A.K.E.A. Constitution

The Constitution of the

AMERICAN KARATE-ESCRIMA ASSOCIATION

(ESTABLISHED 1987)

(Amended 1993, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2012)

CHAPTER I

-CONSTITUTION-

ARTICLE I – Designation

The official designation of this association is the AMERICAN KARATE-ESCRIMA ASSOCIATION, or the A.K.E.A.

ARTICLE II -Purpose and Objectives

To provide a vehicle for teaching martial arts that:
Preserves past martial arts traditions that instill honor, character, humility, and a sense of history and legitimacy. That reasonably preserves and/or demystifies traditions for application in modern American life and society.
A.K.E.A. techniques taught to be open for free discussion and experimentation.
Any skills or techniques taught to be efficient and effective within present needs for self-defense.
The arts taught will seek to enhance the personality and character of its participants.
Students and instructors will have lifelong opportunity for growth and advancement in the martial arts.
Students receive a workable knowledge of a variety of martial arts.
To establish an association that will act as controller for all rank certification and authority for all branch schools.
To unify all practitioners with similar martial arts’ philosophies as that of the A.K.E.A.
To create a process whereby all instruction may be standardized.
To promote growth in modern, pragmatic martial arts nationwide within the A.K.E.A.
To provide any association member a recourse for counsel, discussion, of personal concerns regarding the martial arts in general and specific to the local schools.
To provide opportunities for seminars, lectures, classes and any other training which would produce the highest quality martial arts possible.
To provide training and ongoing assistance to persons who desire to operate an A.K.E.A. school.
To provide training in and certification standards for persons wishing to instruct in the A.K.E.A.

ARTICLE III – Authority

The A.K.E.A. is organized as a private association under the provision of local laws pertaining to each individual school.
The A.K.E.A. has the authority to inquire into the activities and finances of each school, if deemed necessary in the best interest of each school and the A.K.E.A.
Each individual school has the authority to enforce order and etiquette in accordance with the conditions stated in this constitution and bylaws and in any literature copyrighted by the A.K.E.A.
All activities and programs conducted by the A.K.E.A. will be conducted without discrimination based on race, color, religion, and gender.
The A.K.E.A. shall be self-sustaining. Neither the respective local school nor any appropriated funds of the local school shall assert claims to the assets of the A.K.E.A., nor should the respective local school or any non-appropriated fund incur any obligation on behalf of the A.K.E.A., or assume any obligation of the A.K.E.A. outside of taxes.

ARTICLE IV – Memberships

Any U.S. citizen of a friendly country may become a member provided that membership complies with the five categories of membership as set forth in the bylaws. If an individual has been discharged from military service with a “For the good of the service discharge”, they must have the approval of the Association Founder, his Representative or if so enacted at least 2/3 favorable vote of the Board of Directors. All other dissatisfactory discharges automatically disqualify those persons from membership in the A.K.E.A. Membership will also be limited to persons with no police records in the last three (3) years and/or with no offense bringing with it the possibility of jail time of 1 year or more prior to applying for membership. A police/FBI background check may be required. Prospective members may become active members by submitting a properly endorsed application with the appropriate fee and being approved by the Association Founder, his representative or if so enacted 2/3 of the Board of Directors. Each membership must also include endorsement of the senior instructor of the local A.K.E.A. School. The senior instructor’s endorsement will be assumed upon receipt of membership application.

ARTICLE V – Government (Administration)

