Membership Information

The SMAA has attracted a number of prominent members. These distinguished martial artists include Dave Lowry, a well-known martial arts writer; Hunter Armstrong, director of the International Hoplology Society (founded by the late Donn Draeger); and Wayne Muromoto, editor of Furyu--Furyu--The Budo Journal of Classical Martial Arts and Culture.

Membership Levels

There are two levels of membership in the SMAA:

Associate Membership: allows you to be affiliated with the SMAA and receive an Associate Member certificate, our quarterly newsletter, and discounts at SMAA events. Associate members are not eligible to apply for rank or teaching titles. The annual membership fee at this level is $20.00 (US).
Full Membership: allows you to be affiliated with the SMAA and receive our quarterly newsletter and discounts at SMAA events. In addition, full members may apply for rank and teaching titles. The annual membership fee at this level is $25.00 (US).

How to Obtain an Application Form

You may request an application form using one of the following methods:

via the Web: Download and print out the online application form (PDF) with your web browser
via e-mail: send a message to shudokan@smaa-hq.com
via mail: send a letter to the SMAA HQ at the following address:

SMAA HQ
PO Box 6022
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-6022
USA

How to Apply for Associate Membership

To apply for Associate Membership, send the following items to SMAA HQ at the address listed above:

a completed application form (please type or print legibly; leave the section regarding rank blank)
a check or money order, made out to the Shudokan Martial Arts Association, for the amount of $20.00 (US)

You will receive your Associate Member certificate in the mail. You will also begin receiving our quarterly newsletter at the address listed on your application form.

How to Apply for Full Membership/Rank

To apply for Full Membership and dan ranking, send the following items to SMAA HQ at the address listed above:

a completed application form (please type or print legibly)
a typed, detailed history of your martial arts background
copies of any rank certificates you have been awarded
a video of you performing the techniques of your martial art (in VHS or DVD format)
a check or money order, made out to the Shudokan Martial Arts Association, for the amount of $45.00 (US); this non-refundable fee includes both your first year's full membership dues ($25.00), and an examination fee for dan rank.

You will receive a letter indicating the results of our experts' review of your application, the costs of rank registration/certificates, etc. The submission of your information and the fee for a review of your background does not guarantee that the SMAA will award you any specific rank. Kyu and dan ranking are only for qualified exponents of traditional Japanese budo and bujutsu.

If your application for rank is approved by the SMAA, and rank fees have been paid, your certificate will be mailed. If your request is not approved, you will be contacted, and (in most cases) you will be granted Associate Membership status.You will also begin receiving our quarterly newsletter at the address listed on your application form. If you qualify for an SMAA teaching license, you can recommend students for SMAA rank, within one grade of yourself. For more information on ranking and teaching titles, see the Dan Ranking and Teaching Titles page.

Attachments:

Membership Application (New Members)

Membership Application (Current Members)