About the AWMAI

The Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors was founded to empower advanced women martial artists via paths of learning, training, and ranking.

The AWMAI believes that passing on the knowledge from teacher to teacher adds to the power of the individual and the entire world of martial arts.

Rank Certification

AWMAI offers Rank Recognition, Rank Promotion, and Honorary Rank Promotion to its members certifying your years of training and expertise

Rank Certification Procedures

Rank Recognition – Rank Recognition certification is official peer recognition of your current rank available to members who meet the requirements. Rank Recognition Application

Rank Promotion – Rank Promotion certification is available to members who desire rank advancement but currently do not have a teacher to promote them. Applicants must meet the requirements and are reviewed by a committee of senior martial artists from a variety of styles and expertise. Rank Promotion Application

Honorary Rank Promotion: Honorary Rank Promotion certification is awarded in recognition of a woman’s outstanding training spirit and her contribution to the martial arts community and women’s empowerment. Reviewed on a case by case basis, honorary status may be awarded when a woman is no longer able to teach due to medical considerations, or may be awarded posthumously, in recognition of her lifetime achievements. Honorary Rank Promotion

Volunteers Needed

AWMAI is currently looking for volunteers for several committees. If you are looking for a way to get involved, please contact us! We are always for great people and ideas.

Volunteer now


Promotion Board Members

Rank Promotion Review Board Members

Certification Director, Sherry McGregor – 10th degree Shorin Ryu Karate

Janet Aalfs – 7th degree, Shuri Ryu Karate; 5th degree, Modern Arnis

Marjory Allingham – 6th degree, Tae Kwon Do

Ginger Burnside – 6th degree, Tatsu-do Karate

Darlene C. DeFour – 9th degree, San Yama Bushi Ryu Ju-jutsu; 2nd degree, Kushinda Ryu Shotokan Karate

Zosia Gorbaty – 8th degree, Zujitsu Martial Arts

Sunny Graff – 7th degree, Tae Kwon Do; 4th degree, Lapunti Arnis de Abanico ; 4th degree, Modern Arnis; 3rd degree, Shin Son Hapkido

Kore Grate – 6th degree, Wu Chien Pai (eclectic - Judo, Jujitsu, Gong Fu, Taiji, Meditation and Healing Arts); 2nd degree, Soshoryu Iaido

Sheila Haddad – 15th degree, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu; 7th degree, Seido Jujutsu; 5th degree, Enshin Itto Ryu Battojutsu; 2nd degree, Hakko Ryu Jujutsu

Dara Masi - 8th degree, Hakkoryu Jujutsu, 2nd degree, Soshoryu Heihodo Iaido

Carol Middleton – 7th degree, Tae Kwon Do

Anne Nepsky – 6th degree, Kenpo Karate

Janice Okamoto – 7th degree, Danzan Ryu Jujitsu; 6th degree, Small Circle Jujitsu; 2nd degree, Judo

Gabriele Roloff – Master of Tapi Tapi, Modern Arnis (highest level of achievement)

Jamie Zimron – 5th degree, Aikido

Note: All systems are based on ten (10) degrees of black belt, except Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu, based on fifteen (15) degrees, and Hakkoryu Jujutsu, based on eight (8) degrees

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