Ryu
Recognition and International Style Certification
This document provides the Gospel Martial Arts Union
(GMAU) objectives, definitions, requirements, process and privileges
for the creation of a new martial arts style/system. It has been designed
and sanctioned by the GMAU to enable Christian martial artists to develop
an eclectic style/system of the martial arts in an environment free from
eastern mysticism and yet provide a degree of accountability and propriety
so that the cause of Christ will not be harmed.
Why certify and be recognized by the GMAU?
As a premier theologically conservative Christian martial arts group,
the GMAU is an international organization with membership in 48 states
and 16 foreign countries. The GMAU Board
of Governors are men who possess
well over 200 years of collective martial arts training. This, combined
with their comprehensive Christian ministry experience (most are ordained
pastors), makes them uniquely qualified to certify individuals who seek
to have their Christian-based martial arts style/system recognized and
properly sanctioned.
Is there a formal ceremony for receiving official GMAU Ryu Recognition?
You may be surprised to learn how many so-called “sanctioning bodies” are
nothing more than a post office box or small office. Certification from
such an “organization” is not worth the paper it is printed
on. THE GMAU DIFFERENCE: The Chairman of the Board formally presents
official GMAU Ryu Recognition/Certifications one time per year during
the GMAU Headquarters (GMAU HQ) National
Conference Awards Banquet & Ceremony.
International headquarters for the GMAU is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
GMAU HQ is the largest Christian martial arts ministry center in the
world with more than 20,000 square feet of educational training and conference
space. GMAU HQ also houses the GMAU Leadership Institute, which trains
ministry directors and coaches for the 16 GMAU Academies located in central
Indiana.
To receive a Ryu Recognition Application form, you must be a GMAU
member in good standing, have earned a GMAU
instructor certificate, and have
operated a GMAU chartered school for no less than two years. Qualified
individuals are encouraged to contact the GMAU Executive Director for
an application form.
Introduction
Objectives
-
To allow for the recognition of a unique system or style
of the martial arts
-
To identify requirements for the certification of a new
ryu
-
To provide Christian certification for those seeking
a level of authentication with or without the sanction of secular recognition
Generic Definition
The Japanese word ryu and the Korean word kwan each represent the concept
of a “school” or “style” of martial art. Historically,
noble Samurai created most of the ryu. Each professor or master had his
own style and transmitted the secrets of the style to his chosen disciples.
Some masters taught only technique, but others added to this his own
philosophy or religion of life. The term has come to represent a unique
system or style of a martial art. For the purpose of this procedure,
it will represent a system of the martial arts incorporating a distinct
manner of physical technique, mental/academic understanding and knowledge,
and Christian spiritual maturity entities in such a way that it is unique
from any existing ryu.
Requirements For Recognition
Ryu Definition
The applicant must provide a description of his ryu, which will include
the following information:
- Background and history of the ryu and its creation. Include
lineage, photos, etc., to verify accuracy.
- The philosophy of the ryu—this
would not only explain the philosophy of student development and
spiritual distinctiveness, but
also the philosophy of dealing with physical confrontations. Aspects
of physical, mental, and spiritual training should be included.
- The techniques
of the ryu—include all technical requirements
within each rank level from kyu (under black belt) through yudansha
(black belt or equiv.) levels.
Ranking in the Ryu
The applicant must submit a document identifying the requirements for
ranking students in the ryu.
- This will cover white through fifth degree black belt
levels.
- It must demonstration physical technique, mental knowledge
and Christian spiritual maturity growth at each belt level.
Kai Description
Historically, the kai was an organization put into place to operate a
ryu. The ryu merely identifies the “technique/philosophy.” The
kai would be the mechanics to allow for a multitude of students and schools
(kan) around the world to be learning that ryu. The applicant must submit
a document that provides the following information:
- Identify the mechanics of the operation of the system.
- Describe
the organization of officers/instructors/students.
- Explain how certificates
would be issued and registered.
- Explain the requirements and process for
instructor certification.
- Describe the process and requirements for school
chartering.
- Identify the rules of succession for filling personal
vacancies in the leadership roles of the ryu.
Soke/Founder
Soke is the title given to the founder of a ryu. It is the person who
is the head master of the style and responsible for the technique to
be taught by students of the style. The applicant must submit
a document that provides the following information:
- Identify the personal experience of the soke in the
martial arts.
- Submit a portfolio of his personal ranking (a soke must
be ranked at a level of at least a 5th degree black belt that is
recognized by
the GMAU).
- Applicant's age—a soke must be at least 45 years of age to provide
for a certain degree of maturity.
- Church membership—a letter from the
pastor of the church should be submitted indicating that the soke
is a member in good standing of a
theologically conservative church.
- Letters of recommendation—a minimum
of 10 letters of recommendation should be supplied attesting to the
character and integrity of the applicant.
These must come from pastors, employers, elders, deacons, and martial
artists who hold a rank of third-degree black belt or better. An
additional 10 letters of recommendation should be supplied from martial
arts students
who have trained under the guidance of the applicant for no less
than three years.
Maturity
It is important that the new ryu be a practical one. As a result it should
have been “tried” in the laboratory of a local school for
at least two years. The applicant is to submit a portfolio of pictures,
articles and records to show the operation of the ryu in such a setting.
Process
The applicant is to submit the following items in a three ring binder
with label dividers between each section and a title page on the front.
- Application form with a $150 processing fee. To receive
a Ryu Recognition Application form, you must be a GMAU member in
good standing, have
earned a GMAU instructor certificate, and have operated a GMAU
chartered school
for no less than two years. Qualified individuals are encouraged
to contact the GMAU Executive Director at: jrrussel@indiana.edu
for an
application
form.
- An officially sanctioned ryu, while approved by the GMAU,
remains an independent entity. Therefore, a signed and notarized
waiver form
absolving the GMAU and its officers from any liability incurred
during the operation of the schools of the ryu is required.
- All requested items from the Requirements
for Recognition section above.
The application materials will be reviewed by at least
two Board members of the GMAU, plus the Chairman and the Executive Director.
Unanimous
Board approval of the new ryu is required.
Upon Board sanction and GMAU HQ authority:
- The soke will be issued papers of recognition for his
ryu and his own sokeship.
- The soke will be granted independent operation
of the ryu.
- The soke can have his recognition revoked for a breech
of character and/or integrity by a majority vote
of the GMAU Board
of Governors.
- The soke will maintain GMAU affiliation
through membership, school charters, and instructor certification.
- The
soke will be eligible for continued rank advancement/recognition
through the GMAU Kyoshi Kai for Yudansha levels
of 6th degree, 7th degree, 8th degree, and 9th degree
black belt.
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