The A.K.E.A. shall be governed by the Association Founder or his designated Representative. At his discretion he may call for a Board of Director to govern the operations of the A.K.E.A. This board exists at the sole discretion of the Association Founder. The Board of Directors can be disbanded at any time by the Association Founder or his designated Representative without warning or prior notice. For the purpose of this constitution all reference to the Board of Directors. With regards to this constitution, if a Board of Directors has not been enacted the replace all mention of the Board of Directors with the Association Founder or his designated Representative. In this case all votes for vacant offices are instead given to the Founder or his designee’s discretion.
If enacted by the Association Founder the A.K.E.A. and all its local schools and members will be operated under the control of the Board of Directors, subject to A.K.E.A. regulations. With a unanimous approval of the Board of Directors, operational control can also include active A.K.E.A. black belts, law officers, clergy, and city/government officials.
To be considered for involvement, service roles, and/or placement on the Board of Directors for the Martial Arts component of the A.K.E.A. one must be recommended by a current Board Member to the Board members at a Board meeting.
Selection for involvement and service on the A.K.E.A. Board of Directors will be based on seniority of black belt entry date, active instructor service time in the A.K.E.A., and current contributions to the A.K.E.A. Final approval will be consummated by the current Board of Directors in form of an official vote of acceptance that must be passed by unanimous decision.
Once a position has been earned to be on the Board it will be understood that being placed on the A.K.E.A. Board is a volunteer and unpaid position unless otherwise agreed in writing, and accepted by a unanimous vote by the current Board members.

ARTICLE VI – Meetings

An annual meeting in conjunction will be held to coincide with an annual tournament, seminar, clinic, or camp.
Board of Directors meeting will be held at least semi-annually to discuss and maintain the A.K.E.A. This meeting may coincide with other meetings.
Special meetings will be held on an “as needed” basis and will consist of the Board of Directors and/or active A.K.E.A. black belts and approved guests. The Executive Director, 50% of the Board of Directors, or a quorum of active A.K.E.A. black belts may call special meetings.
A quorum will consist of 50% of the Board of Directors (one of which must be the Founder, or in his absence, the Director of Operations or the Director of Instructor of Instructor Education), and/or 51% of active A.K.E.A. black belts. All not present must vote by secret ballot prior to the actual meeting.
The Board of Directors of the A.K.E.A. shall consist of the Founder, Director of Operations, Director of Instruction Education, and Secretary/Treasurer. Duties may be shared by members. Appointment of officers and duties are set forth in the bylaws.

ARTICLE VII – Dissolution and Disposal of Assets

The A.K.E.A. may be dissolved upon the vote of 100% of the Board of Directors. On such action, all fixed assets will be disposed of through sale and at such time assets are liquidated, they shall be split 50/50 between Director of School Operations, Director of Education/Founder and share-holder’s of stock.

ARTICLE IX – Finances

All monies will be made payable to A.K.E.A. Inc. and forwarded to the Director of School Operations. Sources of income for the A.K.E.A. shall include, but not limited to the following:

Fees: All fees are nonrefundable and non-prorated, unless specifically stated below.
The Board of Directors of the A.K.E.A. will annually review and set fees for enrollment, renewals, progress assessment, site licensing, management services fees, instructor seminars and all other A.K.E.A. Association related fees. See the current fee structure guidelines. Approval to changes these fees are at the discretion of the Association Founder, his designated Representative or upon a majority vote by Board of Directors.
Enrollment fees for all new members: Enrollment fees will be set by the A.K.E.A. and will include initial set-up, paper/computer work, membership card, , rank certificates, and other informative literature (manuals and books are excluded). This fee shall increase as cost of materials increase.
Annual renewal membership fees are set by the A.K.E.A.: These fees are payable upon initial enrollment and every September first (1) and cover the cost and preparation of, but are not limited to, membership cards, certificates, notices, certificates, and some instructor materials.
Progress Assessment Fees:
There will be no fee for promotion tests occurring within contracted lesson agreements in the A.K.E.A.
Progress assessment fees for absentee students and instructors:
Colored belts (white-yellow/black) – See A.K.E.A. fees structure
Colored belts (green-brown/black) – See A.K.E.A. fees structure
Black Belt Grades – See A.K.E.A. fees structure
Officiating Fees: fees received per contract written and/or oral for providing officials for tournaments, demonstrations or related events; 10% shall go to the A.K.E.A.
Tournament Fees: from all monies received from A.K.E.A. sponsored tournaments; 10% of the net shall go to the A.K.E.A. Any tournament put on by any A.K.E.A school is considered an A.K.E.A. sponsored tournament.
Site License: gives authority to teach use, and distribute A.K.E.A. techniques, materials, concepts, and certifications within the operation of the local school. – This fee is set by the Board of Directors for all schools operating within the A.K.E.A. and are payable per year due every September first (1).
School Opening Service: A onetime fee set by the Association will be charged to open all A.K.E.A. schools. This fee covers 200 hours of training in all aspects necessary to operate a full-time or part-time self-defense school, all manuals and business forms, two-year initial site license. A nonrefundable deposit of 20% is due prior to opening for initial training and the remaining balance is paid in 24-36 monthly installments after the school is opened and operating. Initial fees may be adjusted as needed to fit specific scenarios.
Management Services and Investment Maintenance Agreements: These are to be based on a special rate for management services at a rate set by the Board of Directors per hour for schools to remain certified with the A.K.E.A., after the initial school opening service is completed. A twenty-six (26) hour minimum of training is required annually to maintain site license and affiliation. These hours will be used as eight hours (8) for school evaluations and eighteen (18) hours for technical instruction time for the school manager. Additional time can be purchased at the standard rate, or other arrangements can be made at the discretion of the Executive Director and/or Director of School Operations.
Instructor seminars:

