Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide
BYLAWS
Of the
Association of Martial Artists World Wide (A for profit LLC)
About us: We are a diverse group of people with differing levels of skills, talents, and knowledge. We have come together to form an association that has no style boundaries, promotes all fighting arts, and encourages the fellowship among martial artist. The founder is Soke/Master Jonathan A. French, creator and developer of the Joshiki Self-Defense system. AMAWW is a nationally and internationally recognized association. We provide standardized rank accreditation and promotion guidelines that are universally applied to all martial artists regardless of their training style, methods, or philosophies. We are committed to ensuring integrity and maintaining the highest standard of all martial artists worldwide.
Name: The name of the association shall be the “Association of Martial Artists World Wide” but may be referred to as “AMAWW” or “the Association”.
Mission Statement: Our Mission at AMAWW is to unify all martial artists from around the world with a strong foundation of mutual respect for all styles. Our motto is “One body, One goal, Many martial arts”; it is our mission to neither promote nor exclude any style, but to assemble a world-wide body of practitioners to forge a comradeship of martial artist.
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Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide Article I. Purpose
1. The purpose of the AMAWW is to provide quality martial arts leadership, instruction, purpose, and camaraderie within a body of diverse martial artist with distinctive skills, expertise, knowledge, and perspective. The association encourages membership from all styles and levels of martial artist. 2. To protect and promote martial arts knowledge by leading a diverse membership. 3. To be a resource in the areas of martial arts, self-defense, fitness instruction, healthy living, nutrition, and other related topics of interest to martial artist. Article II. Meetings
1. Meetings will be held as determined necessary by the CEO and board members. At least once a year all members shall attempt to get together at an appointed time and place. Association business may be conducted via electronic means (email) where as the email “vote” will be considered valid for business decisions. 2. At the Annual Meeting old business of the year shall be voted on, new officers will be elected and a full and complete Annual Accounting of the financial statements shall be reviewed. A quorum of 75% of Board Members shall be needed for a decision to pass. 3. The CEO has the power twice a year to veto a decision made by the board members. Each board member’s (including the CEO) vote counts as one (1). Article III. Leadership
All board members and CEO shall have attained the age of 18 before being elected. Practice of at least one year of any martial arts is required, or some other business related skill that is desired to further the mission of the Association. Founder: Master Jonathan A. French, Soke/Master of Joshiki Self Defense, 4th Dan Master in ITF Taekwondo, Founder and Head Instructor of Jeet Gi Taekwondo, 5th Degree Black Belt in Joshiki, Black Slash in Praying Mantis Kung-Fu, 1st Degree Black Belt in MMA Karate, Master Black Belt Guntai-Shù Martial arts CEO: Master Jonathan A. French, Soke/Master of Joshiki Self Defense, 4th Dan Master in ITF Taekwondo, Founder and Head Instructor of Jeet Gi Taekwondo, 5th Degree Black Belt in Joshiki, Black Slash in Praying Mantis Kung-Fu, 1st Degree Black Belt in MMA Karate, Master Black Belt Guntai-Shù Martial arts
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Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide
Original Board Members: 1. Master Jackson T. Shatraw, M.A., Th.M: 4th Dan Black Belt ITF Tae Kwon Do – Founder/Head Instructor of Tae Kwon Do for Life; 1st Degree Black Belt in Joshiki Self-Defense; Master Black Belt in Guntai Shù Martial arts; 10 years military service (Sgt in USMC, TSgt in USAF); Training in military close quarter combatives & Marine Corp Leadership; Diploma in Fitness and Nutrition; 2010 Tae Kwon Do Instructor of the year award from World Karate Union; 5 year USAF/ANG Fitness Award; (2011) Air Force Achievement Medal for fitness program development. 2. Master Matthew Mooney: 6th Degree Master in Mooney's Martial Arts; Soke in MMA Karate; 1st Degree Black Belt in Joshiki Self Defense; expert in mixed martial arts and ground fighting. 3. James French, Webmaster; Bachelors degree in art studio with concentrations in photography and digital design with a minor in Information Technology. 4. Renee Murray: Assistant Instructor in Taekwondo and Joshiki Self Defense; expert in Women's Self Defense. 5. Zach Chapman: Bachelors degree in Business administration; Masters in health care administration. 