AIKIA
World Martial Arts Master

Chairman: Dr. Jerry Beasley 9th Dan

Voted Instructor of the Year for 2000 and inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, Dr. Jerry Beasley received the martial arts world’s highest honor. Inside Karate magazine called him “the published authority on American karate.” Black Belt magazine recognized him as America’s foremost martial arts educator. A world renowned author and educator, Dr. Beasley is the only American to receive the master’s and doctorate in part for research in martial arts teaching and promotion (Virginia Tech). Beasley first gained attention in 1973, when he decisioned then-ITF World Champion Ho Kwon Kang of Venezuela in an exhibition bout. A dan holder in karate, taekwon do (1st-5th dan ITF style TKD), hapkido, tang soo do, and jiujitsu, Dr. Beasley is the only person to receive the 6th (’85), 7th (’90), and 8th (’95) dan ranks from his instructor, Grand Master Joe Lewis. Dr. Beasley received the 9th dan from Professors Wally Jay and Michael DePasquale, Sr., in 1998. Dr. Beasley is a professor at Radford University (Virginia), where he hosts the world famous Karate College mixed martial arts summer camp. He is also a certified instructor of jeet kune do and grand master of the Korean-American art of jhapkido, which combines the best of TKD/HKD/TSD/JKD, and president/inheritor of the American Moo Duk Kwan Council. Dr. Beasley works directly with each AIKIA agent member.

Who should join?

If you have earned a black belt in karate, taekwon do, tang soo do, hapkido, kenpo, or other classical or non-classical martial arts, you are eligible for AIKIA membership. If you currently serve as an instructor or plan to begin a class, let AIKIA assist you. Our membership base is composed of 40 percent taekwon do, 30 percent karate, and 30 percent tang soo do, hapkido, kenpo, etc.

Are you an independent martial artist?

The independent martial artist is free to add techniques from all styles to his/her system. The "K" in Aikia stands for Korean Martial Arts/Karate/Kickboxing/Kung Fu/Kali/Ki Arts. If you practice and teach skills from more than one art (like karate and kickboxing, taekwon do and escrima, or hapkido and jiujitsu), or any combination of arts, you are an independent martial artist.
 After practicing and researching martial arts from many cultures, Dr. Beasley introduced the concept of the “independent” in 1979. His efforts led to appearances in more than 100 articles and six books. Former members of AIKIA have included Joe Lewis, Bill Wallace, Jeff Smith, John Graden, Gary Dill, Frank Sanchez, John Pellegrini, Steve “Nasty” Anderson, and many others.

AIKIA’s worldwide authorization

AIKIA is the acknowledged world leader in independent martial arts certification and accreditation. We created the concept. As our representative, you will be asked to continue teaching your base art (karate, taekwon do, etc.). You should employ a belt system, continue teaching kata, hyung, basics, etc., and experiment with new skills to better prepare your students.

Our goal

As the world’s leading independent teachers organization, our first goal is to serve our members. “Whosoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:20). We offer expert guidance, internationally recognized rank certification, and fast and considerate service. Our materials and methods have been copied but never duplicated. (Look at all the competitors. Many are former AIKIA members who now offer “independent” memberships.)

Advance your rank!

AIKIA has promoted more than 3,500 black belts! When you receive your black belt agent manual, turn to the section about dan promotions. Choose your appropriate level, and follow the step-by-step instructions to earn your next dan promotion in the art of your choice. You also may qualify for dan rank in more than one art. Testing is absolutely free! Awarding your dan certificate will be our honor, not your expense. You also may earn the much sought after “Mastering Karate” certificate. (Based on the “Mastering Karate” book by Dr. Beasley, available at www.Amazon.com.)