We’re really keen to ensure those who practice ungraded disciplines such as Mixed Martial Arts, Martial Arts Based Boxing and Muay Thai (to name but only a few) are able to gain access to our association without putting at risk the strong reputation we hold as a leading governing body.
In addition to our above stated entry requirements for those who don’t hold a black belt grade, here’s a bit more guidance on each piece of criteria to help guide you along.
We coined the phrase ‘Black Belt Equivalency’ in 2012 and have now formally standardised the entry routes for those practicing without formal grades. As the original martial arts organisation to recognise and work with an equivalency framework, you can be confident we have a common sense approach to anyone approaching us from ungraded styles.
What's the Black Belt Equivalency Status, and How Do I Achieve This?
For the avoidance of doubt, any belts or grades earned through the normal grading progression in styles such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are recognised from their appropriate alignment to Black Belt. For example, we accept BJJ instructors at Purple Belt, and so on.
First of all, there's no cost to this. It's purely a case of us as a professional association for martial arts instructors ensuring as best we can that you hold the technical proficiency to teach without supervision. Clearly the standard of a 1st Dan Black Belt, earned upon merit, will vary hugely and we appreciate there is no direct comparison for ungraded disciplines. Whether it's MMA or HEMA, or perhaps a style that is traditionally graded but you've trained within a club that doesn't provide belts. If you meet the minimum standards for eligibility and the sticking point is the lack of a 1st Dan, the Black Belt Equivalency Process is here to help.
You can ask us to approve you before you apply, or after you've already applied (we offer a full refund if we can't for any reason authenticate you as a Black Belt Equivalent, although that's never been a problem for any credible instructor before). All you need to do is reach out the office either by email to [email protected] or via web chat and let us know what evidence you'd like to provide, and how.
Here's what we can accept;
VIDEO EVIDENCE
Sometimes the best way to help support an application if you can’t provide testimonials from previous instructors is to provide us with a video submission (or video snapshot) of you performing your stated discipline.
We usually request video demonstrations lasting around 5-15 minutes, showcasing techniques and technical capability. For example, if you’re hoping to be licensed for Mixed Martial Arts we might request a 15 minutes video demonstrating;
Jabs, Crosses, Hooks & Uppercuts
Roundhouse Kicks, Straight Kicks, Back-Kicks, Side Kicks
Grappling & Throws
Elbow Combinations
Pad & Bag Work
Fitness Drills & Shadow Boxing
And So On
If our technical board are a little ‘on the fence’ about whether or not a lack of evidence is acceptable often demonstrating your technical abilities and working with pads or partners, to show how you might perform or teach, may also be requested. Usually a video assessment of you practicing – not teaching – in conjunction with some documented evidence is sufficient.
There’s no charge for us accepting a video assessment. It’s not a pass or fail and doesn’t come with any certification etc. f you think this might be the best way to demonstrate your competence, please contact our office and we can discuss the best way to proceed.
If you already have footage online - videos of you training, fights or competitions on YouTube, and so on - that's acceptable. We may not be able to satisfy our eligibility exclusively upon this but if so, we'll let you know. If there is sufficient evidence, we can work with this alone.
INSTRUCTOR REFERENCES / TESTIMONY
We really like to take referrals or testimonials from your instructors – past or present. It’s one of the best ways we’re able to be sure the background explained to us is honest and accurate, and it provides an excellent source of reference too.
We understand this can be a delicate issue at times, so if you’re thinking of asking an instructor to vouch for you it’s best to speak with us first so you can be sure what we’re looking to see. In short, a letter or e-mail (if e-mailing, from an @clubwebsite.com etc domain is required) stating that your lead instructor is confident and happy to recommend you for unsupervised instruction, and that he/she is happy you are competent, qualified and technically capable of instructing without supervision.
If you’re unsure or need some guidance, please get in touch. We’re happy to contact your instructor directly too if easier.
Your instructor should have a verifiable online martial arts footprint. This may be a club website with attached active social media, public fight records or videos, or similar.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
The more you can provide us with to help verify your credibility to instruct the better. This might include any of the following;
License books
Certificates
Club memberships
Gym receipts or subscriptions
Trophies or medals
Fight and competition records
Official photographs or promotional material
Association issued documentation
Please note that what we can accept here is to help back up your application – not to act as a sole representation. If you’re not sure if something is of value to your application please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
We do recommend whichever route for equivalency you opt for, that you include as much supporting evidence as possible. If you're applying for MMA or Muay Thai in particular, any recorded fights are especially helpful.
Unclear Or Not Confident?
Please speak with our office in confidence and our style specific experts can provide tailored guidance on what might be needed, or whether your evidence available is sufficient.