Effective September 1, 2009 a new Kobudo Certification Board was formed. Individual students and dojo Sensei's can now test for USA Alliance Certification in Kobudo (weapons). The standards for testing are detailed in a new Kobudo Manual that is for sale. In no instance will a student be graded higher than their sensei’s rank in Kobudo, and can only be raked one grade below their present empty hand rank. There is no style attached to a Kobudo rank.

We will use a new application than what we normally use for Alliance membership. The big difference being that where we put the (PRESENT STYLE) we will put in the word, "KOBUDO".

The Kobudo Certificate will be different (see above) than the Empty Hand certificates. It will carry a "K (plus number) letter in front of the number assigned instead of the usual number that appears on our empty hand certificates and cards. The Certificates & Cards will carry the word KOBUDO in the area where we now put, Shorin, Goju, Isshin, etc.

The USA Alliance fees for a certificate of rank in Kobudo are as follows: If a student or sensei is not a member or an active member of the USA Alliance the cost will be $80.00. If a student is presently an active member of the USA Alliance their fee for the Kobudo rank is $40.00.  All future upgraded certificates & cards will cost the above mentioned students $40.00.

If Sensei's and students are interested in obtaining a rank in Kobudo they should send a request to USA Alliance Headquarters or to Dr. James Webster. We will have a review board, made up of Kobudo ranked people in place that will consider all requests.

I hope this "new program" will give all individual Sensei's and student’s the rank that is needed to develop Kobudo in your schools. I know that it is a very contested area in most of our Tournaments.

If you have any questions regarding this new program, feel free to call me at, 1 (321) 242-0233, or e-mail at bushido90@yahoo.com.

Dr. James Webster, 8^th Dan