Rank Promotions
The UKKS Rank Promotion system is designed to uphold the highest standards of martial arts excellence,
ensuring that all promotions are earned through dedicated practice, skill development, and personal growth.
Section 1: Presentation / Testing Procedure within the UKKS:
All presentation / testing panels must consist of UKKS members in good standing, holding a minimum rank of two levels higher than the attempted one. (Uniforms are mandatory.)
Section 2: Presentation / Testing Fee Structure:
1. 1st through 3rd Degree Black Belt: $100 per test
2. 4th through 6th Degree Black Belt: $150 per test
3. 7th through 8th Degree Black Belt: $200 per test
4. All ranks below Black Belt: $75 per test
Section 3: Requirements for Presentation / Testing with the UKKS:
1. To maintain professional standing within the UKKS, you must be an actively involved martial artist who has paid all dues.
2. Active Participation Requirement – Students and Instructors
All students and instructors affiliated with the Unified Kempo Karate Systems (UKKS), regardless of style, are required to maintain an active status through ongoing participation in martial arts training or instruction. Active status is defined as attending or conducting formally scheduled martial arts classes at least four times per calendar month (averaging once per week).
To be considered actively involved, individuals must also demonstrate consistent training or teaching within a recognized martial arts school for a minimum of one continuous year before becoming eligible for presentation or testing for rank advancement.
Instructors must further demonstrate instructional involvement appropriate to their rank, which may include direct teaching, school leadership, or mentorship roles within their recognized system.
Exceptions to this requirement may be granted only for reasons submitted in writing and approved by the UKKS Board of Directors. Acceptable exceptions may include—but are not limited to—medical conditions, extended travel, family emergencies, or other extenuating circumstances deemed valid by the Board.
Failure to maintain an active status without an approved exception may result in disciplinary action, including suspension of membership, ineligibility for advancement, or removal from organizational roles, at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
3. Attending at least two UKKS gatherings within a three-year membership period is mandatory.
4. You must have been a paid member for at least one year to be eligible to test or make a presentation.
5. The testing member school will create test requirements, and copies will be given to the testing board.
6. The testing board will follow the given requirements in the documents.
7. All members giving a presentation for possible rank review will be given at least one hour to conduct their presentation.
Section 4: Benefits of Adherence to Requirements for Presentation / Testing:
1. Validity of promotions.
2. Valuable guidance for self-improvement.
Section 5: Presentation / Testing Eligibility Criteria:
1. For ranks 1st through 3rd: A minimum of 2 years between grades is required.
2. For ranks 4th through 6th: A minimum of 3 years between grades is required.
3. For ranks 7th through 8th: A minimum of 5 years between grades is required.
Section 6: Minimum Age Requirements:
1. Minimum age for 6th Degree Black Belt: 35 years old.
2. Minimum age for 7th Degree Black Belt: 40 years old.
3. Minimum age for 8th Degree Black Belt: 45 years old.
4. Minimum age for 9th Degree Black Belt: 50 years old.
5. Minimum age for 10th Degree Black Belt: 60 years old.
Section 7: Special Promotions and Acknowledgements:
Promoting an individual to the rank of 9th Dan or 10th Dan is a truly extraordinary and well-deserved honor. This pinnacle achievement represents the highest level of mastery and dedication in the martial arts. It is a testament to a lifetime of relentless training, unwavering commitment, and significant contributions to the martial arts community. Such a promotion acknowledges the individual's technical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to inspire, mentor, and elevate others. Achieving 9th Dan or 10th Dan signifies a legacy of excellence, embodying martial arts spirit, discipline, and philosophy at its finest. Based on this philosophy, the association may promote and acknowledge individuals who have reached this pinnacle of their careers based on time in grade and contributions to the martial arts.
Section 8: Presentation / Testing Certification:
1. A certificate will be issued to verify the rank achieved and any promotions.
2. These certificates may be electronically signed or hand-signed by the following board members:
Soke Angelito “Bobby” Barongan, 10th Dan
Soke Carl De Los Reyes, 9th Dan
Hanshi Don Mathews, 9th Dan
Hanshi Colleen Barongan, 8th Dan
Kyoshi Adam Goble, 7th Dan