THE UMAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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.

Hanshi Seifuku Nitta
Honorary Chairman of the International Board of Directors UMAA
Hanshi, 10th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo, Okinawa, Japan

Hanshi Nitta lives and teaches Okinawa Shorin Ryu karate and Kobudo in Okinawa, Japan

Shihan Frank Williams
UMAA Founder & Kaicho
7th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo, 5th Dan Okinawa Tuite

Mr. Williams' various martial arts ranks have been awarded and certified by the following organizations:
All Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo Federation
American Goshin Budo Kobudo Federation
Okinawa Kensei Do-Ko Kai

Sempai Ryuji Williams
Executive Secretary, UMAA
4th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate

UMAA ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Advisory Board is comprised of some of the leading martial artists in the world spanning traditional disciplines. The Advisiory Board acts as a special advisory group to the President to provide guidance and direction to the operation of the Association. The UMAA 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.

Tony Sandoval, Hanshi, 10th Dan, Hakutsuru
Johnny Lupton, Hanshi, 10 Dan Jiu-Jitsu
Charles Davis, Hanshi, 9th Dan, Shorin Ryu
Kevin McGrath, Hanshi, 9th Dan, Urban USA Goju Ryu
Karl Hovey, Kyoshi, 8th Dan, Isshin Ryu Karate
Charles Mann, Kysohi, 8th Dan, Okinawa Kenpo Karate & Kobudo
Jerry Offutt, Kysohi, 8th Dan, Shotokan
Ken Morgan, Shihan, 7th Dan, Shorin Ryu Karate
Ken Jackson, Shihan, 7th Dan, Kuniba Ha Shito Ryu
Jann Aki, Shihan, 6th Dan, Goju Ryu (Japanese)

UMAA SPECIAL ADVISORS
The UMAA has Special Advisors for kata and kobudo divisions. These officers serve as Seminar Leaders, Advisors to the Executive Board and are considered Subject Matter Experts(SME) for their years of study in various martial arts.

Larry Isaac, Hanshi, 10th Dan Okinawan Kempo & Kobudo
Don Dike, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Okinawan Karate & Kobudo
Danita Clarke, Kyoshi, 8th Dan Okinawan Shorin Ryu & Hakutsuru

UMAA RENSHI BOARD
The UMAA Renshi Board is a group of Elite Licensed Instructors that assist the UMAA with technical and adminstratives 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.

Latasha Young, Renshi, 5th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo, North Carolina
Polly Melick, Renshi, 5th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate, New Jersey
Mario Rohl, Sensei, 5th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate, Germany
Garry Parker, Sensei, 3rd Dan Okinawan Goshukan Ryu, Georgia
Robyn Rush-James, Renshi, 5th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo, Arizona
Breffni Gaffney, Renshi, 5th Dan Jiu-Jitsu, Ireland

UMAA STYLE/ORGANIZATION LEADERS AND SPECIAL ADVISORS TO THE BOARD
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.

For more information, you can contact UMAA by mail, phone, or email address.