Level One – $ See fee structure; 2- 4 days

Level Two – $ See fee structure; 1- 3 days

Level Three – $ See fee structure; 1-3 days

Instructor Recertification fee $ See fee structure;

Recertification is required annually for level one instructors; every two years for level two instructors; every three years for level-three instructors. Recertification for level-four instructors is required every 5 years and can be based on material developed for each individual level-four instructor.

Seminars and Clinics: Fees for seminars or clinics taught by the A.K.E.A. Board or representative will be by the Board. These charges are for a minimum of 4 hours of time plus travel time regardless how much time is actually taught. For fees for seminars and clinic taught by the A.K.E.A. schools are subject to approval by a majority approval by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X – Committees

The Founder and the Board of Directors shall approve all committees.

ARTICLE XI – Amendments

Changes or amendments to this constitutions or bylaws may be recommended by any member of the Board of Directors and approved by the Founder and/or the President, or may be recommended by any A.K.E.A. member in good standing to the Board. After discussion, the recommendation must be approved by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.

All changes or amendments to the constitutions or bylaws must be posted at the local A.K.E.A. school in order to notify the A.K.E.A. student body of said changes.

ARTICLE XII – Schools

School are as mentioned in Chapter One and Two:

AKEA School(s) will be defined by three categories:

Fulltime
Part-time
Affiliate

Fulltime schools: Any school that meets the following criteria will be considered a fulltime AKEA School.

Holds a current AKEA site license.
Holds a current AKEA retail license.
School operational hours are a minimum of 40 hours+ in a standard week, typically 1pm to 9pm M-F, and three hours on Saturday.
Teaches only AKEA approved curriculums.
Adheres to all chapters and articles of AKEA constitution
Clearly promotes, and advertises school, as an AKEA school.
School manager/owner maintains consistent up-dated training in AKEA martial arts curriculum.
Supports and promotes AKEA event’s, and or, functions.

Part-time schools: Any school that meets the following criteria will be considered a part-time AKEA school.

Holds a current AKEA site license.
School operational hours are a minimum of 20 hours+ in a standard work week, typically 4pm to 9pm M-F, and while encouraged to be open on Saturday’s may be closed.
Teaches only AKEA approved curriculums.
Adheres to all chapters and articles of AKEA constitution
Clearly promotes, and advertises school, as an AKEA school.
School manager/owner maintains consistent up-dated training in AKEA martial arts curriculum.
Supports and promotes AKEA event’s, and/or functions.

Affiliate schools: Any school that meets the following criteria will be considered an affiliate AKEA School.

Has completed the necessary steps outlined in Chapter Two, Article Two of AKEA constitution.
Has current affiliate certificate.
Adheres to all chapters and articles of AKEA constitution in regards to the representation of the AKEA.
Clearly promotes the AKEA organization and AKEA events in some manner, however, may also promote and display other organizations and or personal business entities.

