Cross Rank Program
ACAF Martial Arts System Cross Ranking and Training Program
What is the Cross-Ranking Program?
The Cross-Ranking Program is sanctioned under section 2.02 of the ACAF Charter and Bylaws. The martial arts styles that the ACAF recognizes that allow cross ranking are Hapkido, Arnis de Mano, and American Combat Taekwondo. These three systems are now considered open systems which mean that the specific rank requirements for rankings are set by the individual instructors, rather than by the federation. However, the instructor is always welcome to and recommended to use the requirements recommended by the federation. This concept also makes the opportunity available for cross ranking.
Because these arts are open systems, Black belts from another martial art style or system (Karate, Jujitsu, Kempo, etc.) and receive the same ranking in one of these arts. Many of our members who join the ACAF have found it beneficial to cross rank into one of these open systems, because they can have the opportunity to continue their training in their mother art and expand into other areas of interest.
As long as you are a legitimate black belt in any other martial art, you can obtain cross ranking in our program. We respect the rank, skill, and hard work of our members and will honor their rank by offering the same rank level in the cross ranking program in the art of their choosing. As time goes by, through personal training with one of the open system’s masters or through the video training program, the cross ranking member will learn the complete style of the chosen system.
How to Cross Rank
To be accepted into the cross ranking program is strictly based upon the final decision of the President of the ACAF. To apply, the candidate will need to submit the following:
- A letter requesting to be considered for cross ranking, and why you wish to cross rank into the program.
- A resume of your martial arts history and training.
- A brief resume of your personal background.
- A recent photograph.
- Copies of all your major martial art certificates and documents.
Cross Ranking Fee…
The fee for cross ranking into one of these martial arts systems is $150. This is to be submitted at the time that the candidate turns in his / her request and documents for cross ranking.
Continued Black Belt Training…
One of the benefits of cross ranking is the opportunity to test and promote into higher black belt levels. The training for these tests are available by attending ACAF training camps, Seminars, and by video training. All Black Belt tests are conducted in front of a testing panel that must have a Master Instructor present. This insures the candidate that their promotion is based upon their skill and ability, with no bias or partiality and at the same time ensures that the standards of the federation are maintained.
Black Belt test fees past introduction into the program…
Any other belt ranking tests that are taken by a member are governed by the bylaws of the federation.
