The directors of the CMAA have over 90 years of combined experience in the martial arts. Because of this knowledge and our close association with other classical martial artists, we offer a unique and rewarding line of study.

Why a New Association?

At the beginning of any new endeavor countless questions arise. In the case of a new association people have questions such as, “Why?” “What is your purpose?” and “Where did you come from?” Let's address these questions one at a time starting with the last.

“Where did we come from?” The Classical Martial Arts Association (CMAA) was founded by a group of instructors and Dojos that were previously affiliated with the Traditional Karate Association. All of the higher Dans started out in the National Karate and Jujitsu Union (NKJU) under the leadership of Soke Richard P. Baillargeon and Hanshi Joseph Ruiz. There will be further historical information on these instructors and the NKJU in later issues of the newsletter.

The second question is “Why a new association?” For a number of years there has been a growing dissatisfaction with the TKA over the response time for promotion certificates and a lack of direction. After several discussions with the Dojo heads, I raised these concerns with Kyoshi Adams. The problems continued and were raised again. Several of the high dans offered assistance in these areas of concern, but these offers were declined. Finally, in the spring of 2002, a decision was made to form an association that would be more responsive to its members.

This brings us to the final question “What is your purpose?” First, the association is an organization in which like-minded martial artists can learn, grow, exemplify and pass on the true spirit of the art.

Secondly, the association provides a means for classical martial artists to receive rank certification.

The third and maybe the most important reason is fellowship. In the old NKJU members had a high degree of ownership. Members on all levels were encouraged to participate in the decision making process. They were acknowledged for their efforts. We hope to achieve all these ideals and more in the CMAA. This will require two things on your part; participation and hard work.

Having answered these initial questions let me challenge all the members of the CMAA to strive to make this the best association possible.

If you are interested in a vast array of kata (both open hand and weapons) and in an association that encourages a high degree of ownership and involvement, please contact Renshi Maisenhelder for more information.