SMAA dan and teaching titles are based on technical ability,
teaching ability, and character development. In the case of
dan grades, more emphasis is placed on technical ability.
Teaching titles, which are more difficult to achieve, place
more emphasis on personal development and teaching ability.
(Teaching titles allow instructors to recommend individuals
to the SMAA for ranks within one level of their own.)
The support one has given the SMAA, the recommendations of one's
seniors in the SMAA, and the contributions that one has made
to the martial arts, are major considerations for promotion.
SMAA time requirements for promotion apply to members with
prior SMAA rank. In the case of uniquely talented individuals
and/or professional instructors, an altered schedule of
promotion may be approved by the officials of SMAA. Time
requirements for Fuku Shihan, Shihan, and So-shihan can be
waived for qualified instructors when they initially join
the SMAA.
Requirements for SMAA Dan Promotions
Shodan
At least 2 years of training and over the age of 16
Nidan
More than 18 months after Shodan
Sandan
More than two years after Nidan
Yodan
More than three years after Sandan and at least
Fuku-shidoin title
Godan
More than four years after Yodan and at least
Shidoin title
Rokudan
More than five years after Godan
Shichidan
More than six years after Rokudan and at least
Fuku-shihan title
Hachidan
More than seven years after Shichidan, at least
Shihan title, and at least 50 years old
Requirements for SMAA Teaching Titles
Fuku-shidoin
Written essay, magazine article, or book (500 word
minimum) about any aspect of budo or bujutsu
(minimum rank of Shodan)
Shidoin
Written essay, magazine article, or book (500 word
minimum) about any aspect of budo or bujutsu
(minimum rank of Sandan)
Fuku-shihan
At least two years after Yodan and written essay,
magazine article, or book (2000 word minimum) about
any aspect of budo or bujutsu (minimum rank of Yodan)
Shihan
At least two years after Rokudan and written essay,
magazine article, or book (2000 word minimum) about
any aspect of budo or bujutsu (minimum rank of Rokudan)
So-shihan
At least two years after Shichidan and written essay,
magazine article, or book (2000 word minimum) about
any aspect of budo or bujutsu (minimum rank of Shichidan)