Introduction
Vocational Dan Gradings provide a pathway for independent martial arts instructors to progress their grades when traditional in-person gradings aren't accessible. Whether you're facing geographical barriers, financial constraints, or simply don't have access to a senior examiner in your style, our vocational grading service offers a rigorous, merit-based assessment delivered within our ISO 9001:2015 UKAS-accredited Quality Management System.
Understanding Vocational Gradings
Since launching in 2016, we've intentionally issued only a small number of vocational Dan grades. This reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards and protecting the integrity of BMABA certification within the martial arts community.
Vocational gradings are video-based assessments reviewed by a panel of independent examiners. Your technical ability is judged purely on merit, with strict anonymity protocols ensuring a politics-free process for both candidates and examiners.
Eligibility
To apply for a vocational grading, you must meet the following criteria:
Age: 18 years or older
Membership: Current, in-date BMABA membership
Current Grade: At least 1st Dan in the style you wish to grade in (listed on your BMABA profile)
Time at Grade: Minimum time served since your last grading (2 years for 2nd Dan, 3 years for 3rd Dan, and so on)
Video Capability: Ability to record your grading in clear video format (smartphone quality is acceptable)
Important: We do not examine for 1st Dan. Your qualifying grade must be obtained externally to ensure BMABA has no commercial influence over who enters the Dan grade system.
When Vocational Gradings Are Appropriate
We encourage traditional in-person gradings wherever possible. However, vocational gradings are designed for situations where this isn't feasible:
You are the most senior graded instructor within your club or organisation
Significant geographical distance makes attending in-person gradings impractical
Financial constraints prevent regular travel to physical gradings
You practice a hybrid, in-house, or unique syllabus outside standard NGB frameworks
Previous association politics have created barriers to progression
You need independent third-party assessment
Real examples we've helped:
An instructor in the Scottish Highlands who had been unable to progress beyond 3rd Dan for 9 years despite continuous training
A sensei blocked from progression due to prior association politics, now needing room to grade her own emerging black belts
Instructors studying unique or hybrid syllabi that fall outside traditional NGB structures
The Process
Step 1: Register Your Interest
Start by visiting the Vocational Grading Dashboard. There is no charge at the point of application.
Step 2: Syllabus Approval
Submit the syllabus you wish to grade against. This can be:
Your club's own syllabus
A syllabus issued by the organisation where you obtained your 1st Dan
An in-house syllabus you've developed
We prefer to work with your syllabus to ensure grading reflects your unique style and technique. If you don't have a syllabus, we may be able to source an appropriate alternative, though this isn't guaranteed for all styles.
Our team will review your syllabus and either approve it or provide feedback on any adjustments needed.
Step 3: Record Your Grading
Once your syllabus is approved, record your grading video following these guidelines:
Technical Requirements:
Clear, good quality footage (smartphone is acceptable)
You must be fully visible throughout
Videos must be unedited (combining clips into one file is permitted, as are section titles)
All footage must be recorded in one sitting (short breaks are allowed)
Submission:
Upload to a secure file sharing service (Google Drive, Dropbox) with controlled permissions
Alternatively, upload to YouTube as a private/unlisted video
Share the link through your dashboard
Step 4: Panel Review
Your submission is reviewed by a minimum of four independent examiners, plus an independent reviewer who oversees the process. You'll receive a decision within 28 days.
Anonymity is absolute:
Examiners never know your identity (unless visually recognisable)
You won't know who is on your panel until certification is issued
In some cases, we blur candidate faces to eliminate any possibility of bias
Step 5: Outcome & Certification
If successful:
Official BMABA Dan Grade certification issued
Digital certificate available via your dashboard
Physical certificate posted to your registered address
Examiner names and grades shown on your certificate
BMABA national register updated
If unsuccessful:
Detailed, constructive feedback provided
Up to 3 free resits included
Clear guidance on what to improve
Fees
£119 per grading
This covers:
Administration and organisation
Examiner time and expenses (distributed among panel members)
Digital and printed certification
National register update
Up to 3 free resits if you're unsuccessful on your first attempt.