CHAPTER II

-BYLAWS-

ARTICLE I – Membership

The A.K.E.A. membership as defined in Article IV of the Constitution shall include: active, absentee active, affiliated, honorary, and lifetime.

Active Member: A member who is currently enrolled and participating in the A.K.E.A. at any licensed A.K.E.A. school and has completed all registration paperwork and fees.
Absentee-Active Member: Same as “Active” member except has not attended lessons for a 6-month period or more at any A.K.E.A. school but has completed all registration paperwork and fees.
Affiliated Member: Any individual who is enrolled in any of the schools affiliated with the A.K.E.A., has completed all registration paperwork and fees, and is from a listing titled “Affiliated Schools.”
Honorary Member: Individuals who have displayed outstanding public interest in the martial arts, who have been outstanding participants as a practitioner and/or teacher, or who have made outstanding contributions to the martial arts community as a whole, and upon recommendation of any member of the A.K.E.A. and unanimous approval of the Board of Directors may be awarded an Honorary Membership. Such members are excluded from holding office, voting, introducing changes or amendments. These members are extremely rare and because of the esteemed title are not subject to any of the A.K.E.A. standard fees for membership.
Lifetime Member: This membership shall be in recognition of services rendered and is awarded to all present and past Board members of the A.K.E.A. who have faithfully completed one term. They will not be subject to any standard A.K.E.A. fees. Instruction, consulting services, and any other training fees will apply.
Any membership may be revoked at any time by a unanimous vote of the members of the Board of Directors based on a disciplinary procedure.
A member shall assist in expansion, development, and promotion of the A.K.E.A.
A member shall support and promote all activities of the A.K.E.A.

ARTICLE II – Admission for Affiliates

Affiliate school membership is available to established martial arts schools, martial arts organizations, armed forces organizations, collegiate and law enforcement groups who wish to belong to the A.K.E.A.
The organizational head of applying schools or groups must indicate, in writing, to the A.K.E.A. Executive Director willingness to uphold the A.K.E.A. Constitution and By-laws.
The one-time fee for affiliate schools and organizations shall be set by the Board of Directors according to the following tiers: individual schools; organizations which contain two (2) to three (3) individual branches; organizations which contain four (4) or more individual branches.
The organizational head of each applying affiliate must attend a screening with the Board of Directors of the A.K.E.A. The affiliate must agree, in writing, to the “Affiliate Guidelines.” The applying affiliate must then be approved by a unanimous vote the Board of Directors.
Upon acceptance, the applying affiliate shall receive a certificate of affiliation, which confers recognition and authority to represent the A.K.E.A. only in the jurisdiction and to the degree approved by the Board of Directors and specified in the “Affiliated Guidelines.”

ARTICLE III -Progress Assessments

Progress assessments are designed to determine a student’s present skill/maturation level and provide a program for future growth and development who do not have local access to a registered A.K.E.A. instructor and are training via long distance on their own, or who have not trained for some time.
No belt promotion will be conducted for an absentee-active instructor or students without a prior progress assessment and time allotment for meeting prescribed assessment conditions if assessment conditions are deemed necessary.
Should the progress assessment reveal the student or instructor be promoted to a higher rank or last held rank be reinstated, this will be done at the time of the progress assessment.
A progress assessment will be mandatory for any student or instructor who has not personally met with the Founder or his specific appointee for evaluation, or has not attended a recognized A.K.E.A. seminar for a period of one year dating from September to September.
A progress assessment may be administered only by the Founder, or the Director of School Operations, or his specific appointee.
Progress assessment fees shall be delivered to the person conducting the progress assessment, which is usually the Executive Director.

ARTICLE IV – Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of the Founder, Director of School Operations, Director of Instructor Education, and Secretary-Treasurer. All members of the Board of Directors must hold at least third (3rd) degree black belt or a School Manager. This status may be determined by adding the sum of any additional black belt ranks from other systems at the discretion of the Founder.