6. Peter Wert, RN: Bachelors in Science; Registered Nurse; experience in the security industry; expert in non-violent crisis intervention; expert in Street Fighting tactics. 7. Rod Curran: Master Black Belt in Guntai Shù Martial arts; Assistant Instructor in Taekwondo; experience in Joshiki Self Defense; training in Military Combative; U.S. Army Veteran, awards: Army Service ribbon, National Defense Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals, and Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development; Honorably Discharged in 2001. 8. Shihan (Master Instructor) Andrew S. Gayeskie: Owns Massena Martial Arts, Martial arts training since 1975; 6th Degree in Shito-Ryu Karate; 5th Degree in Matsukazi Aikido; 3rd Degree in Matsukazi Jujutsu; certified with the Matsukazi Shito-Ryu Karate, Kobudo, & Jujutsu Federation and New World Martial Arts; all yudansha grading was received directly from Paul Fracchia Hanshi, Hanshi is Headmaster of the Matsukazi Shito-Ryu Karate, Kobudo, & Jujutsu Federation; guest instructor to many martial arts schools across New York and Canada and has taught defensive tactics to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers.
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Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide Article IV. Removal of an Officer If a board member violates the principles/ethics of the association, the CEO will call a special meeting after consultation with the offending member, and bring the matter to a decision. Majority vote will carry the decision. Article V. Ethical guidelines The Code offers a set of values, principles, and standards to guide decision making and conduct when ethical issues arise. It does not provide a set of rules that prescribe how the CEO and board members should act in all situations. Specific applications of the Code must take into account the context in which it is being considered and the possibility of conflicts among the Code‘s values, principles, and standards. At times ethical decisions can be a process, and use of the code to define, direct, and decide what we should do is its purpose. The CEO and the board members of AMAWW will commit to the highest level of integrity, both professionally and personally. No level of immoral behavior will be tolerated. Any board member convicted of a crime will be banned from the board and teaching with the possibility of having their rank taken away through this Association. Any board member accused of a crime will be put on probation from the board and teaching until either convicted or found not guilty. Personal integrity and ethical living No form of sexual deviance is allowed. All unlawful “sexual activity” as defined by the State Law is forbidden. No type of indecency, or unwanted behavior of sexual advances, remarks, jokes are tolerated. AMAWW also prohibits the use of pornography in any type; print, video, etc. by their board members. All dishonesty in the form of lying, cheating, and stealing whether punishable by State law or not, is prohibited. Martial arts teach us to live above reproach, and people must be able to trust what we say and do. Kindness, compassion, and the good of mankind shall compel the CEO and board members. Desiring to promote all martial arts, and encouraging the autonomy of each school. Conflict of Interest AMAWW’s founder and board members will not put themselves in a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest may occur when a party member makes decisions that benefit themselves or their personal lives. The founder currently is the only one that benefits financially from the association, but will make decisions that affect the promotion of the association without compromising any ethical standards. The founder has sole authority in determining the use of monies for AMAWW (also see section VIII). Confidentiality Certain personal information is collected for registration and will be kept confidential by the CEO and board members. No information will be sold or posted anywhere public. Any picture or name used for Created by Jackson T. Shatraw 9/26/2013
