WBF Dan Rank

Upholding Grading Integrity: WBF Standards for Dan Rankings in Martial Arts

The World Martial Arts Federation (WBF) stands as a guardian of tradition, ethics, and excellence across global martial arts communities. With systems evolving and practitioners reaching new heights, it’s more vital than ever that grading standards remain rooted in authenticity and respect. At WBF, dan grades are not simply markers of skill — they are earned honors that reflect a lifetime of dedication, contribution, and leadership.

Who Has Authority to Award 10th Dan?

In alignment with WBF regulations:

• The 10th dan rank may only be issued by the founders of a martial arts systems or by a recognised Council of masters / respected Organisations with good standing history within the martial art community such as the WBF.
• This ensures the grade reflects stewardship of the system and the integrity of its lineage, not just technical accomplishment.

The 10th dan is symbolic of a practitioner’s profound influence on the art — a testament to decades of development, mentorship, and service.

Grading Boundaries: The Rule of Three

WBF maintains a strict grading boundary to ensure consistency and fairness:

• A martial artist may only issue dan grades that are 2 levels below their own current rank.
• For example, a WBF-certified 8th dan may promote up to 6th dan, while a 5th dan may only issue promotions up to 3rd dan.

This safeguard prevents rank inflation and honour’s the chain of mentorship, ensuring that each grade is earned under appropriate guidance and expertise.

Protecting the Community and the Legacy

By observing these standards, the World Martial Arts Federation ensures:

• Credibility across member systems and instructors
• Respect for martial arts heritage and lineages
• Integrity in global recognition of rank and title

WBF takes pride in fostering a community where growth is balanced by honor and accountability — ensuring practitioners not only achieve technical mastery, but also contribute to the legacy of their art.

A Message from the Federation

“At WBF, every belt, every rank, every title must carry weight. Our standards exist not to limit ambition, but to protect the value of accomplishment. Together, we keep the martial arts world not only active, but authentic.” — David Kacperski, Federation President