The American Karate Black Belt Association-Chin Sook Hage Kwan, Inc.  is a non-profit fraternal and amateur atheletic organization.  We welcome applications for affiliation from any martial arts school or club that practices karate, tae kwon do, or kung-fu, whose principal instructor is at least a 3rd degree black belt or higher ranking and agrees to accept and adhere to our standards.  Individuals or instructors who rank below 3rd degree Black Belt should contact one of our affiliates about becoming an associated member under them.

Our standards are among the highest in the world, thus,  we do not accept all applicants.  Schools found to be deficient in some way will be given an opportunity to correct in these areas under a probationary affiliation.  The Association will do all it can to assist you in these corrections.

The process of affiliation involves a review of the qualifications of the candidate and their school or club by the High Dan Board of the Association.  To apply for affiliation, download the "General Standards"and read them; "Black Belt Resume" form below and fill it out.  Also download the "Application for Affiliation" form below and fill it out.

The "General Standards" are a synopsis of the main principles of the By-laws and Official Standards of the AKBBA-CSHK. Before you complete the affiliation process you will be given access to a complete copy of the by-laws of the Association and the Official Standards.

If you are currently known to one of our affiliates or High Dan Board members ask them to contact the Executive Director on your behalf.  If you are not known to one, then we ask that along with your application that you send a brief video tape composed of you doing at least 2 black belt level forms (kata), a sample of one step sparring (if done by your system), a sample of self defense techniques, and a brief sample of free sparring between yourself and one of your senior students.  This is not a belt test or a contest, we only want to get an idea of where your currently are.

Send the filled out Black Belt Resume, Application for Affiliation, and if necessary the Video Tape along with copies of your current and previous rank certificates to the Executive Director. (The address is on the home page of this site).  It will take approximately 30 days to process your application and inform you of the decision of the high dan board.  If additional information is required, the Executive Director will contact you.