A.K.A. offers
recognition of Instructor Level ( Dan ) grades.
This helps give potential students an understanding
of the experience a particular Instructor has attained
and can be very influencial on the choice a person
makes regarding a potential school / club.
If you would like to join the A.K.A.
and have your Instructor grade recognised, please
contact us with your resume and proof of your original
Instructor grade certification.
The year and month will then be used for Instructor
Level ( Dan ) grade ranking. The formula for this
is shown below.
As an example, an Instructor that joins the A.K.A.
with 14 years experience would be recognised as
a Level 4 Instructor ( 4th Dan ).
Upon the date ( Month ) that 15 years have passed
since their initial grading, they will be recognised
and promoted to a Level 5 ( 5th Dan ) Instructor,
and they will receive official A.K.A.
certification and a Level 5 ( 5th Dan ) black Belt.
Official
Instructor Ranking Formula:
Level 1 : ( 1st Dan ) Instructor.
This is the date that a person becomes / became
instructor certified or a black belt in their style.
A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 1 year
minimum coaching experience.
Official Title on Instructor Black Belt : Sempai
/ Senior.
Level 2 : ( 2nd Dan ) Instructor.
This promotion is recognised two years after the
Level 1 ( 1st Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 3 years
( minimum ) coaching experience.
Official Title on Instructor Black Belt : Sempai
/ Senior.
Level 3 : ( 3rd Dan ) Instructor.
This promotion is recognised three years after the
Level 2 ( 2nd Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 6 years
( minimum ) coaching experience.
Official Title on Instructor Black Belt : Sensei
/ Teacher.
Level 4 : ( 4th Dan ) Instructor.
This promotion is recognised four years after the
Level 3 ( 3rd Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 10
years ( minimum ) coaching experience.
Official Title on Instructor Black Belt : Sensei
/ Teacher.
Level 5 : ( 5th Dan ) Instructor - Masters
Level.
This promotion is recognised five years after the
Level 4 ( 4th Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 15
years ( minimum ) coaching experience.
Official Title on Instructor Black Belt : Shihan
/ Master.
Level 6 : ( 6th Dan ) Instructor - Master Level.
This promotion is recognised six years after the
Level 5 ( 5th Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 21
years ( minimum ) coaching experience.
Official Title on Instructor Black Belt : Shihan
/ Master.
Level 7 : ( 7th Dan ) Instructor - Master
Level.
This promotion is recognised seven years after the
Level 6 ( 6th Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 28
years ( minimum ) coaching experience. Official Title on Instructor Black Belt :
Shihan / Master.
Level 8 : ( 8th Dan ) Instructor - Grand
Master Level.
This promotion is recognised eight years after the
Level 7 ( 7th Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 36
years ( minimum ) coaching experience. Official Title on Instructor Black Belt :
Dai-Shihan / Grand Master.
Level 9 : ( 9th Dan ) Instructor - Grand
Master Level.
This promotion is recognised nine years after the
Level 8 ( 8th Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 45
years ( minimum ) coaching experience. Official Title on Instructor Black Belt :
Dai-Shihan / Grand Master.
Level 10 : (10th Dan ) Instructor - Grand
Master Level.
This promotion is recognised ten years after the
Level 9 ( 9th Dan ) grade. A.K.A.
criteria states an Instructor has 55
years ( minimum ) coaching experience. Official Title on Instructor Black Belt :
Dai-Shihan / Grand Master.