Director of School Operations: The duties of the Director of School Operations shall include but not limited to:
To carry out administrative business in behalf of the A.K.E.A.
Coordinate activities, organization, and supervision of local schools and general supervision of the A.K.E.A.
To call special meetings.
To direct the Board of Directors in assigned duties.
To act as representative for the A.K.E.A. in all matters.
To act as chairman of the Board of Directors.
To evaluate local A.K.E.A. schools and managers annually.
To offer assistance to persons wishing to operate a full or part-time A.K.E.A. school.
To teach school manager seminars.
To help certify and validate all black belts.
Receives all applications for membership into the organization from all the A.K.E.A. or affiliated schools.
To review the A.K.E.A budget, finances, Treasurer’s records, and issue quarterly reports.
To assume the Secretary/Treasurer duties unless otherwise appointed.
ACTION IN THE ABSENCE OF POLICY: The Director of School Operations has the authority to act in absence of a specific policy or procedure provided that such action will not be in conflict with general aims of the A.K.E.A. or successful management of the local school or with any local, state, or federal ordinances, statutes, regulations, or directives for the sole benefit of students of the A.K.E.A. as a collective entity.
Founder: This position is reserved for Mr. Glenn Harmaning. His duties include but are not limited to the following,
To assist the Director of School Operations.
To act in the absence of the Director of School Operations.
May appoint an assistant (s) to aid in matters of his position for a four-year term.
To certify and validate all black belt ranks.
Assume office of the Director of School Operations upon his incapacitation, death, or resignation.
To plan the annual event or appoint a designee for that purpose.
To establish clinics and seminar costs.
To assume the Director of Education duties unless otherwise appointed.
ACTION IN THE ABSENCE OF POLICY: The Founder has the authority to act in absence of a specific policy or procedure provided that such action will not be in conflict with general aims of the A.K.E.A. or successful management of the local school or with any local, state, or federal ordinances, statutes, regulations, or directives for the sole benefit of students of the A.K.E.A. as a collective entity.
Director of Instructor Education: Duties shall include but not be limited to:
Maintain all Instructor Development Credits (IDC) for all A.K.E.A. instructors.
To teach all instructors seminars.
Keeps files of all progress assessments, reports, promotions, and pertinent rank and membership information about all A.K.E.A. instructors.
Support and or validate all technical material taught under the auspices of the A.K.E.A.
To evaluate all instructors annually.
Secretary-Treasurer: Can consist of two persons, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Director of School Operations or the Founder may appoint this position, for a two-year term. Duties include but are not limited to:

Secretary:

Records minutes of each Board of Directors meeting and all meetings related to this position.
May appoint an assistant to aid in all matters pertaining to this position with the approval of the Director of School Operations, Founder.
Each A.K.E.A. member is responsible for keeping the Secretary informed on a current mailing address and phone number.
As directed by the Director of School Operations.

Treasurer:

Maintains the A.K.E.A. financial records. These records at a minimum will contain an up-to-date financial status of all schools collectively and separately, to include taxes. All dues to the A.K.E.A. will be forwarded to the Treasurer via the Secretary for cross-reference purposes.
All records must be kept presentable and must be surrendered to the Director of School Operations for examination upon request.
May appoint an assistant to aid in all matters pertaining to this position with the approval of the Director of School Operations.
All checks payable must be signed by the Treasure or in his absence the Director of School Operations/Founder.
Must turn over present financial records to the Director of School Operations, or in his absence the Founder, on a quarterly basis for review.

