UNIVERSAL MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION

A Global Leader in Martial Arts Education

Our Organization

The Universal Martial Arts Associations is recognized as a leading traditional martial arts organization. UMAA is dedicated to the preservation of the "ALL STYLES" of Martial Arts because we believe there is knowledge to be gained from all of the world's martial systems. Most of the "old Masters" knew this to be true and also trained in various arts to enhance their knowledge and ability.

​The UMAA was founded to help preserve our "DIVERSE" martial arts history and eliminate "POLITICS" found in many systems or styles. UMAA promotes based on experience, knowledge, and ability. An Advisory Board directs the UMAA, certifications, and promotions. No single individual determines acceptance into the UMAA or professional ability of candidates. The following UMAA officers are responsible for the day to day operation of the association.

Our Kaicho (President)

Mr. Williams was born in Concord, North Carolina . He graduated from Concord High School in 1977 and went on the earn his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Maryland. He subsequently earned a Master of Science in Education from Troy State University.

He began his martial arts training in 1971 and received his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do in 1973. In 1982 he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan as a young Marine and began his journey in Shorin Ryu. He lived and trained in Okinawa for 13 of the last 30 years under the tutelage of Grand Master Fusei Kise of Shorin Ryu Kenshinkan, Kyoshi Ed Gingras and Akamine Yoshimatsu of Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu and Hanshi Seifuku Nitta in Shorin Ryu. In 2013 he began training in Ryukyu Kobudo under the tutelage of Nakamoto Kiichi, Hanshi 10th Dan.

​In 1999 he was granted permission from Grand Master Kise to begin the "Zen Sekai Bujitsu Kyokai" or Universal Martial Arts Association. He has served as the President and Founder since its inception.

Our Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is comprised of some of the leading martial artists in the world spanning traditional disciplines. The Advisory Board acts as a special advisory group to the President to provide guidance and direction to the operation of the Association. The Universal Martial Arts Association Advisory Board is comprised of Hanshi, Kyoshi and Shihan. It is an honor to have such a well known group of martial artists as part of the UMAA.

Honorary Chairman of the International Advisory Board
- Nakamoto Kiichi, Hanshi, 10th Dan Goju Ryu/10th Dan RyuKyu Kobudo, Okinawa, Japan

Executive Vice President -Membership and Growth
- Ken Morgan, Hanshi, 9th Dan Shorin Ryu, Texa USA

Vice President
- Ryuji Williams, Renshi, 6th Dan Shorin Ryu, NC USA

Board Members
- Johnny Lupton, Hanshi, 10 Dan Jiu-Jitsu, Ireland
- Leon D. Wright, Hanshi, 10th Dan, Souseiki Ryu Sekkinsen, Georgia, USA
- Samuel "Bambit" Dulay, Raha, 10th Dan, Modern Arnis Tapi-Tapi, Philippines
- Don Dike, Hanshi, 9th Dan Okinawan Karate & Kobudo, Illinois, USA
- Danita Clarke, Hanshi, 9th Dan Okinawan Shorin Ryu & Hakutsuru, Florida, USA
- Karl Hovey, Hanshi, 9th Dan, Isshin Ryu Karate, Virginia, USA
- Russ Lewis, Master, 8th Dan, Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do, North Carolina, USA
- Polly Melick, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate, New Jersey, USA
- Trevor Tasetano, Kyoshi, 7th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate, Pennsylvania, USA

Our Renshi Board

The Universal Martial Arts Association (UMAA) Renshi Board is a group of Elite Licensed Instructors that assist the UMAA with technical and administrative issues as well as assist with the organization, planning and execution of special events such as Summer Camps, Gasshuku's, Seminars, the UMAA Hall of Fame and other important local, State, Regional and National UMAA events.

- David Kaye, (Chairman) Renshi, 7th Dan Isshinryu Karate/7th Dan Ryukyu Kobudo, New Jersey, USA
- Amy Lau, Renshi, 5th Dan Isshinryu Karate/1st Dan Mugai Ryu Iaido, Pennsylvania, USA
- Sam Albright, Sa Bom, 6th Dan, Tang Soo Do, North Carolina, USA
- John Killane, Renshi, 5th Dan Shorin Ryu, Longford, Ireland 

Our Style Heads

The UMAA also has separated styles. An individual who has received a teacher or senior teacher's certification directly from the Founder or Current Head of the particular traditional system heads each style/division. These individuals are responsible for establishing the minimum style requirements in accordance with the internationally accepted standards for the particular system.

- Okinawa Shorin Ryu - Frank Williams, 9th Dan
- Hakutsuru - Danita Clarke, 9th Dan
- Shinmei Shorin Ryu - Matt Molineux, 10th Dan
- Hachiman Ryu Batto Jutsu - Hamamoto Hisao, Meijin
- Kickboxing/Combatives - Leon Wright, 10th Dan
- Jiu-Jistu - Johnny Lupton, 10th Dan
- Modern Arnis - Samuel "Bambit" Dulay, 10th Dan
- Goju Ryu - Kevin McGrath, 10th Dan Okinawa
- Mugai Ryu Moshukai - Hamamoto Hisao, Meijin
- Seidokan  Shorin Ryu - Ron Nix, 9th Dan
- Isshin Ryu - Karl Hovey, 9th Dan
- Okinawa Kobudo - Don Dike, 9th Dan
- Motobu Ha Shito Ryu - Ken Jackson, 7th Dan
- Shuri-Ryu Karate-Do - Troy Price, 7th Dan
- Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do - Russ Lewis, 8th Dan
- Uechi Ryu - Dell Hamby, 6th Dan
- Tang Soo Do - Sam Albright, 6th Dan

Our Global Schools