Frequently Asked Questions for Students

Certified Martial Arts

1. Why should I choose a Certified instructor?
   
   It is unfortunate that the martial arts, traditions of enlightenment and physical expression can attract undesirable people. These people rarely succeed as long-term practioners and so they tend to go off and try to teach others to build up their ego. This is an extremely dangerous practice for students.
   
   Martial arts should be learned in safe, comfortable environment from an instructor with thorough knowledge of the subjects he or she choooses to teach. While Certification isn't an absolute guarantee it does a very good job of weeding out undesirable and dangerous instructors, especially those with criminal backgrounds or records of fraud or abuse. Though unlikely, should you ever need to utilize your martial arts training in a life and death situation, you will certainly wish you had the best training from a qualified instructor to fall back on.
2. I'm only a student. Can I be Certified as well?
   
   Yes. You can become a Certified Student Member if you obtain a kyu rank from an active Certified Martial Artist or Certified Master Martial Artist. This will allow you to obtain your promotional certificates online and allows others to verify your rank using a private link. Once you obtain a black belt or other instructor-equivalent rank, you can easily upgrade to the full Certified Martial Artist level.
   
   
3. What is the difference between a Registered Martial Artist and a Certified Martial Artist?
   
   A Registered Martial Artist has completed and passed a background investigation and is generally considered to be a safe individual to take classes from and do business with. However, this check is based on information submitted to us and only considers the known background of the individual and cannot predict future actions.
   
   Registered Martial Artists have not documented their martial arts training or competition records through the Martial Arts Certification Authority. We cannot confirm that they are qualified to teach martial arts.
   
   A Certified Martial Artist has completed all of the requirements for becoming a Registered Martial Artist plus he or she has provided sufficient evidence of each martial arts rank, certification, and record shown on their certified profile. It is the opinion of MACA based upon the information provided by the applicant and the direct recommendation of their instructor that a Certified Martial Artist is qualified to teach the style for which they are certified.
4. What is required of a Certified Martial Artist?
   
   A Certified Martial Artist must first pass a rigorous background investigation that includes checking for known criminal background, sex offender status, substance abuse, immigration status, and fraud. Additionally each rank, certification, and competition record has been verified. Each Certified Martial Artist must also agree to abide by the MACA Code of Ethics and keep their certification current.
   
   
5. How does a person become a Certified Master Martial Artist?
   
   Each Certified Master Martial Artist has been nominated for the certification based on outstanding reputation in the field of martial arts. They are the best of the best instructors, each with a minimum of 20 years of experience. Certified Master Martial Artists must still have their ranks, certifications, and credentials verified, as well as passing the background check and other requirements of a Registered Martial Artist.
   
   
6. I’ve heard upon reaching black belt instructors need to register their hands as deadly weapons. Is this true and does this certification qualify?
   
   No. This is fiction. There is no government registration or regulation of the martial arts belt ranks or promotions. This is exactly why an independent certification authority such as the Martial Arts Certification Authority is necessary.
   
   
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