FTMA

The Federation of Traditional Martial Arts

FTMA

young kids practicing karate

Why was the FTMA Established?

FTMA was established in 2010 by Kevin Stark (7th Dan Shotokan Karate), Rebbecca Hewitt and Hannah Stark,  to help small groups establish themselves independently, with no external interference. This enables them to continue to teach the martial arts style and philosophies that they have been studying and training in.  

FTMA is a service for groups to register throughout the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Members resident in England, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are also registered with FTMA. 

What do FTMA offer?

Complete independence - with low insurance costs - so charging students for licenses, grading fees and membership is at the discretion of the association head.

FTMA has no interest in how much a member association is charging its members, and so will not interfere in the running of the association.

Other benefits offered are the ability to access nationally recognised formal qualifications, access to funding and insurance to suit your needs.

How legitimate is the FTMA?

The FTMA is an offshoot of the ATSK, who are members of the Federation of English Karate Organisations (FEKO). This in turn gives the ATSK and FTMA registration to the National Governing Body.   

Other benefits offered are the ability to access nationally recognised formal qualifications, access to funding and insurance to suit your needs and advice with business development

FTMA are able to assist with grading’s both at lower level and Dan Grade level if required

Can any martial arts style join?

ATSK are also members of the Federation of Martial Arts (FMA), and so are entitled to register and help all martial arts groups to achieve, without politics and interference.

What can be achieved?

The aim of the FTMA is to help small martial arts groups achieve their goals without interference, but with support and help when it is needed. Any FEKO or FMA tournaments or courses that arise that are relevant will be open to any affiliating groups, including a child protection programme (if needed).

The ATSK is committed to traditional Karate-Do, and therefore do not believe that Karate is about tournaments, but about training to achieve an individual higher level of understanding and physical excellence, irrespective of the student's absolute ability. If students are interested in tournaments, then apart from the ATSK tournament, there is access to the national FEKO tournaments, FEKO squad training sessions throughout the year. Refereeing courses are available to First Dan and above and, if successful, can lead to refereeing and judging at national and international levels.

Who can join the FTMA?

Any group with an instructor of 1st Dan or above in their martial art can join. There are no minimum numbers for students.

What are the joining requirements?

As a student to ATSK, there are no minimum requirements, apart from not allowing those with criminal records to join.

As a club or group:   

FTMA is a Federation of Associations. There is no minimum number of students; but all you need to be a minimum of a 1st Dan or equivalent as a Chief Instructor for membership.

How much does it cost to join?

This all depends on the level of membership selected - to affiliate, or to become part of the ATSK or Group membership of FTMA.
 
If you are a Shotokan group or individual, and you want to become part of the ATSK, then we will access everything you need - licences, certificates, grading’s (if required), instructor's insurance, and public liability for your clubs.

If you wish to become a member of FTMA, then the costs are £40.00 Group annual membership and £7.50 per student membership.

Contact Us

Call Us: 01234 353865
Or Send Us an Email: kmjstark@hotmail.com
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