking on this again.

As most of you will know I practice a mixed style of karate with grappling elements we have always found important. I've been at this for a good number of years and PittbullJudoka and I run a small dojo in a small town. Our instructor is a good ways off from us and with our lives not cooperating training together on a regular basis is not something we can do. His first instructor is no longer with us, mine is retired and the one we were under together is not actively teaching now due to life issues. Because of all of this I have been looking at various organizations to affiliate with for a couple of reasons. Recognition of my student's rank would be nice. The resources of a net work of instructors with seminar information etc. And, yes, the opportunity to be tested and advance myself would be nice. The freedom to teach our style as we see fit is very important. I don't need someone else's content to learn and teach. We're not standard issue Shotokan/Shorinryu folks and don't wish to be.

Does anyone know of some good organizations that fit what I'm looking for? I can find a dozen places that fit for traditional, big system, buys. Or are straight belt factories. Basically, my google-fu is weak in this area. We're in the South Eastern US and most of what I find is west coast, north east.

To the bold type above...Recognition for your student's rank by an organization, whether it be small/medium/large, will be hard to come by. Why? Politics won't allow it or will make it practically impossible.

Your rank is valuable only within your current organization, whereas in another organization, your rank is far less than one might think.

[ShoriKid]

What kind of recognition in particular are you looking for with the grades?

If my students travel to another school/area I would like for them to be be looked at with with some respect without always having to prove it. Sadly, in some ways it's about the politics I know they will face. More over, I would like them to have a network to reach out to when they leave the nest. If that's their desire. It's a cold world out there and if they have some brothers I feel they would have a little easier path to walk when they venture into the world.

[bushido_man96]

What kind of recognition in particular are you looking for with the grades?

If my students travel to another school/area I would like for them to be be looked at with with some respect without always having to prove it. Sadly, in some ways it's about the politics I know they will face. More over, I would like them to have a network to reach out to when they leave the nest. If that's their desire. It's a cold world out there and if they have some brothers I feel they would have a little easier path to walk when they venture into the world.

Well, in that case, you might look into trying to make your own organization, and therefore confirm your own credentials that way. It may take some time to gain traction, but its a start.

[ShoriKid]

I looked back at this subject, or the related ones to see what had been said before. Not wanting to raise 2 year old threads I figured I'd start a new one here. The instructor's forum seemed the place as they are the ones most likely to deal with this issue. The Who Teaches You thread got me thinking on this again.

As most of you will know I practice a mixed style of karate with grappling elements we have always found important. I've been at this for a good number of years and PittbullJudoka and I run a small dojo in a small town. Our instructor is a good ways off from us and with our lives not cooperating training together on a regular basis is not something we can do. His first instructor is no longer with us, mine is retired and the one we were under together is not actively teaching now due to life issues. Because of all of this I have been looking at various organizations to affiliate with for a couple of reasons. Recognition of my student's rank would be nice. The resources of a net work of instructors with seminar information etc. And, yes, the opportunity to be tested and advance myself would be nice. The freedom to teach our style as we see fit is very important. I don't need someone else's content to learn and teach. We're not standard issue Shotokan/Shorinryu folks and don't wish to be.

Does anyone know of some good organizations that fit what I'm looking for? I can find a dozen places that fit for traditional, big system, buys. Or are straight belt factories. Basically, my google-fu is weak in this area. We're in the South Eastern US and most of what I find is west coast, north east.

To the bold type above...Recognition for your student's rank by an organization, whether it be small/medium/large, will be hard to come by. Why? Politics won't allow it or will make it practically impossible.

Your rank is valuable only within your current organization, whereas in another organization, your rank is far less than one might think.

For all intents and purposes our organization is a small circle of black belts in our little corner of the world. We're trying to expand that somewhat by reaching out to the few other instructors in the area. I'm more aware of the politics than most in our group. My hope is to help them with those issues as much as I can.

For myself a larger reach with other black belts I can work with, learn from without always having to start with introductions and feeling out from the get go. A group that is more inclined to be open to my approach and views etc.

I know, find a few good black belts and they should be that way any how. I'd like to be able to sort through all the noise before hand. A pipe dream for sure. But hey, if you're going to dream, dream big.

[bassaiguy]

Last year I affiliated my school with the National Martial Arts Association. It is a small American organization that has roots in karate and jujutsu going back over 40 years. It is not the most widely known group, but I like the people I deal with and they don't gouge you with fees. PM me if you're interested.