The World Organization of Martial Arts (WOMA), founded in 1960 by Grand Master Jack Stern (Papasan), serves as a unifying body for martial artists, schools, and organizations across the globe. WOMA’s mission is to promote, preserve, and develop martial arts in all styles and forms, creating a worldwide community of skilled practitioners who uphold the integrity and discipline of martial arts traditions.
WOMA Membership Overview
WOMA offers membership to individual martial artists, schools, and national martial arts federations or organizations, welcoming practitioners from all martial arts disciplines. Membership in WOMA provides practitioners with international recognition and access to resources that support their growth and professionalism in martial arts.
Black Belt Introduction Requirement
One of WOMA’s core membership policies is that all member countries are required to introduce their black belts to WOMA. This requirement is aimed at creating a standardized and authentic representation of martial arts skills within WOMA’s network. The process involves a detailed submission of each black belt’s:
- Training history and certification lineage.
- Martial arts accomplishments, including any significant awards, titles, or honors.
- Rank and progression, detailing the belt level and any promotions.
Through this introduction, WOMA verifies and authenticates each black belt’s credentials. Upon approval, WOMA issues an official certification to the black belt, granting them formal membership in WOMA’s international community of martial artists. This certification acts as a seal of quality, confirming that the black belt has met the stringent standards set forth by WOMA and is recognized within the organization’s global network.
Membership Benefits
WOMA members receive a range of benefits designed to enhance their martial arts journey and reputation, including:
- Global Recognition and Credibility:
- WOMA certification provides black belts and schools with a respected, international credential that validates their training and skills.
- Certification adds a layer of credibility to instructors and schools, making them more appealing to students and organizations seeking high standards.
- Access to Exclusive Events and Resources:
- Members gain access to WOMA-hosted events, such as competitions, tournaments, seminars, and workshops led by Grand Masters and highly respected martial artists worldwide.
- Exclusive training resources, including technical materials, guides, and online content, are available to help members continue their development.
- Professional Networking Opportunities:
- WOMA membership provides a platform for martial artists from different countries and disciplines to connect and share insights, techniques, and philosophies.
- Networking can lead to collaboration opportunities, cultural exchanges, and joint training sessions.
- Support for Martial Arts Schools and Organizations:
- Schools affiliated with WOMA receive assistance in developing structured training programs and maintaining a standardized curriculum that aligns with WOMA’s principles.
- WOMA’s recognition can enhance a school’s reputation, helping attract students and build a trusted martial arts community.
- Continued Development and Ranking Opportunities:
- WOMA facilitates additional training and rank advancement for members, allowing them to participate in certification programs to further their martial arts credentials.
- Representation and Advocacy:
- WOMA serves as a voice for martial artists on global issues related to martial arts, including recognition, rights, and the development of fair and inclusive standards.
Certification Process and Standards
The black belt certification process is rigorous to ensure that WOMA’s standards of excellence are consistently upheld. WOMA evaluates each candidate’s martial arts background, character, and dedication to the martial arts community. The goal is to maintain a prestigious organization where all members adhere to the values of respect, discipline, and honor. Certified black belts are required to participate in periodic evaluations and may be invited to demonstrate or share their skills at WOMA events.
How to Join WOMA
To become a member, martial arts organizations or individuals can submit a membership application through WOMA’s official website or contact their regional WOMA representative. The application process may include:
- Submission of personal or organizational details and martial arts credentials.
- Completion of the black belt introduction process for all applicable members.
- Payment of an annual membership fee, which supports WOMA’s global initiatives and events.
By joining WOMA, members contribute to a respected organization that champions martial arts integrity, connects practitioners from around the world, and creates opportunities for lifelong learning and growth.
The World Organization of Martial Arts (WOMA) is not only dedicated to supporting existing martial arts styles but is also committed to the growth and evolution of martial arts worldwide. In recognition of the diversity and innovation within martial arts, WOMA is open to accepting new styles and systems developed by Grand Masters and highly experienced practitioners from various countries.
New Style Recognition by WOMA
WOMA’s commitment to fostering global martial arts is reflected in its Style Recognition Program. Through this program, WOMA formally acknowledges and certifies new martial arts styles or systems developed by Grand Masters. These new systems are welcomed under the following criteria:
- Submission and Review Process:
- Grand Masters or their representatives interested in introducing a new martial arts style or system must submit a comprehensive proposal to WOMA.
- The proposal should include an overview of the style’s principles, techniques, training methods, and the philosophy behind its development.
- Information on the lineage and qualifications of the Grand Master or originator is also required to ensure that the style is rooted in authentic martial arts knowledge and experience.
- Approval by WOMA’s Committees:
- Each new style undergoes a thorough review by WOMA’s Technical Committee and Grand Masters Committee, composed of some of the most experienced martial artists from around the world.
- These committees assess the technical merit, structure, and unique aspects of the proposed style to ensure it meets the high standards of WOMA and contributes positively to the martial arts community.
- The review process may include a demonstration or presentation of the style by the originator, either in person or through recorded material, to provide the committees with an in-depth understanding of the system.
- Certification of Style Recognition:
- Upon approval by both committees, WOMA will issue an official Certificate of Style Recognition. This certificate acknowledges the new style as an accredited martial arts system under WOMA’s umbrella, providing it with international recognition and credibility.
- The recognized style is added to WOMA’s official registry of martial arts systems, and the founder or Grand Master is listed as the originator, along with any senior practitioners authorized to represent the style.
Benefits of Style Recognition
The recognition of new styles by WOMA offers several significant benefits for the founders, practitioners, and the global martial arts community:
- Global Legitimacy and Acceptance:
- WOMA’s certification grants the new style an esteemed place within the international martial arts community, helping it gain acceptance and legitimacy.
- Practitioners of the recognized style can train with confidence, knowing their system is acknowledged by a leading martial arts authority.
- International Exposure and Promotion:
- WOMA promotes recognized styles at its events, seminars, and competitions, providing a global platform for new systems to reach martial artists from different backgrounds.
- Recognized styles are included in WOMA’s promotional materials and may be featured on WOMA’s website and social media, helping increase awareness and interest.
- Educational and Training Opportunities:
- Recognized styles are encouraged to participate in WOMA’s educational initiatives, such as workshops, conferences, and online training resources.
- Founders and instructors can organize certified training sessions and exams under WOMA’s guidance, further validating their system and building a structured curriculum.
- Certification of Practitioners:
- Once recognized, a new style’s practitioners can undergo formal WOMA certification, which allows them to carry an internationally recognized credential in their discipline.
- This certification supports a structured progression for students and instructors, helping to maintain quality and consistency in training.
- Contribution to Martial Arts Diversity:
- The inclusion of new styles broadens WOMA’s representation of global martial arts traditions, fostering a richer, more diverse martial arts environment.
- Recognizing innovative systems allows martial arts to evolve, honoring the creativity and adaptability of practitioners worldwide.
How to Submit a New Style for Recognition
Grand Masters or originators wishing to introduce their style to WOMA can begin the process by contacting WOMA directly through its official website or regional representatives. After the submission of initial documentation, WOMA will provide further guidance on the approval and certification process, including any demonstrations or presentations that may be required.
Through its Style Recognition Program, WOMA proudly supports the creative and evolving nature of martial arts, ensuring that new systems with integrity, tradition, and innovation can find their place within the global martial arts community.