INFORMATION ON BECOMING A MEMBER
We have two levels of membership: an AFFILIATE MEMBER and an ASSOCIATE MEMBER. The American Karate Black Belt Association–Chin Sook Hage Kwan, Inc. is a non-profit, amateur athletic organization. We welcome applications for the Affiliate Membership from any martial arts instructor that practices karate, tae kwon do, or kung-fu. You must hold at least a 3rd degree black belt, own or are head instructor at a school or club and agree to accept and adhere to our standards. All others should contact one of our Affiliate Members or High Dan Board members about becoming an Associate Member under them.
Understand that our physical performance standards are among the highest in the world, thus, we do not accept all applicants. We also place a high emphasis on the educational and mental aspects of the traditional martial arts.
The process of becoming an Affiliate Member involves a review of the qualifications of the candidate and their school or club by the High Dan Board. First, download and read over the “Q & A” document. This will give you more complete information about our requirements. Then download the “Affiliate Application” and the “Black Belt Resume.” There is NO application fee. Both forms can be emailed back to the Executive Director. Annual dues for an Affiliate are $50 but we require no fee until and unless you are accepted as a member.
You may review the complete By-Laws and written Standards of the Association upon request (in fact we require it before you become a full Affiliate).
If you are personally known to one of our Affiliate Members or High Dan Board members ask them to contact the Executive Director on your behalf. This is actually the best way to apply for membership.
IF NOT, then we will require an IN-PERSON interview and review of your school with one of our High Dan Board members or an existing Affiliate. If that is not feasible because of distance or other restrictions, we request you send a short video consisting of you doing at 2 black belt level kata, a sample of one-step sparring (if done by your system), self-defense techniques, and a brief sample of free sparring between yourself and one of your senior students. This is not a belt test or a contest, we only want to gain an understanding of your current status.
Send the completed Black Belt Resume, Application for Affiliate Membership, a digital photo (or an actual photograph if you are mailing the application), and video (if necessary) along with copies of your current and previous rank certificates to the Executive Director. (The address is on the contact page of this site). It will take 30 to 45 days to process your application and inform you of the decision of the High Dan Board. If additional information is required, the Executive Director will contact you.
Download these PDF forms and either email or “snail mail” them to the physical address on the “contact us” page.