Payment is only requested after your video has been submitted and reviewed.
Grading Standards
Our examiners follow strict guidelines to ensure fair, consistent assessment:
Feedback Quality: Vague feedback like "poor stance" is not acceptable. Examiners must provide specific, actionable guidance such as: "Your zenkutsu dachi did not meet criteria because your front leg remained straight. To pass, ensure your front knee is bent correctly."
Proportionate Assessment: A single minor mistake won't cause a fail. If you perform six techniques correctly and one needs improvement, you'll pass that section with a note for future development.
Exceptions:
Safety issues (e.g., uncontrolled techniques causing harm) may result in failure
Inconsistent performance across multiple sections may warrant a fail
Appeals: If you believe your result is unfair, you can submit a complaint to the independent reviewer. The BMABA executive committee will make a final decision.
Examiner Anonymity & Pseudonyms
We understand martial arts can be political. To protect both examiners and candidates:
Examiners may use pseudonyms on certification if their involvement could cause political complications with other associations
BMABA maintains confidential records linking pseudonyms to real identities
This system ensures grades are awarded purely on merit, without political interference
Become an Examiner
Are you a senior Dan grade looking to give back to the martial arts community? BMABA examiners play a vital role in maintaining standards across the sector.
Examiner Benefits:
Earn £25 per grading credited to your myBMABA wallet
Flexible, remote participation – review videos in your own time
Contribute to politics-free grade progression
Support the next generation of martial artists
Requirements:
Senior Dan grade (typically 4th Dan or above)
Current BMABA membership
Willingness to sign NDA and Privacy Agreement
Grade verification by BMABA compliance team
Interested? Visit the Examiner Registration Page to learn more and apply.
Practical Tips for Candidates
Recording Your Grading:
You don't need professional equipment – a smartphone is fine
Ensure good lighting and a clear background
Position the camera to show your full body throughout
Have someone operate the camera if possible, or use a stable tripod
If You Need Adaptations:
Can't find a sparring partner of sufficient grade? Let us know
Health conditions affecting your ability to complete in one sitting? We'll review individually
Struggling with any syllabus requirements? Discuss with the committee before recording
File Sharing:
Google Drive and Dropbox work well for large video files
Set permissions so only those with the link can view
YouTube (unlisted/private) is also acceptable
Black Belt Equivalency Conversion
If you joined BMABA with a Black Belt Equivalency and now wish to convert to a standardised Dan grade, our executive committee will assess the appropriate equivalent grade based on:
Time spent teaching
Evidence of continued practice
Video footage or references
Overall experience and contribution
As a general guide, Black Belt Equivalency typically equates to 1st Dan standard, but instructors with extensive experience may be considered for higher grades subject to meeting the relevant criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take? From syllabus approval to result, typically 4-6 weeks. Panel review takes up to 28 days once your video is submitted.
Can I grade in multiple styles? Yes, but each style requires a separate application and fee.
What if I don't have a syllabus? Contact us first. We may be able to source an appropriate syllabus for mainstream styles, but this isn't guaranteed.
Can I contact my examiners after grading? No. All communication must go through BMABA to maintain neutrality. Contacting examiners directly may result in disciplinary action.
Will my grade be recognised elsewhere? BMABA certification is issued within our UKAS-accredited quality framework and recorded on our national register. Recognition by other organisations depends on their individual policies.
What's the difference between vocational and time-served gradings? Vocational gradings are merit-based assessments where you demonstrate technical ability via video. Time-served gradings recognise progression based on years of continued practice and community contribution, without technical examination.
Ready to Get Started?
For Candidates: Visit the Vocational Grading Dashboard to begin your application.
For Examiners: Visit the Examiner Registration Page to join our panel.