REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

If one is applying for membership as a founder of his / her own system with the Soke Menkyo Kai, The following requirements must be met.

1.

 Must have held a black belt grade for twenty years in any art / way.

2.

 Must hold a fifth degree black belt or equivalent in a martial art similar to that of the system you have founded.

3.

 Must hold an additional fifth degree black belt or equivalent in an additional art / way.

4.

 Must hold two additional black belts in other martial arts. ( Any Degree / Dan )

5.

 Must provide copies of certificates for all black belt grades. Must provide all lower black belt certificate copies as well.                                                                                                

Example: For a fifth degree black belt, one must submit copies of first through fifth degree certificates. One must also provide contact information for the instructor and / or issuing authority of the certificates.   

Note: The reason for the additional grades is to demonstrate that one has a good foundation in the martial arts with an overall understanding of the martial arts in general.

6.

 Criminal background check. In order to expedite your membership application. Any recent criminal history check you can provide, including that of an approved application for a handgun permit ect. Would be helpful.

7.

A completed 1,000 word thesis on the martial art / way you wish to receive full foundership accreditation in.

8.

 A completed Soke Menkyo Kai application and the membership proper fees.

A WORD ABOUT 10TH DAN CERTIFICATION

If you are applying for membership and hold a 10th Dan / Degree, please note that the S.M.K. does not issue 10th Dan degrees or any degrees / grades to its members with the exception that a member may wish to issue S.M.K. rank / grade certification to their students. This is optional and not mandatory.

If one claims 10th Dan or any rank / grade and is applying for S.M.K. membership. The rank / grade must come from ones own teacher and or Ryu. The S.M.K. does not except association or cross grade diplomas for membership consideration.

This does not mean that a S.M.K. Soke Shodai (Founder) can not promote to 10th Dan (Judan) in his own system. A Soke  is a title with no grade. A Soke is above the rank structure of his own system. A Soke can promote up to and including Judan, 10th Dan in one's own respective system, regardless as to one's current grade. 

Members who do not hold 10th Dan / Degree grades from their respective teacher / Ryu (system),  can not advertise such if they are an S.M.K. member. This is regardless as to any associations recognizing them as such. 

NOTE:

The S.M.K. does not recognize taekwondo as a martial art or way but rather a sport. Thus no one can use any grades received in taekwondo when applying for membership.

 If one is applying for accreditation as an Heir and or Head Family status with the Soke Menkyo Kai , the following requirements must be met.

1.

 Any and all copies of  documentation of your successorship and copies of all your black belt certification.

2.

 A completed Soke Menkyo Kai application and the proper membership fees.

NOTE: