This is the most intense program offered at Pure Force Martial Arts. First and foremost a student in this program is a direct & personal student of the Grandmaster. As such these students answer directly to the GM as well as all certified Instructors. As an Apprentice you are under very close direction by all experienced certified staff members for guidance and development. Members of the Master's Apprentice program are expected to maintain the highest level of respect and self-control at all times. Due to these higher expectations MA program members do not fall under the standard PFMA behavior requires, MA members are discharged from the program if they at any time in any way violate PFMA behavior rules. Any action that is questionable will be treated as a violation.
To even begin down this path you must;
Must have a formally ranked martial arts background (Black Belt in at least one system)
Must be interviewed by at least one of each; Apprentice Member & Certified Instructor
Must submit to personal & criminal background checks
If you are excepted you will then begin a journey that will last the rest of your life!
The ranks in this program do not relate to formal Dan ranks as it is understood you must be a Shodan (1st Dan) to even apply!
Below are the general guidelines for advancement in the Master's Apprentice Program;
Assistant Instructor
After 6 months of assisting the current instructor in the junior most class to prove your martial background and understand the basics of PFMA standards. After the 6 months of review you will don this belt and begin your training as an Apprentice.
You will begin Course Study of Martial Science
You will be required to show a growing understanding of PFMA programs
You will lead the youngest age group classes under the supervision of a Certified Instructor
You will be required to attend all PFMA events, fundraisers, additional trainings
You will be required to preform two events of community service each year
Instructor
APR II ~ At this level you have completed the primary study of PFMA Programs and the required 60 credits in Martial Science (certified instructor degree) as well as taught under supervision of PFMA with a total of no less then 250 hours of mat time.
If you have not, you will at this point begin all weapons training
You will Continue Certified Instructor courses in Martial Science
You will begin your course study in a secondary system taught in the PFMA schools
You will be required to lead a group of students to a tournament
You will be required to hold a student testing at least one time per year
Senior Instructor
APR III ~ Now you have completed the Senior Certified Instructor Degree in Martial Science and the basic course of study in a secondary system. You must have no less then 700 hours of mat time with PFMA.
You will clearly show the ability to use and teach no less then 4 weapons systems taught in PFMA
You will begin study in a third system taught in PFMA
You will lead PFMA in at least one fundraiser per year; this includes all planing, set-up, organization and completion of the project
You will write a thesis on the future of martial arts and how PFMA will maintain the leadership standards it has set
You must earn public recognition for your efforts in the martial arts before promoting to the next level
Master Instructor
APR IV ~ Renshi
You now have no less then 2000
hours on the mat with PFMA. You are a proven leader within our Schools
and set the highest example for those students under you.
You will begin the study of Reflexology
You will begin the study of Kinetic Energy
and how it is applied to striking, blocking & breaking
You
must now start your Master Certified Instructor courses in Martial Science
You
must now begin a forth style or system of study in PFMA
Kyoshi ~ This is a senior master instructor
3500 hours of mat time
Formal Rankings in no less then four Styles/Systems
Begin study in Acupoints and their Martial Application
Promotion approved by all Apprentice members & certified Instructors.
All ranks from this point on are
subject to the vote of all Apprentice membership and the completion of
tasks set on a case by case bases by the GM.
Shihan
This is a teacher of teachers and should be respected as such.
This rank can only be earned by completing all standard styles
taught in PFMA
Completing all Academic Programs in PFMA
Must be an inducted member in a Martial Arts based "Hall of Fame" at
no less then a National Level
Must be recommended by the entire Apprentice Membership & all
PFMA Staff members
Must then be formally & publicly approved by the GM in a formal
promotion ceremony.
SOKE
This rank denotes the right to lead PFMA as the Soke when the Grandmaster retires or passes.
GrandMaster
There is and will be only one of these belts. This belt belongs to GM C.E. Carter the founder of Pure Force Martial Arts.
