GRADING: BOARD-CERTIFIED GRADES

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The Martial Arts Practitioner Pathways seek to focus on a holistic approach to martial art training as it applies to various martial art forms and  styles. Whether they be Traditional, Modern, and Eclectic forms, Martial Arts Sports, Self-Defence, Security, the Military, Law Enforcement, or for Entertainment (e.g., Cage Fighting, et al) there is a Pathway for all those interested in making the martial arts a Way of Life.  

It is indicated via:

• a reference to fighting & self-defence
• the presence of artistic aspects through formal training (i.e., forms and/or drills)
• various combative aspects; the most efficient and optimal application of fighting techniques 
• the physical, mental, and social condition of participants; health & wellbeing, or spiritual development
• martial arts sports - the technical restrictions in accordance with specific competition rules
• having a cultural connection with a specific country of the fighting arts

Accreditation & Recognition are available for all those seeking to validate current grades as well as for those pursuing higher levels. The Federation provides recognition for professional and non-professional development via various pathways. Each pathway evolves from basic to very high-level skills development providing consequentially valid awards for each step all along the way.  All credentials may be checked via email. 

Practitioners may elect to follow their own syllabus in conjunction with these Pathways or follow the broad Institute Syllabus from beginning to end. 

The Institute Syllabus focuses on the completion of not only technical work but also various pathways that seek to cultivate and promote awareness in all aspects of martial arts practice. 

All applications are to be submitted via the ‘Apply’ page. Prerequisites and requirements apply to various awards. Certified copies of all relevant supporting documents need to be included in any application along with a verifiable CV, ID et al. Upon verification applicants will receive an Invoice for payment direct to the bank account.

All awards are:

• Conferred by the Accreditation Board of the Masters International Martial Arts Institute. 

• Available to both professionals and non-professionals upon completion of requirements. 

• Video Presentations and Theses are assessed by a Jury of accredited Institute Examiners. 

• Presented in English as the bona fide international lingua franca. Candidates can have their name in their national language script applied to all certifications upon request. Simply send a copy of the script for insertion.

• All awards can be entered into a MIMAF PRACTITIONER PASSPORT giving them a valuable introduction to various dojo around the world as a bona fide martial arts practitioner. It includes a summation of one's Martial Arts CV. It can also be updated at any time. This is a requirement of Membership.

 Note: 

MIMAF licensing does not override any other countries' legal requirements / practicing licenses such as the time validity of first aid certification, refereeing, security, et al. The MIMAF Licensing is only valid for the duration of such certifications as they apply in the candidate's country of origin. 

Suitable for those who

• are connected to an organization but seek additional qualifications via the pathways offered. 
• seek to develop their own syllabus or want to be independent.
• have created their own system, or developed a new style, or art form. 

Board-Certified Grades can also be granted to those choosing to utilize the MIMAF Institute Syllabus. Open to all MIMAF Members, Schools, and Organizations. Please request a pdf copy via the Apply page

Requirements

• Provide a copy of the chosen Syllabus in English (a work in progress is acceptable if developing your own).
• Use of terminology in languages other than English is also acceptable. The Syllabus outline should clearly indicate levels of progression through the ranks from lowest to highest including any special requirements or hurdles along the way. 
• Video presentation* 
• Technical Work as it applies to various traditional specialist martial arts, martial arts sports, self-defence, and/or eclectic forms.
• Updated Martial Arts CV plus verifiable ID (as it applies to one’s country e.g., ID Card et al)
• Supporting documentation – certified copies of documents relating to martial arts, coaching, business, health, child safety, et al. 

Notes: 

A certified translation is required for all documents in languages other than English.

All certifications and local licensing / legal compliance requirements for First Aid, Security, Insurance, Martial Arts Sports et al, need to be current at all times to be valid if working as a professional martial arts practitioner. 

* Video presentations are to be uploaded to a private YouTube channel with a link provided for access. Candidates may also submit a public YouTube presentation or set of presentations with link(s) for viewing. Videos may also be edited, allowing for rest breaks between demonstrations of each aspect of the requirements. All videos should clearly show the candidate presenting the practical requirements. 

Suitable for those who

• Wish to apply for Board-Certified Grades utilizing the Institute Syllabus (request a copy via the Apply page. The MIMAF Institute Syllabus covers the study of all the Martial Arts. 
• It can also be adapted to suit various styles, artforms, culture, martial arts science, coaching, sports, teaching methodologies. For sure, it is the study of the old and the modern forms and can be undertaken via a Specialist Pathway (see our Home page for some examples). 

Requirements

• Video presentation* 

• Updated Martial Arts CV plus verifiable ID (as it applies to one’s country e.g., ID Card et al)

• Any supporting documentation – certified copies of documents relating to martial arts, coaching, business, health & wellbeing, child safety, et al. 

Note: 

A certified translation is required for all documents in languages other than English 

* Video presentations are to be uploaded to a private YouTube channel with a link provided for access. Candidates may also submit a public YouTube presentation or set of presentations with link(s) for viewing. Videos may also be edited, allowing for rest breaks between demonstrations of each aspect of the requirements. All videos should clearly show the candidate presenting the practical requirements. 

Practice Areas (identified by various Levels)

Each area comprises a plethora of techniques and forms for both armed and unarmed practice. The study of ‘the way’ in martial arts continues to evolve in the appreciation of all that has come before.     

Institute Gradings require candidates to demonstrate a larger repertoire of favoured techniques as they move through the levels; from Beginners to Advanced, and from Master to Grandmaster Levels. No time limits apply to any of the gradings. When one is ready, and the requirements have been met, candidates may apply for a grading at any time; 24/7. 

The Institute Syllabus is intended to be wide ranging and challenging. It is intended to include all approaches with respect to past and modern developments. In choosing which techniques and forms to include in the presentation candidates are encouraged to take up the challenge of studying the entire gambit of what the martial arts constitutes in all its forms and styles. 

For example, some arts might not include punches and kicks, while others might not include weapons, and that is fine. All martial arts have great value. However, the Institute requires a study of the full gambit of techniques and forms for grading purposes. The concept is bold and challenging. It seeks to be fully inclusive. For sure, the journey is interesting and fascinating all at the same time. It is open to all practitioners with or without a Gi or other types of clothing.

Candidates are required to present a thorough study of techniques and forms both armed and unarmed via presentation: 

• with partner (attacker)
• multiple partners (attackers) and
• solo applications 

Practice areas include:

Level 1: Exercise Sets (all methods of strength & conditioning) 

Level 2: Breakfalls, Grappling (including all types of submissions; not for juniors)

Level 3: Takedowns and throws

Level 4: All of types of kicks, punches, strikes, bumps, butts, combinations, pushing and pulling, et al 

Level 5: Self-Defence (all approaches e.g., military, law enforcement, security, other)

Level 6: Weapons (all types e.g., ancient, modern, tools, other)

Level 7: Skills testing (board-breaking, competitions, Open Dojo, Bag work, et al) 

Level 8: Demonstrations

Level 9: Nutrition, health & wellbeing, & healing arts, sports science/medicine, et al 

Level 10: Masterclasses (attending as practitioners and teachers)

MIMAF Gradings utilise both the Kyu/Dan System and the Menkyo System

Notes: 

The Practice Areas are intended to be as broad as possible. They may include any and all unarmed and armed techniques and forms, as well as related areas from those arts and styles found in various cultures e.g., Indian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Okinawan, Thai, Cambodian, Brazilian, et al 

All applications should include any certifications and local licensing / legal compliance for First Aid, Security, Insurance, Martial Arts Sports et al. These  need to be current at all times if working as a professional martial arts practitioner.