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Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide the AMAWW’s website or promotional materials will be authorized by the person(s) before distribution. All stakeholders’ information shall be maintained with strict confidentiality. Board member selection All board members shall adhere to AMAWW’s code of ethics and policies and procedures. Board member selection is based on the associations’ belief that the individual; without regard to race, religion, sex, or ethnic background; but on the sole basis of their skill, technical understanding of martial arts, fitness level, character, personal integrity, and/or ability to teach, meets AMAWW’s criteria for board members. Article VI. Membership Board members will be automatic life members of the AMAWW unless convicted of illegal behavior or decided, for whatever reason by the founder, Master Jonathan A. French, to be dismissed from membership. It is highly encouraged that board members with schools enroll their students into the association to show support of the AMAWW. Fees and benefits will be maintained and updated on the Association’s website. Types of Membership: Annual Individual membership: Any individual practicing a martial art may enroll for membership. If studying at an official school, the individual, out of respect of their instructor is required to get their instructor’s signature. Lifetime membership: A person desiring lifetime membership must have a minimum of three months martial arts experience and a sincere desire to advance in the Martial Arts. The Founder, CEO, and Board Members hold explicit right to revoke this membership if the individual involves themselves in an illegal activity that is not upheld by the Association. AMAWW holds the highest of standards for their members. Certified Instructor memberships: The requirements for an individual desiring Certified Instructor membership are; you must be at least 18 years of age, have a minimum of 5 years martial art experience, 1 year experience in being an instructor or assistant instructor, and have a sincere desire to assist your students advance in their training and education. 1. AMAWW does not promote any one style over the other and Instructors have discretion as to overall curriculum, teaching style, and methods. To uphold a standard in martial arts training, AMAWW has decided to require certain elements to be taught: a. Offensive/Defensive Tactical concepts and techniques b. Forms/Katas (if the martial art taught has them) c. Self-Defense: organized realistic self-defense movements d. Sparring: light, middle, or heavy contact is at the discretion of the school, but some type of sparring must be conducted and taught. Created by Jackson T. Shatraw 9/26/2013
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Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide e. Character building School membership: An instructor who has a certified instructor membership may enroll their school as a chartered school for AMAWW. International Black Belt Council: Martial artist who have their Black Belt or equivalent may join this. To join: 1. Fill out application 2. Send proof of rank 3. 2 passport pictures, at least one in their uniform of their style Rules and benefits will be posted on the AMAWW site. US Military Veteran Guntai Shù membership: The AMAWW is proud to honor the men and women who have served our country. Your dedication and sacrifice is greatly appreciated. Every day you have given unselfishly to the protection of the country, willing to fight for its freedoms and rights. To every member of every service, whether active, reserve, or national guard, we thank you and salute you for your service. Every veteran who joins AMAWW as a member will receive a Certificate of appreciation for their service to their country. A copy of their DD214 or ID card must be submitted with their application to prove their military status. See details on the website for Guntai Shù. AMAWW Salute to International Military Veterans: Those International military veterans who have given their life for the peace and safety of their country, the AMAWW will recognize you with a special certificate and post your picture on our wall of International Veterans. Life time membership for Instructors, school membership, and International Black Belt Council is available. Contact the AMAWW and find how to become a lifetime member of this great association. Honorary Membership: At the CEO’s discretion, they may award this membership to martial artist and non-martial artist alike. Honorary members are individuals (or Companies) who have made notable and significant contributions to further the goals of the AMAWW. Promotion and Rank Achievement: 1. Individual students in an official class should be tested within their school’s regulation. The association does not promote “gup” or “colored” belts unless taking online courses through this association. 2. Instructors/School charter holders with a 1st Dan/Degree rank or equivalent and above may test in their style by submitting a high quality DVD, or some form of media, of them performing the required materials for their rank. Board members of AMAWW will evaluate technical skills and when applicable accuracy of performed materials to determine promotion status. 3. Black belt promotion time frame is: Created by Jackson T. Shatraw 9/26/2013
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Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.
