The Martial Arts International Federation serves as an official registry for martial arts rank. When registering new MAIF members who have martial arts rank, it is important to understand the difference between homologation or validation and promotion of martial arts rank. Click here to read our promotion policy.

A promotion is the awarding of the next higher rank to a member who already has his or her rank homologated with the MAIF. It can only be accomplished when the MAIF member fulfills all the requirements for their next promotion in the rank system as established by their systems Technical Committee or in a Martial Arts Rank System from a recognized affiliate or partner organization.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOMOLOGATION AND VALIDATION:

For students or instructors who wish to join the MAIF and already have martial arts rank, the MAIF rank system provides procedures for homologation and validation. Homologation is the issuance of MAIF credentials for martial arts rank possessed by a prospective or current member when that rank has been issued by a recognized affiliate or partner organization. Validation is the examination of a prospective or current member to obtain MAIF credentials for a rank issued by an unrecognized organization, or for which no credentials are possessed.

Each procedure, homologation or validation is explained below. These procedures apply to all new members with martial arts rank of Brown Belt or higher. New members, with lower ranks may be registered at their current rank with approval of their Instructor.

HOMOLOGATING NEW MEMBERS WITH ACCEPTABLE RANK CREDENTIALS:

Homologation is the method by which an Instructor can register a new member (Brown Belt or higher) who has proof of rank in the form of a rank card or certificate issued by a affiliate or partner organization that is recognized by the International Technical Committee of the Martial Arts International Federation.

In keeping with the International Standards of Minimum Age Requirements for Dan Grades, the MAIF does require that minimum ages are considered when issuing Homologation Certification for rank issued by other martial arts organizations.

The following minimum ages are required for dan grade certification in the MAIF:

• 16 yrs. old for 1st Dan
• 18 yrs. old for 2nd Dan
• 20 yrs old for 3rd Dan
• 25 yrs old for 4th Dan
• 30 yrs old for 5th Dan
• 35 yrs old for 6th Dan
• 40 yrs old for 7th Dan
• 50 yrs old for 8th Dan
• 60 yrs old for 9th Dan
• 70 yrs old for 10th Dan

Note: There are many organizations whose rank credentials are recognized by the MAIF. If the new member has acceptable rank credentials, he or she may have their rank homologated in the MAIF at their current rank.

 

MAIF RANK HOMOLOGATION WILL BE ISSUED TO ONLY MAIF RECOGNIZED MARTIAL ART SYSTEMS

In order for a martial arts system to be recognized by the MAIF, all of the following criteria must be met: The martial arts system's senior black belts must be current members of the MAIF. The martial arts system's complete history and curriculum must be on file at the MAIF International Headquarters. The martial arts system's most current roster of instructor / examiners must be on file at the MAIF International Headquarters. The martial arts system's black belts must be certified with the MAIF (with their personal martial arts "Bio", photo, copies all of their rank certificates and references on file at the MAIF International Headquarters). The senior black belts of each new "applicant system" are required to attend a National Seminar, Camp or place and time coordinated through the MAIF International Headquarters in order to present and demonstrate their system to the MAIF International Technical Committee for inclusion into the MAIF Systems list.

To homologate a new member with acceptable rank credentials, an Instructor simply fills out a MAIF Membership/Certification Form, attaches a copy of the new member’s recognized rank card or certificate, and mails this to the MAIF International Headquarters for processing along with the annual membership and rank registration fees. If the Instructor is in doubt as to whether a certain rank card or certificate is acceptable, he or she has only to send a photocopy of the card or certificate to the MAIF for determination.

The Instructor will always receive a prompt and courteous reply. A new member who has his or her national rank certified will receive a MAIF Membership/Rank Card showing his or her current rank, a Martial Arts International Federation Rank Certificate and a MAIF Patch. MAIF Rank Certification is available, but not required for MAIF membership. Those members not certifying their martial arts rank will receive a MAIF Membership Card and a MAIF Patch.

