I recently recieved an email from one of the national martial arts associations that help schools "boost enrollment" and things like that. I don't have much experience with any of them, but it always seems a bit over the top to me.
Said organization has now gotten into the business of "rank verification/promotion" as well as business consulting/school consulting. Here's the info from their website...identifying information has been removed or changed (changed info is in bold italics) to avoid advertising for them.
What do y'all think? Another rank farm or valuable service?
Begin Article:
The [name omitted] Association Ranking Program offers its members both confirming and advancing black belt rankings. A confirming rank is the issuance of an official association Rank Certificate for the same rank you currently hold.
An advancing rank certificate promotes you to your next degree. This is ideal for members who no longer belong to an organization or are associated with an organization, other than this organization , that can provide rank for them.
To add prestige to the promotion, we suggest you bring the president of this organization to your next big event to present you with the certificate. This creates a media opportunity and a chance for your students to hear him sing your praises and recognize your value in the martial arts community.
In most cases, this can be done just by covering travel expenses unless you'd like a school evaluation or seminar taught by him while he is there.
Here's how the program works:
To apply for either rank certificate, send us :
a. A copy of your current rank certificate
b. A one page bio
c. Three letters of recommendation from other black belts supporting the ranking confirmation
d. A 20-30-minute video showing a cross section of advanced forms, fighting, teaching and target work. If you don't do forms, that's fine. Just indicate that to us in your cover letter.
e. A non-refundable application fee of $100
After reviewing your materials, we will either:
a. Inform you that you are accepted and issue the certificate upon receipt of the remaining balance (see below for fee structure)
b. Inform you that, upon improvement in the areas described, you may re-apply at no additional charge
1. Confirming Certificate Application Fees
Fee: $500
2. Advancing Rank Certificate Application Fees
2nd Degree $600
3rd Degree $700
4th Degree $800
5th Degree $1,000
6th Degree $2,000
If you would like to find out more or apply for a rank certificate, contact the president of this organization at his email address [link removed]
Said organization has now gotten into the business of "rank verification/promotion" as well as business consulting/school consulting. Here's the info from their website...identifying information has been removed or changed (changed info is in bold italics) to avoid advertising for them.
What do y'all think? Another rank farm or valuable service?
Begin Article:
The [name omitted] Association Ranking Program offers its members both confirming and advancing black belt rankings. A confirming rank is the issuance of an official association Rank Certificate for the same rank you currently hold.
An advancing rank certificate promotes you to your next degree. This is ideal for members who no longer belong to an organization or are associated with an organization, other than this organization , that can provide rank for them.
To add prestige to the promotion, we suggest you bring the president of this organization to your next big event to present you with the certificate. This creates a media opportunity and a chance for your students to hear him sing your praises and recognize your value in the martial arts community.
In most cases, this can be done just by covering travel expenses unless you'd like a school evaluation or seminar taught by him while he is there.
Here's how the program works:
To apply for either rank certificate, send us :
a. A copy of your current rank certificate
b. A one page bio
c. Three letters of recommendation from other black belts supporting the ranking confirmation
d. A 20-30-minute video showing a cross section of advanced forms, fighting, teaching and target work. If you don't do forms, that's fine. Just indicate that to us in your cover letter.
e. A non-refundable application fee of $100
After reviewing your materials, we will either:
a. Inform you that you are accepted and issue the certificate upon receipt of the remaining balance (see below for fee structure)
b. Inform you that, upon improvement in the areas described, you may re-apply at no additional charge
1. Confirming Certificate Application Fees
Fee: $500
2. Advancing Rank Certificate Application Fees
2nd Degree $600
3rd Degree $700
4th Degree $800
5th Degree $1,000
6th Degree $2,000
If you would like to find out more or apply for a rank certificate, contact the president of this organization at his email address [link removed]
