Official Website Index
Information Guide
Search the official UMAA website by page or section.
Martial Arts Learning Guide
You do not need to already know martial arts to use the UMAA website. This guide explains the language you will see throughout the official site.
Black Belt Dan Ranks — what Shodan through Judan mean
Dan means a black-belt degree or grade. Shodan = 1st Dan, Nidan = 2nd, Sandan = 3rd, Yondan = 4th, Godan = 5th, Rokudan = 6th, Shichidan = 7th, Hachidan = 8th, Kudan = 9th, and Judan = 10th.
Rank vs. Teaching Title — they are not the same thing
Shichidan, for example, means 7th Dan and identifies martial rank. Kyoshi is a separate senior teaching title. Traditional titles such as Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi recognize teaching, leadership, or senior standing; their exact requirements can vary by martial-art system or organization.
Organizational Role — separate from rank and title
Roles such as Instructor, School Owner, State Director, or Regional Director describe a person’s responsibility within a school or the United Martial Arts Association. They do not replace a person’s martial rank or teaching title.
Common Terms
Sensei: teacher/instructor. Dojo: training place or martial-arts school. Kata: a formal sequence or pattern of techniques. Gi: a traditional training uniform.
UMAA uses this site as its official public information source. When a term needs more context, the site explains it in plain language rather than assuming the visitor already knows it.