POLICY  (Rank)

All black belts may promote up to two grades below their own.   Renshi Sho and above may promote up to one rank below their own.   (see rank guidelines)

 

All ranks Yodan or higher must be voted on by the Board, this includes any ceremonial belt promotions.    These promotions must have the majority of the Professor/founders approve  them.

Rank tests may be called at “any” professors request during this process, and the other professors shall not take offense to this intelligent method of deciding.

 

Any black belt that recommends ceremonial belt promotions to the board shall not discuss it with the future awardees.   They should be told to produce video tapes demonstrating their fighting ability, or to merely state that they are being called to a rank test.   This protects the feelings of the recommender and the tester from embarrassment in the event that they fail the test.   These people should be clearly better than those around them at their same rank, and show extra ordinary skill in fighting and application of technique.  Technical knowledge should also be considered at part of the evaluation.   A rank test may be done via video tape demonstrations in a “free style” environment.

 

Professorship promotions (Kyoshi Sho) and higher should be highly scrutinized, these people often may not be able to demonstrate fighting skill due to age but they should have a reputation preceding them and be extra ordinary in the execution of technique.   The nominee’s should have profound knowledge of multiple arts, both from an technique application and technical view point.   The question should be asked ; what can this person do with regards to fighting and self defense if attacked or put in that position?    Basically they must back up what they know by example, not by speech.

 

The term “Master” should not be used by any black belt unless they have more than 30 years experience teaching their art, and usually should be 6th dan or higher.

 

Consultant positions can only be granted to Godans or higher, Advisor positions can only be granted to Shichidans or higher and of Professor quality.   These positions must be voted on by B.O.D. and granted by Hombu.   The board of advisors B.O.A. can only be convened by the B.O.D., they may be invited to B.O.D. meetings, this is done by an invitation of a member of the B.O.D. and requires a vote by the entire B.O.D..  Only the B.O.D. can modify art content.  No Consultant or Advisor may represent PCMA business without the expressed approval of the B.O.D. and only after voting on it by the B.O.D.

 

Voting process for Yodan or higher and all ceremonial belt promotions:

 

First of all don’t promise anyone anything

Offer recommendation to board   (explain and justify)

Board then votes   (any board member may call for more information or a rank test)

Majority rules , (notify entire board of vote)

Any doubt will require a Rank Test

Execute the promotion in front of as many in the organization as possible

 

We expect all clubs to promote color belts and black belts within P.C.M.A. and “we reserve the right to refuse business to anyone” if they don’t, teamwork is necessary.

 

Professional Combined Martial Arts, Inc.