1. After completing the general requirements listed in the IWSD Association Member Handbook, member must submit a Rank Review Application with their Guiding Instructor's recommendation and submit it to the IWSD Association Administrator.

2. Certification for the First Level Black Belt rank may be given with the recommendation of an IWSD Association Master Level instructor. The IWSD Association Headquarters may require further testing before awarding rank.

3. A First Level Black Belt holder is qualified as an assistant instructor in the IWSD Association.

Certification for the Second Level Black Belt

1. After completing the general requirements listed in the IWSD Association Member Handbook, member must submit a Rank Review Application with their Guiding Instructor's recommendation and submit it to the IWSD Association Administrator.

2. Certification for the Second Level Black Belt must be approved by at least two Master Level 1 instructors, or by one Master Level 2 or higher instructor. The IWSD Association Headquarters may require further testing before awarding rank.

3. A Second Level Black Belt holder is qualified as an instructor in the IWSD Association.

Certification for the Third Level Black Belt

1. After completing the general requirements listed in the IWSD Association Member Handbook, member must submit a Rank Review Application with their Guiding Instructor's recommendation and submit it to the IWSD Association Administrator.

2. Certification for the Third Level Black Belt rank must be approved by at least three Master level 1 instructors, or two Master Level 2 instructors, or one Master Level 3 or higher instructor. The IWSD Association Headquarters may require further testing before awarding rank.

Certification for Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Level Black Belts (Master Level Ranks)

1. After completing the general requirements listed in the IWSD Association Member Handbook, member must submit a Rank Review Application and submit it to the IWSD Association Administrator.

2. As a sign of promoting Wushu Sanshou Dao, Master Level Black Belt rank holders are requested to host one IWSD Association sanctioned workshop per year free of charge to members. The IWSD Association requests that Master Level instructors honor the "Gift Certificate to Attend a FREE Workshop" members received when they join the IWSD Association

3. Certification for Master Level ranks must be approved by the IWSD Association Headquarters or the IWSD Chairman.

Honorary Eighth and Ninth Level Black Belts (Highest Ranks)

1. For an individual to receive the Honorary Eighth and Ninth Level Black Belt rank, a recommendation must be approved by the majority of the IWSD Association Guiding Council.

2. The IWSD Association Guiding Council is made up of Master Level instructors. It’s purpose is to function as arbitrators and guiding teachers for the IWSD Association community.

Special Considerations

l If you don’t currently have a Guiding Instructor that is a member of the IWSD Association you may submit a rank review form without a Guiding Instructor’s recommendation. Please submit all verifiable material containing your achievements past and present. A letter of recommendation from your instructor would be helpful in awarding your rank. An interview and demonstration of your ability may be required if your achievements are not verifiable. Rank reviews may also be conducted during any of the IWSD Association sanctioned activities.

l We recognize the ranks of accomplished martial artist from Chinese Wushu, Judo, Karate, Tae Kwan Do, Aikido, Jujitsu, etc. The IWSD Association encourages you to continue your training in your style of martial arts and we welcome you to join the IWSD Association.

1. If you wish to transfer your rank to the IWSD Association ranking system, you are required to satisfactorily complete the requirements for the First Level Black Belt outlined in this handbook. That is, if you are currently a Third Degree Black belt in a Karate system, and you can satisfactorily complete and pass the test for the First Level Black Belt requirement, the IWSD Association will award you the Third Degree Black Belt rank in the IWSD Association.

2. If you have ranked Fourth Level Black Belt or higher in any recognized martial arts systems, and do not have the physical ability (due to age and/or special conditions) to participate in the IWSD Association training and testing, the IWSD Association may still respectfully award you with a rank for your accomplishments. Your rank in the IWSD Association, however, may be lower than your other system's rank depending on your special circumstances.

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