Martial Arts Gradings

Instructors looking to get higher Dan Grades read on...
I have had a lot of requests for instructors wanting to undertake higher Dan gradings and I haven't been able to fix dates for them. This is due to my schedule being so tight and not being able to lock dates in every state.

In the past I have been available to fly interstate on very short notice to coordinate grading panels and run seminars but unfortunately I have to spend most of my time stuck in the office. However I feel I have a better plan to make an IMA Grading a much more creditable and prestigious event so read on.

Embarking on your next Dan grade in my opinion should be a very memorable occasion as one would have put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice to reach. That said, how you perform and who witnesses your presentation is of real importance. You want to give it everything you have irrespective of whether you pass or fail and you want to be acknowledged by people you respect and respect you for your courage.

The IMA Grading system has been roughly based on the international karate timeline systems of the following:
1st dan – 2nd dan = 2 years
2nd dan – 3rd dan = 3 years
3rd dan – 4th dan = 4 years
4th dan – 5th dan = 5 years
5th dan – 6th dan = 6 years
6th dan – 7th dan = 7 years
Download flyer (pdf 2mb)

This is based upon continuous training and contributions to the art. Although some systems give out grades for contributions to the art the IMA system requires a physical element of demonstration and teaching too.
We are going to make two dates per year one around June/July and the other November/December where instructors come to the IMA HQ to do their grading. The atmosphere and environment will be inspiring in our newly created traditional dojo and TV studio. We will create a panel with some of the best and most respected masters in the country. Participants will have a very special experience training alongside other instructors going for similar ranks. The idea will be for each participant to lead the group as a teacher, demonstrate their art and be directed by the panel. The panel will be there to witness, encourage, direct and assist in the growth of each instructor whilst evaluating their skills and knowledge to award the appropriate grade.

We will arrange the panel of masters however you can make recommendations and we will request their participation if possible. We will also supply the venue and assist in accommodation if required. The procedure would be to train in the morning with the masters from the panel and in the afternoon perform the grading requirements.

You will have your own costs to get to the IMA centre and we will charge a fee for your grading which will include the seminar, lunch, certificate, belt and video of your performance. We will also have you as a guest for our TV program. If any teacher wants to create an instructional DVD series they will get special rates by doing it in the same period.
2nd dan = $750
3rd dan = $950
4th dan = $1200
5th dan = $1300
6th dan = $1500
7th dan = $2000

Some of the masters that have either sat on our grading panels or run seminars for our members: Patrick McCarthy, Vince Morris, Bill Wallace, John Gill, David McSporran, Alex Albert, Paul Mrcaek, Paul Strutt, Linc Hibbs, Terry Bradford, Tony Jackson, Bob Jones, Mike Kenna, Ivan Rativaic, Steve Nedelkos, Tony Ball, Darren Ball, Shi Jun, Neil Pitcher, David Snell, Anthony Jackson, James Sumarac, Kong Wing Loh, Bruce Hyland, Frank Palmieri, Dominic Amato, Terry Lim, Tang Lawei, Eng Chor Khor, Chris Pearce, David Snell, Bob Gibbon, Peter Koegst, Mannie de Matos to name a few.
If you would like to know more please contact us via email.

For nearly two decades we have been forming creditable grading panels with experts from around the world to oversee the testing of instructors for higher dan grades. We have also linked up with various Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to add courses to compliment dan grade achievements which form the basis of new industry standards. If you have reached a point where you can't get a higher martial arts grade and want to be recognised for your ongoing teaching and contributions to the arts give us a call and we will guide you through the process. This is not a one box fits all it is a case by case assessment which may go over several months before graduating.