The World Organization of Martial Arts (WOMA): A Global Leader in Unity and Excellence
The World Organization of Martial Arts (WOMA) was established in 1960 in the United States by Grand Master Jack Stern, known as Papasan. His visionary mission was to bring together martial artists, organizations, and diverse styles from around the world under one banner, founded on respect, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a strong foundation in both tradition and innovation, WOMA has become a unifying force in the global martial arts community, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among martial artists of all cultures and disciplines.
Preserving Tradition and Encouraging Evolution
Since its founding, WOMA has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving the integrity and heritage of traditional martial arts systems. At the same time, the organization actively promotes the evolution and refinement of martial arts to meet the demands of modern society. Martial arts are more than physical techniques; they encompass deep philosophical teachings and ethical principles that guide practitioners in their personal and professional lives. WOMA’s platform emphasizes the holistic development of martial artists, promoting not only physical mastery but also mental discipline and moral strength.
By focusing on values like discipline, respect, honor, and perseverance, WOMA seeks to nurture well-rounded individuals. These values are seen as essential not only for success in martial arts but also for fostering responsible and ethical citizens who can contribute positively to society.
A Celebration of Martial Arts Diversity
WOMA recognizes that martial arts serve many purposes: they are methods of self-defense, tools for physical fitness, pathways to personal development, and powerful means of building communities across national and cultural boundaries. The organization embraces the diversity of martial arts disciplines, whether they are traditional striking arts like Karate and Taekwondo, grappling systems such as Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or modern hybrid forms like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). WOMA fosters an environment where all these styles can be celebrated, shared, and respected.
Global Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
One of WOMA’s core missions is to foster collaboration among martial arts practitioners, organizations, and instructors worldwide. Through global events like seminars, competitions, workshops, and exhibitions, WOMA encourages the exchange of knowledge and techniques across styles and cultures. These interactions strengthen the international martial arts community, promoting mutual respect and understanding while allowing practitioners to grow both in skill and character. WOMA’s commitment to these values ensures that martial artists not only excel in their craft but also become ambassadors of peace and cooperation.
Upholding Standards of Excellence
To maintain the highest standards of martial arts practice, WOMA ensures that its affiliates receive internationally recognized and respected qualifications. The organization standardizes grading systems, educational curricula, and competition rules to ensure fairness, professionalism, and excellence in martial arts training. Through rigorous certification processes, WOMA ensures that instructors, students, and organizations affiliated with the organization are held to the highest levels of integrity and competency.
WOMA’s efforts to uphold these standards ensure that martial artists affiliated with the organization receive the respect and recognition they deserve, both locally and internationally. This emphasis on quality and professionalism reinforces WOMA’s position as a global leader in the martial arts community.
Martial Arts as a Transformative Force
At its core, WOMA believes in the transformative power of martial arts. Whether martial arts are practiced for self-defense, athletic competition, or personal growth, they instill resilience, humility, and a strong sense of purpose. WOMA provides opportunities for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to experience the many benefits of martial arts, offering a platform where anyone can grow, learn, and thrive.
By creating bridges between people from diverse walks of life, WOMA helps build a global community where martial arts serve as a unifying force for peace and cooperation. This mission aligns with WOMA’s belief that martial arts are not just a way of fighting but a way of life—a means to develop character, promote harmony, and foster understanding across cultures.
Leading the Future of Martial Arts
As a global leader, WOMA continues to uphold the mission set forth by Grand Master Jack Stern. By uniting martial artists worldwide and promoting ethical practices, WOMA strives to advance the future of martial arts for generations to come. The organization remains committed to providing an inclusive environment where tradition and innovation complement one another, ensuring that martial arts continue to be a source of strength, unity, and inspiration.
WOMA is dedicated to preserving the essence of martial arts while simultaneously guiding its evolution, reaffirming its belief in the enduring principles that have made martial arts a path to personal and communal growth throughout history. For WOMA, martial arts are not just about physical skills—they are about shaping the future, one practitioner at a time.