"Over the years I have come to work with and know many martial arts instructors. Some of them had no regular instructor or affiliation. The reasons for this were either political or personal. Regardless, it seemed a shame to me that these excellent instructors, who were also such quality human beings, should not have some sort of affiliation. I have never believed that an instructor should be all alone in the martial arts community. It is important to be part of something. The situation that exists  today is wonderful in that there are so many organizations that one can become involved with. It is great for instructors looking for a mentor or association. Many of the martial arts associations out there are fantastic. They have great people running them. Unfortunately, there are a great many organizations out there that are nothing more than "money machines". They have outrageous fees for membership, testing, and anything else they can think of. In some cases, the person or persons running them have questionable or pretty weak credentials."

"So knowing all of this I decided to form my own association. This was something I never set out to do. However, I  wanted to be part of a solution.  I set it up the way I thought would be best for me and the people I work with. We have no fees for Full Members. The fees to join are nominal. The Black Belt testing fees are reasonable. We don't force anyone to host seminars. We are a NOT a  "money machine". In order to become a member you have to either 1) be offered membership by myself or 2) be recommended by a member. All members serve for a undefined term as General Members. A thorough investigation of all martial arts credentials is standard for everyone."

"Some of our members are my own students. Some are people that I am helping to guide during their martial arts journey. They have their own systems or programs and don't want to self promote themselves. They may even belong to other martial arts associations. My goal with the SMAA wasn't to become the biggest association. Believe me, I know we will never be. I just want to give quality martial arts instructors a home that they could be proud of without going broke in the process."

Shihan Raffi A. Derderian Jr,

Founder, Shinko-ryu Martial Arts Association

Here are our members.

There a few more groups at this time being considered for membership.  If you are interested in becoming part of what we are trying to achieve, contact Shihan Derderian via e mail.
                                            

Groton, Ct

Mr. Bob Chester, Ji-Hye Tae Kwon Do

Bob Chester's East Coast Martial Arts

Eastford, Ct

Mr. John Chartier, Combat Hapkido

Madison, Ct

Art Blair, Combat Hapkido

Green Hill Hapkido

Franklin, Mass

Sifu Kirt Carlson, Twin Dragon Kung Fu

Twin Dragon Kung Fu Academy

Warwick, RI

Sensei Eric Chapron, Kenpo

Experience Fitness and Martial Arts

Albany, NY

Mr. Rob Anderson, Mr. Stephan Bugler

 Jeet Kune Do

Florida

Sensei Charlie Pike, Shinko-ryu Kempo

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Mr. Drew Wassell,

JKD and Kali