Instructor Ranking Standards

Instructor Levels

There are six levels of instructor rank in the GMAU:

Each level requires certain belt rank certification, teaching experience, demonstrable technique and completion of a written exam. There are several titles commonly used in the Christian martial arts: instructor, sensei and sifu. Each term can be replaced with the others, and when applying for instructor certification the applicant can specify his/her preference.

Warning to Instructors

The Bible gives a sobering warning to those who would accept the role of teacher. "My brethren, be not many masters (Lit. teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (James 3:1). As a martial arts instructor, you are looked up to and revered by your students. In most cases, they take what you say as the "gospel truth"—on matters of doctrine and those related to it, you'd better be sure it is! As a result, it is imperative that you yourself possess the mental, physical, and spiritual balance that you want your students to possess. This includes understanding and studying Bible doctrine yourself, especially where it relates to what you are teaching. If you cannot document your belief with Scripture, you probably shouldn't hold the belief, much less teach it to your students. As a Christian Instructor, you should be using what you know is solid teaching (II Timothy 3:16). Make sure you are teaching and encouraging your students in their spiritual development from sound Bible doctrine within the framework of the local church (Eph 4:11-12). Everything you teach must fall within this framework. If it does not, don't attempt to "make it fit" with ignorance, weak arguments, or Scriptural references taken out of context.


General Principles

  • Points the students to Christ and gives God the glory in everything he or she does
  • Works with the students, but does not "lord it over them"
  • Sets the proper example prior to correcting another
  • Understands that people adhere to example more than exhortation
  • Maintains a level of separation from the class—he or she cannot be their leader and their friend at the same time
  • Does not discuss school (Dojo) business with the students
  • Does not correct other instructors in front of students
  • Demonstrates and insists on proper respect and responses
  • Develops a blend between a "drill-sergeant" and a "den-mother"
  • Encourages his or her students regularly
  • Never considers himself, or herself as "having arrived"—there is always something to improve or learn
  • Builds his, or her, personal library and is always reading some pertinent book

 

Senior Master Instructor (Kyoshi)

This level would be awarded to an individual who holds at least a seventh-degree black belt in a GMAU recognized system, and whom through the test of time characterizes the walk of a mature Christian and the essence of “Bushido.” It is awarded in recognition of a minimum of 25 years of service in the martial arts and to a seasoned master sensei who has been operating at that level for a minimum of five years. In addition to having a major level of responsibility within their own system, this individual would also hold a significant leadership role in the Gospel Martial Arts Union.

He or she would also have a demonstrated track record of having mentored and discipled several future Christian leaders within the Gospel Martial Arts Union.

The Senior Master Sensei would be the man or woman whose influence is such that he or she has been instrumental in bringing at least five new schools into the GMAU, along with scores of new members. He or she will have at least ten years of experience in teaching at a multitude of regional and national conferences.

The appointment to this level is such that none would question the recognition, due to the impact of their ministry, or of his or her character, and their national reputation.

An individual, who meets all of the other qualifications, could also receive his or her promotion to the 7th degree black belt in conjunction with this Kyoshi recognition. An individual coming into the GMAU from another international governing association or system or style (who meets the requirements) might also receive this commendation acknowledging the individuals accomplishments and contributions to the GMAU.

Candidates for this level of recognition should be recommended to GMAU Headquarters along with appropriate documentation. After a successful review by the HQ staff, the corresponding regional director and at least two members of the Board of Governors, a certificate will be issued.


Master Instructor (Sensei/Sifu)

This individual is responsible for implementing his, or her Ryu and the GMAU in a major sphere of influence.

Certification Requirements

  • Minimum of a IV Degree black belt in his or her Ryu
  • Written exam

Responsibilities

  • Interprets proper technique and ranking requirements for his or her Ryu on behalf of the Ryu Soke
  • Serves as a regional/national representative for his or her Ryu and the GMAU
  • Organizes and conducts clinics
  • Chairs examination boards for black belt ranks II degree and higher
  • Makes final decisions for all ranks in the region
  • He or she may have a school, or several schools, although he or she is more likely to serve as a roving ambassador of his or her Ryu and the GMAU


Senior Dojo Instructor (Sensei/Sifu)

This individual is responsible for the operation of the school, or schools and the training of other instructors.

