Benefits

50+ Years Of Martial Arts Excellence - Founded 1969

Benefits of Membership

The United States Black Belt Federation® was founded following the tenets, values, and even structure of the United States Karate Association (USKA) headed by O’Sensei Robert A Trias.

O’Sensei Trias gave his blessing to the Federation, even providing copies of all documents used by the USKA and our first database - a well worn Rolodex. Up until O’Sensei’s death and the inevitable dissolution of the USKA, most USBBF members were also USKA members.

Now after 50+ years of existence and many years since the death of O’Sensei, the USBBF is proud of its role of continuing the spirit and traditions while working to help shape the future of Martial Arts.

* Affiliation with a long-standing Organization where Integrity, Honor, Discipline, Tradition, and History do matter.

* An incorporated Organization ensuring longevity. USBBF was originally incorporated in 1970, granted US Trademarks, revisits and updates it's Constitution regularly.

* Governed by a representative Board Of Directors responsive to and reflective of the Members.

* National and International recognition.

* Programs for Technical, Philosophical and Leadership Development in the Martial Arts.

* A Network of serious and traditional Martial Artists and Organizations

* High Quality rank and membership certificates that are recognized Internationally for USBBF members.

* A Responsible promotion & certification system for all Martial Artists.

* Technical, administrative & communication assistance for students and Instructors of the Martial Arts.

* The USBBF National Championships.

* High quality training resources and events.

* A professional, informative and exciting website and media outlets for all Martial Artists.

* Instructor / Examiner training and certification.

* USBBF Virtues Of Bushido Awards.

* A National Headquarters with "decentralized" Martial Arts programs and leadership.

* Training Centers for expert training in both traditional and competitive Martial Arts.

* And much more ...

Rank Recognition

You've worked for years and take pride in the rank you've earned. The last thing you want is to think that the organization you're a member of is simply selling or irresponsibly giving away rank.
This WILL NOT HAPPEN HERE!
Every effort is taken to verify and validate ranks. Membership documents show no mention of rank.

A member can ask that their rank be recognized. Unlike other groups we do not automatically accept ranks when accepting membership. We do this to ensure we have the time to thoroughly vet information when requested.

For students or instructors who are members of the USBBF, the USBBF rank system provides procedures for rank verification, and validation.

Verification and validation are essential in assuring that USBBF certificates and membership continue to hold their International recognition and value for integrity. Once a time consuming and laborious task, gone are the days of long distance fees and long waits for mail deliveries.

Once an instructors rank has been accepted, his students ranks are automatically accepted within established guidelines.

Black Belt members without current instructors (independents) may work with the USBBF towards advancement. Previous USBBF ranking boards have been conducted nationwide.
Read more here

Begin the Rank Recognition process HERE

SCHOOL CERTIFICATION

School Recognition/Memberships are available to schools belonging to, owned, or operated by USBBF members.

We recognize that schools come in all shapes and sizes. Many of the best lessons have been taught in back yards and parks.

No matter the setting, the USBBF insists on high standards and professional behavior for all our members and their schools.

The USBBF knows there are many schools that have superior skill and professionalism but do not have the recognition they deserve for their school, contribution to the art, and the role they play in the development of true Martial Artists.

School owners train hard and pour themselves into their teaching. We are school owners as well and recognize the benefits that recognition can bring both in prestige, acceptance, potential financial gain, and longevity of the school.

As a USBBF recognized school, students may attend promoted seminars, tournaments, workshops, at discounted prices.

Member schools participate in our Visiting Member program where members who are on vacation or relocated may attend class for a period for free.

Opportunities to train with Martial Artists of different styles and arts are available.

Any products offered by the USBBF may be obtained at a discounted price.

When questions arise, recognized school owners can communicate directly with USBBF board members or headquarters.

If your working to build a legacy organization not only for yourself but your students as well, the USBBF is here to help.

See more about School Recognition / Membership here.

Begin the School Membership process HERE

Recognition

Aside from the recognition from belonging to one of the oldest and longest lasting organizations in the US, we recognize and honor our members and indeed non members achievements.

From our Longevity/Legacy Awards, our status as certifying organization for the PVSA, USBBF Honors, and the USBBF Bushido Awards, we take pride in recognizing our members!

Far from a "Hall Of Fame" format, the goal of our recognitions is that they are earned through time, effort, knowledge, and exceptional service and skill. One such award is the Longevity/Legacy award earned through years dedicated to the Martial Arts.

We all know the milestones in the Martial Arts. The first one of course is enrolling in class, then there are the ones set not only by the instructor but the student themselves. No matter the goal or milestone, these accumulate and over time these milestones along with the history and knowledge gained fit together to create the practitioner.

In an activity were less than 2% attain Black Belt ranking and a similar percentage remain active, its worth recognizing those who have longevity in the Arts.

It’s with that in mind that the United States Black Belt Federation is pleased to announce the Longevity/Legacy Recognition award program.

In what we tout as a lifetime activity our history is carried by those who indeed embody this attribute. We revere our seniors for their perseverance, their leadership, and their history. The USBBF is proud to recognize the accomplishment of those who have embarked on the path and the time dedicated.

Bronze - 10 years

Silver - 20 years

Gold - 30 years

Platinum - 40 years

Diamond - 50 years

Legacy - 60 years

Reverence - 70 years

USBBF National Championships

In 1969 the USBBF was founded by and had as members some of the top competitors in the US. Over the years USBBF members have taken home more championships than just about any other organization.

Continuing that tradition of competitive excellence, the USBBF is proud to announce the USBBF National Championships!

Rather than reinvent the wheel, the USBBF National Championships will recognize the efforts you put forward at tournaments your already planning to attend as long as they meet simple criteria.

Enter the tournaments you want, compete in the divisions you want, forward us your placements and your on your way.

The USBBF National Championships is open to ALL competitors member or not!

At the end of the season we total the points and declare our National Champions. No Politics, No BS, an honest National Championship!

The USBBF will NOT create its own sanction body, rather work with existing organizations in any manner viewed necessary to ensure the quality of the events.

A USBBF sanction will be granted on a case by case basis. Sanction will allow for the use of the USBBF logo on materials and provide competitors with double points.

The logic behind not creating a sanction body is that without exception most concern(s) lie with the tournaments themselves rather than the sanctioning body. A poorly directed event is normally NOT the fault of the body ranking the tournament or competitors.

Promoters contact HQ to get your tournament sanctioned.

Competitors gear up and send in your placements.

We’ll see you in the winners circle!