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The AMA started with the Amateur Karate Association in 1972 and later expanded to include other Martial Arts. Now the largest martial arts association in the UK The AMA is also active on the international scene with members and associated members from many foreign countries. The AMA is controlled by an amateur executive committee with a general secretary, a president, a vice president and technical committees.
Amateur
As well as the amateur executive, the amateur rule for contests is that no prize money or financial incucement may be awarded. Professional instructors and proprietors are welcome in the AMA, but may not vote on the executive committee.
Purposes
1. To promote the sport & practice of martial arts and recognised coaching of the same
2. To promote codes of safety in sport and practice of the same
3. To promote the moral, mental, physical, and social well being of members
4. To obtain, collect, receive, and administer money and funds for these purposes
5. To cooperate with other bodies having similar aims for purposes recognised by law as charitable
6. The association shall be amateur i.e. be controlled by a committee with no controlling interest
7. The associations competitions shall be amateur i.e. no prize money awarded
8. Members shall be amateur i.e. shall not receive prize money from the association
Professional Instructors
These are welcome in the association, subject to the rules of the constitution.
Insurance
We have the best accident and indemnity cover for martial arts, instructors, members, and clubs. Public liability, fee per club (check with H/Q for current rates), and premises (and any person legally on the premises). Groups with large membership may apply for special discounts.
Student Gradings
Authorised instructors may grade their own students up to two grades below examiner e.g. 1st Dan can grade to 2nd kyu. Kyu grades require minimum three months between grades. Assistance with gradings and courses can be arranged.
Dan Gradings or Master / Sifu
These are awarded by appointed instructors of the association. Dans from other reputable associations will be honoured subject to approval. The formula is: Minimum 3 years to 1st Dan (but usually 5). Then 2 more to 2nd Dan, then 3 more to 3rd Dan, 4 to 4th, etc. 5th Dan and above by approval of executive committee only. Note these are minimum's and exceptional. AMA Dan grade certificates are available to approved Dans.
Cadet Dans
Persons under 16 years are cadets. The "C" or Cadet must prefix the Dan grade on any publication. They must revert to senior kyu grading (1st kyu) before their 18th birthday and take a senior Dan grading by their 16th birthday. Dan Grade, refereeing, judging, coaching, health & safety, and co-ordinating courses in all AMA styles are available on request at AMA H/Q.
Regions
Regional organisers are ready to help and advise with competitions and courses (at your voluntary acceptance). Each region has a championship, selection courses, and competitions in the main martial arts sports. The winners and best go through to the national squads. All regions have good instructors ready to help you. We also have mobile instructors available to help with gradings and courses. These include JKA 7th Dans, ITF and WTF 8th Dans, 7th Dans of Ju-Jitsu, ICKF Reps, National WUKO, WAKO, WCJJO, world champions. These are all subject to your acceptance, there is no financial compulsion or coercion in the AMA.
Training
AMA provides and arranges courses national coaching diplomas, NVQ courses, first aid, and refereeing certificates after appropriate courses have been completed. Instructors are encouraged and advised to seek continual advancement. National organisations included EKGB, BTCB, MKB.
Internationals
AMA is affiliated to the best international bodies to give your members the best opportunity to take part at the highest levels, which included WCJJO JJIF, WTF, ICKF, WAKO, WUKO, and WKEA etc.
Styles
Many styles co-exist within the AMA. Some follow the traditional styles and curricula; some combine to form new ways. All this is quite valid so long as the teaching, training, and curriculum can be approved, and so long as the Dan or Master degree achieved can hold up with the best in any style. AMA has every style of martial art including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Malaysian, Thai, Indian, Modern freestyle, and self-defence. The styles have ad-hoc committees, which meet as required.
Instructors
Must be of contractual age (18) and hold an approved Dan or equivalent. They must have AMA indemnity insurance. New entrants must supply photocopies of Dan grades and or certificates and if these are from unknown sources then we may require to assess the applicant by one of our designated officers.
Newsletters
These are distributed with every posting. Diary events are also published in various martial arts magazines and websites. See the Diary section on the main menu or click here.
Recruiting
We advertise nationally and recruits are directed to our nearest clubs.
Constitution
A copy of the AMA constitution is available by clicking here, or sending £1 and a SAE to:
H/Q: C/O Tom Hibbert, General Secretary,
66 Chaddesden Lane,
Derby DE21 6LP.
Executive Committee
Nominations (amateurs) are receivable every year for the executive at the AGM. Other committees are appointed to cover special needs and purposes.
Finally...
You are entering into a voluntary arrangement with fellow members in a democratic organisation and association. The committees officers and organisers are here to help you at your request. We have no chief instructors, and the newest recruit has as good a voice as a 7th or 8th Dan at the AGM. We have no dictators or over priced compulsory courses or grading.
If you require further information regarding our Governing Body please go to amauk.co.uk on our link page. |