ARTICLE V – Ranks and Ranking Authority

The A.K.E.A. rank structure includes black belt ranks up to 10th degree. Ranks 7th degree and above may not be active until such rank is awarded to a person within the A.K.E.A.
All final ranking authority lies with the Director of Instructor Education or to his specific appointee. This special appointee should be the second highest rank in the A.K.E.A.
Within the A.K.E.A., all black belt ranks are permanent and lifetime except for the junior black belt. No permanent black belt may be awarded prior to age 18.
Within the A.K.E.A., all ranks below black belt are temporary and expire after one year.
A first or second-degree black belt may bestow any rank up to brown belt black stripe. Final ranking authority lies with the Director of Instructor Education.
A third degree black belt with the title of Sensei may rank up to first-degree black belt. Final ranking authority lies with the Director of Instructor Education.
Only the Founder or specific appointee, who should be the second highest rank in the A.K.E.A., may rank to and above second-degree black belt rank.
Black Belts with the Title of Sensei may rank to within two ranks below their present level. Final ranking authority lies with the Founder or his designated representative.
In special situations where there is no reasonable access to an A.K.E.A. school, brown belts and instructors can give rank tests and promote to within one rank below their own present level, only within the colored belt rank structure, and only with written permission from the Founder or his specific appointee. A progress assessment may be required before a rank test or promotion. All membership fees and regulations still apply.
Junior ranks will be awarded to all students who are 13 years of age or younger. Junior black belts may be awarded after a minimum 5 years of training. Upon reaching age 18, the student must retest at the adult level after all the adult material has been learned.
All black belt ranks above first degree shall require a year minimum time requirement equal to the next level a person is eligible. A first degree must be in-grade for two years before testing for 2nd degree; a second degree must be in-grade for three years before testing for third degree. Etc. This time requirement can only be waived by the Founder.

ARTICLE VI – Promotions/Merit Promotions

Within the A.K.E.A., as well as in the majority of the martial arts world, merit promotions are recognized for ranks of 7th degree and above.
All ranks require a test before any rank is bestowed upon any individual.
The Founder may elect to award merit promotions within the black belt ranks prior to learning all rank requirements for outstanding contributions to the A.K.E.A. or for exceptional skill and attitude becoming an A.K.E.A. black belt. This is not in lieu of the specific rank requirements, which must be learned and performed at the appropriate level.
There will be a total of six types of promotion certificates in the A.K.E.A.
Colored belt certificates: Awarded to white belt/black stripe to brown belt/black stripe.
Little Dragon certificates: Awarded to all junior students up to age 7.
Black belt certificates: These are Lifetime ranks.
Instructor certificates: Valid only at approved AKEA facilities.
School Manager/Assistant Manager/Instructor Certificates: Valid only at AKEA approved facilities.
Sensei Title: Required in order to rank and promote students to Shodan/1^st Degree Black Belt. This is an additional title bestowed by the A.K.E.A. Founder or his representative to individuals with a Sanan/3^rd Degree Black or higher.

ARTICLE VII – Instructor Development Credits

Instructor Development Credits (IDC’s) are designed to constantly challenge A.K.E.A. instructors to expand personal skills and knowledge of the martial arts. IDC’S are also designed to be a tangible means whereby knowledge and experience may be charted; the Director of Instructor Education will approve the value of IDC’s. It is each instructor’s responsibility to fill out the Instructor Annual Update Form after July 1^st of the current year and return the form to the Director of Instructor Education on or before July 31^st of the current year. IDC’s are earned in, but not limited to, the following ways:

Registered seminars and clinics (4 as instructor; 2 as student)
Tournaments: Spectator with assignment (1); competitor (1 per event); officiating (1).
Workshops: (2 per workshop); (3 with follow up assignment).
Reading-research reports: IDC value decided by the Director of Instructor Education.
Instruction: (1 per lesson unit – 1/2 hour taught)
Attendance at regular Instructor meetings: (1 per week)
Approved lectures: (1 per hour of lecture – notes verified).
Supervision of instruction: Black belt only (1 per instructor per month)

