The SMAA is active in the USA, Japan, Canada, England, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Ecuador, Germany, Sweden, and other nations. It offers its members access to international instructional seminars, a quarterly journal, an e-mail newsletter, a blog, and a website. Internationally recognized teaching certification is also available to qualified individuals.
The SMAA has also attracted a number of prominent members. These distinguished martial artists include Cynthia Hayashi, Aikikai aikido sixth dan; Paul Martin, Japanese sword historian; Dave Lowry, a well-known martial arts writer; Hunter Armstrong, director of the International Hoplology Society (founded by the late Donn Draeger); and Wayne Muromoto, editor of The Classic Budoka blog.
Membership Levels
The SMAA has also attracted a number of prominent members. These distinguished martial artists include Cynthia Hayashi, Aikikai aikido sixth dan; Paul Martin, Japanese sword historian; Dave Lowry, a well-known martial arts writer; Hunter Armstrong, director of the International Hoplology Society (founded by the late Donn Draeger); and Wayne Muromoto, editor of The Classic Budoka blog.
Membership Levels
There are two levels of membership in the SMAA:
- Associate Membership: allows you to be affiliated with the SMAA and receive an Associate Member certificate, our quarterly journal, e-mail newsletters, and discounts at SMAA events. Associate members have not received rank or teaching titles. The annual membership fee at this level is $20.00 (US).
- Full Membership: allows you to be affiliated with the SMAA and receive our quarterly newsletter and discounts at SMAA events. In addition, full members have received rank and teaching titles. The annual membership fee at this level is $25.00 (US).
How to Obtain an Application Form
You may request an application form using one of the following methods:
- via e-mail: send a message to shudokan@smaa-hq.com
- via mail: send a letter to the SMAA HQ at the following address:
SMAA HQ
PO Box 6022
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-6022
USA
PO Box 6022
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-6022
USA
How to Apply for Associate Membership
To apply for Associate Membership, send the following items to SMAA HQ at the address listed above:
- a completed application form (please type or print legibly; leave the section regarding rank blank)
- a check or money order, made out to the Shudokan Martial Arts Association, for the amount of $20.00 (US)
You will receive your Associate Member certificate in the mail. You will also begin receiving our quarterly journal and newsletters.
How to Apply for Full Membership/Rank
To apply for Full Membership and dan ranking, send the following items to SMAA HQ at the address listed above:
- a completed application form (please type or print legibly)
- a typed, detailed history of your martial arts background
- copies of any rank certificates you have been awarded by recognized and legitimate associations
- a video of you performing the techniques of your martial art (in VHS or DVD format)
- a check or money order, made out to the Shudokan Martial Arts Association, for the amount of $45.00 (US); this non-refundable fee includes both your first year's full membership dues ($25.00), and an examination fee for dan rank. (For a limited time only, we are waiving the $20 exam fee! Join and be evaluated for just $25.)
You will receive a letter indicating the results of our experts' review of your application, the costs of rank registration/certificates, etc. An in-person examination may be required, unless we can verify your rank thorough the association that granted it. The submission of your information and the fee for a review of your background does not guarantee that the SMAA will award you any specific rank. Kyu and dan ranking are only for qualified exponents of traditional Japanese budo and koryu bujutsu.
If your application for rank is approved by the SMAA, and rank fees have been paid, your certificate will be mailed. If your request is not approved, you will be contacted, and (in most cases) you will be granted Associate Membership status.You will also begin receiving our quarterly journal and e-mail newsletters. If you qualify for an SMAA teaching license, you can recommend students for SMAA rank, within one grade of yourself. For more information on ranking and teaching titles, see the Dan Ranking and Teaching Titles page.