Certification Requirements

  • Minimum of a III Degree black belt in his, or her Ryu
  • Written exam

Responsibilities

  • Organizes and hosts tournaments
  • Is responsible for an entire school, or group of schools
  • Serves as a community, or state representative for his or her Ryu and the GMAU
  • Assists in the organization and execution of regional clinics
  • Chairs examinations boards for black belt students lower than II Degree
  • Makes final decisions for all rank advancements in his or her city/state
  • Conducts classes or training clinics for Instructors in matters of character, teaching and technique

Dojo Instructor (Sensei/Sifu)

This individual is responsible for some administrative tasks within the school and teaches major segments of a class, supervises major segments of the class (or student levels within a class) and is responsible for the operation of the class or an entire school.

Certification Requirements

  • Minimum of a I Degree black belt in his or her Ryu
  • Served a minimum of one year as an assistant instructor
  • Written exam

Responsibilities

  • Oversees entire class or school operation—or portions thereof
  • Determines and delegates responsibilities to assistant instructors
  • Plans class content and format
  • Oversees all sparring exercises
  • Interviews and evaluates potential new students
  • Ensures all the proper paperwork is obtained from all students (waivers, information sheets, attendance records, etc.)
  • Ensures that each new student has opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel
  • Collects and records payment of school fees from students
  • Handles ordering of supplies for the school
  • Chairs examination of non-black belt levels
  • Makes final decisions for all student rank advancements in the school

Assistant Instructor (Sensei/Sifu)

This individual is responsible for some administrative tasks within the school and teaches segments of a class under the supervision of a fully certified instructor.

Certification Requirements

  • Minimum of a Nikyu in his/her Ryu
  • Instructor's approval
  • Certification in Standard First Aid
  • Written exam

Responsibilities

  • Keeps attendance records.
  • Leads in simple drills and helps supervise practice sessions
  • Helps demonstrate techniques to the class
  • Is responsible for the care and maintenance of the school and equipment
  • Maintains an inventory of supplies
  • Assists in belt examinations
  • Maintains order in the school—not permitting any horseplay
  • Sets the example and helps enforce proper etiquette in the school
  • Performs necessary first aid for school related injuries
  • Ensures that the school is clean before and after each class
  • Is an ambassador for the class, seeking out and making new students welcome
  • Buffers the instructor from questions (requirements, etiquette, technique)
  • Sets the example for all students in drills, attire, deportment and technique

Apprentice

This individual holds at least a 4th Kyu/Gup ranking (often associated with the “purple” belt) in their style, and who is responsible for some service and training tasks within the dojo. It is an appointed position for those students who are most likely to become teachers themselves, who are helpful, and teachable. This is not for the one who wants to show how much they know, but for the ones that are willing to go the extra mile while exhibiting proper spiritual and character traits. This student would be proficient in being able to share his or her faith and demonstrate that in and out of the dojo. They would have a servant’s heart, good character, spiritual maturity and set the example for others in the class. They also need to be able to grasp material clearly and relay it correctly. An apprentice is under more direct supervision than other instructor levels and could be relieved of this level at any time by the dojo leadership upon a lapse of character or teachable spirit. Once appointed, it is expected that the student would continue to prepare his or her skills and academic understanding such that once they earn their 2nd Kyu/Gup (brown belt), they would be able to test for the Assistant Sensei rating.

Specific tasks may include:

  • greet newcomers to the class, make the necessary introductions and get them oriented to the class routine and basic etiquette
  • lead portions of the class warm-up drills
  • be responsible for teaching lower belt levels during kata, basic drills or one-step segments of the class
  • be responsible for cleaning the dojo, setting up the equipment for class and resetting the dojo after class.

The lead sensei of a GMAU chartered school would send in the application for any student in his or her class who is a GMAU member that they wish to recognize at this level, and headquarters will return the appropriate certificate for a $15 fee.

Click here to download the GMAU Apprentice Application

  

 

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