ARTICLE VIII – Disciplinary Actions

Grounds for Discipline. Any member may be put on probation or temporary suspension or permanent expulsion for failure to comply with established authority or regulations or the A.K.E.A., the Board of Directors, or for delinquency of payment of authorized charges, or for any other conduct prejudicial to the good of the A.K.E.A. Probation will not last more than one year. Temporary suspension will not last for more than two years.
Right of Hearing. Any A.K.E.A. member charged with any offense shall be notified in writing of the charge, and be given the opportunity to present a defense in person and in writing at a meeting or the Board of Directors. The Board must then concur by majority vote if probation, suspension, or expulsion is necessary. Temporary suspension for non-payment of authorized charges shall be automatic subsequent to two months delay of payment, unless specifically approved by the Board of Directors.
Notice of Discipline. 1) When a member is on probation, the Board of Directors shall notify all concerned that such member is no longer eligible to attend any A.K.E.A. event except his or her own personal lessons at the local school. 2) Suspension means that a person may not attend any A.K.E.A. event including his or her personal lessons at the local school. The terms of the individual lesson agreement will be extended and picked up after suspension period is over. 3) Expulsion is permanent and self-explanatory.
Reinstatement. Upon completion of probation, suspension, or by special vote of the vote of the Board of Directors, a member will be reinstated with all rights and privileges of a full member. A member suspended for non-payment of authorized dues and charges may request reinstatement in writing to the Board of Directors (“Attention: Board of Directors). The request must be accompanied by all past due monies plus a $15.00 late fee for every 30 days past due.

ARTICLE IX – Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws

How to submit. Amendments must be submitted by an A.K.E.A. member in good standing, they must be submitted in writing to the Director of Education/Founder or the Director or Operations.
Procedure. Upon receipt, the Board of Directors will be notified. After discussion, the Board of Directors must have a 2/3 vote of approval before the amendment is to be ratified. If accepted, a copy of the amendment will be sent to all schools and instructors within 30 days and made effective upon receipt of correspondence.

ARTICLE X – Family and Job Obligations

When family/job obligations of member of the A.K.E.A. conflict with any provisions of this Constitution and/or its bylaws, such obligations will take precedence providing such conflict can by documented and/or substantiated. Members will not be held obligated by the Constitution and/or bylaws until such family/job obligations have been satisfied.

ARTICLE XI – Opening An A.K.E.A. School

Any school operated, as an A.K.E.A. School must be opened under the definitions as outlined in ARTICLE XII – Schools. The Founder and Director of School Operations reserve the final authority of the decision of whether or not a potential school owner/manager can open an A.K.E.A. School.
A.K.E.A. School Applicant Defined: Any individual or interested parties who desire to open, operate, and manage and/or own a fulltime, or part-time martial arts school belonging to the A.K.E.A. as defined in article xii, Chapter One of the A.K.E.A. Constitution.
Generally to be considered by the Board of Directors for opening a locally owned and operated A.K.E.A. School the following criteria must first be met:

Must be a First Degree Black belt.
Must be a minimum of a current Level Two A.K.E.A. Instructor.
Must be trained and certified as an A.K.E.A. School Manager.
Fill out prospective School Application and return to the Executive Director or Director of School Operations with the non-refundable Application fee of $150.00.
Attend prospective school Managers/Owners presentation.
Must pass background check.
Must fill-out and sign Non-Compete Agreement, A.K.E.A. Membership Agreement, and Initial School Opening Agreement.
Must present a five-year business plan to the Director of School Operations.
If the above criteria are not met, any individual, and/ interested parties can apply to open an A.K.E.A. School through the following avenues:
Fill out a Petition for Exception.
Sign agreement that allows the school to be under the control, direct supervision, and operation by and of the A.K.E.A.; until afore mentioned criteria can be met.
Fill out prospective School Application and return to the Executive Director or Director of School Operations with the non-refundable Application fee of $150.00.
Attend prospective school Managers/Owners presentation.
Submit to and pass background check.
Fill-out and sign Non-Compete Agreement, A.K.E.A. Membership Agreement, and Initial School Opening Agreement.
Present a five-year business plan to the Director of School Operations.
All prospective applicants will be advised in writing as to the final decision of the A.K.E.A. as related to the opening of a school.

A copy of this constitution will be available to A.K.E.A. members at each local school, to members upon request to Mr. Harmaning, and interested affiliates upon request.

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