1st to 2nd Dan/Degree – 1 year 2nd to 3rd Dan/Degree – 1 year 3rd to 4th Dan/Degree – 2 years 4th to 5th Dan/Degree – 2 years 5th to 6th Dan/Degree – 3 years 6th to 7th Dan/Degree – 3 years 7th to 8th Dan/Degree – 4 years 8th to 9th Dan/Degree – Board member’s decision 9th to 10th Dan/Degree – Board member’s decision Article VII. Selection of board members and CEO
Black Belt Board members shall be elected for two (2) years. Board members below Black Belt shall be elected for one year. At least four (4) members including the CEO must be elected. Membership should be staggered by a term of a year, in order to circulate board member without a complete change in board membership. For example, a board membership of 6 would work as follows: 2 or 3 members would either change or be re-elected in year 1 2 or 3 other members would either change or be re-elected in year 2 Election shall be conducted at the annual meeting. Board members and the CEO shall bring forth candidates interested in fitting the criteria of board membership. The CEO and the board shall vote on the candidates of discussion of each. Majority of votes wins. The current CEO is the founder of the Association. He will only be replaced when he decides to step down. A new CEO will be voted on by the board members and it must be unanimous. There will be no more than 10 Board members including the CEO. Benefits of AMAWW Board Members Board Members will receive: Lifetime Membership certificate personally signed by the Founder of the Association of Martial Artist World Wide A rank certificate of your present rank through the association --Black belts or instructors will receive a certified instructor certificate AMAWW Association Patch Black belts or Instructors will receive an AMAWW Instructor Association Patch Rank Recognition and listed on-line Access to AMAWW Rank Examination and Certification Reviewing and granting of ranks A central filing of all ranks and styles International, National, and Regional Recognition Created by Jackson T. Shatraw 9/26/2013
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Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide Discount on Training DVD’s Testing for a higher rank will be free through AMAWW as long as you are serving as a board member. Personal Consultation with a Soke, Grand Master, or Master All Board members will get a free association T-shirt. 10 Duties of AMAWW Board Members
1. Serving as a trusted adviser to the CEO as he develops and implements martial art ideas for the future of AMAWW. 2. Regularly measuring the association’s performance and effectiveness for possible future changes in AMAWW. 3. Voting on business decisions and coming up with new ideas to vote on for the future of this Association. 4. Assisting the CEO in identifying and recruiting other Board Members. 5. Partnering with the CEO and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are implemented. 6. Acting as an ambassador for the association by promoting, speaking highly about the AMAWW, its board members, and its CEO. 7. Be diligent to provide feedback and/or resolution for questions the CEO or other board members may have at any given time. 8. Assist and/or conduct martial arts seminars or other functions the AMAWW may have in the future. 9. Must have a sincere desire to help the Association of Martial Artists World Wide succeed as a business. 10. Maintain consistent training in the martial art of choice.
Article VIII. Financial accountability
All monies collected in any form, credit, pay pal, cash, check, or any other means, will be accounted for. All monies will be recorded in the AMAWW’s general ledger. All expenditures up to $500 needed for the operation of the association is at the sole discretion of the founder, any expenditure over $500 shall be determined and brought before the board members for approval. All monies collected will be reported to a certified tax preparation agency and all proper taxes should be paid. Created by Jackson T. Shatraw 9/26/2013
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Business Charter for Association of Martial Arts World Wide Article IX. Bank Account The bank account shall be owned and maintained by the founder Jonathan A. French. Only the Founder/CEO may write checks for purchases. In Witness thereof, the founder/CEO and founding board members have set their hands, the year, and the date below to the agreement of these bylaws: Partner (Printed Name)
Title
Date
Jonathan A. French
Soke/Master/Founder
10/1/2013
Jackson T. Shatraw
Soke/Master/Board member
10/1/2013
Matthew Mooney
Soke/Master/Board member
10/1/2013
Andrew S. Gayeskie Shihan-Dai
Master/Board member
10/1/2013
James French
Webmaster/Board member
10/1/2013
Renee Mooney
Board member
10/1/2013
Zach Chapman
Board member
10/1/2013
Peter Wert
Board member
10/1/2013
Rod Curran
Master/Board member
10/1/2013
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