VALIDATION OF MARTIAL ARTS RANK:

Validation is the method by which an Instructor can register a new member who has no acceptable proof of Martial Arts rank. Instructors and prospective members should understand clearly that when we refer to a new member’s credentials as "unacceptable" there is absolutely no reflection on the member’s technical competence in the Martial Arts, (nor their character). However, the term "unacceptable" merely means that the credentials the member possesses are not issued by a recognized organization.

Validation is also a method by which a new member can be registered at the martial arts rank that he or she is best qualified to hold. If the new member has not participated in a standardized rank system, he or she may not have been promoted to the rank now held by contemporaries in skill, knowledge and experience. Validation is the method for correcting this situation. Validation is the detailed process by which the MAIF International Technical Committee or individual system's Technical Committee examines new members to verify their credentials or to determine the rank they are best qualified to hold. It involves a thorough examination of their martial arts knowledge, technical ability, a historical review of their martial arts experience, and their service to the martial arts. The historical review may go back to their first day of training (and their Instructor) or to the date of their last "acceptable" rank credentials. All new members who do not possess acceptable rank credentials must have their rank validated to be registered with the MAIF holding the rank of Brown Belt or higher. As with MAIF promotions, the member must belong to a MAIF member club to be eligible for rank validation.

If the validation is for a Kyu (Brown Belt or below) grade, then the examination must be performed by a certified MAIF Black Belt (and current member of the Federation). If the validation is for a Dan (Black Belt) grade, then the examiner must be a certified MAIF Black Belt who is at least two grades higher than the rank validation level of the new member. The examiner for all validations or promotions must be a Certified Instructor/Examiner and current member of the MAIF. The examiner will utilize the MAIF Request for Validation of Martial Arts Rank Form and send it with the individual’s membership application and appropriate fees to the MAIF International Headquarters for processing. The International Headquarters will insure that the forms are properly completed and will forward to the new member (or their Instructor) a National Membership Card, MAIF Rank Certificate and a US Martial Arts Patch.

Note: The MAIF Request for Validation Form has all of the necessary instructions for completion and the current validation fees. Promotions, homologations, or validations for Martial Arts Rank of Godan (5th Dan) and higher must be approved by the MAIF International Technical Committee or the individual systems International Technical Committee. Additionally, the MAIF International Technical Committee has approved the institution of minimal time in grade and age requirements for all MAIF Dan Levels. Please click here to learn more.

Because the MAIF is a International Registry for All Martial Arts Rank, we simply cannot accept rank credentials or recognize organizations that do not meet requirements of the International Technical Committee. This is necessary to avoid the appearance that the MAIF is a "rubber-stamp" diploma mill for martial arts rank. MAIF's International Technical Committee works with the Nationally Recognized Martial Art Organization (NRMAO) for each martial art from each country and its International Partner Martial Art Organizations (IPMAO) to ensure Integrity and the Highest Standards are maintained in the International Martial Arts Community. MAIF is an organization for all credible martial arts rank. The MAIF, along with many of its NRMAOs and IPMAOs, does adhere to the International Standard Guidelines of Minimum Age Requirements for Dan Grades.

Finally, the Martial Arts International Federation does deal in reciprocity. That is, if an organization or country does not recognize MAIF rank, the MAIF will not recognize grades issued by that organization or country. However, if an organization or a country recognizes MAIF certification but does not meet the minimum standards of becoming an Affiliate or Partner organization, MAIF cannot recognize grades issued by that organization or country.

To register your martial arts rank with the Martial Arts International Federation, contact either your registered style or system organization, or the MAIF International Headquarters at 1850 Columbia Pike, Ste. # 613, Arlington, VA 22204 USA for an application or download the appropriate form from the MAIF RESOURCES & FORMS Page.

Click here for Membership information and requirements.

Forms for Rank Promotion, Homologation, Validation and more can be found here.