Most forms of martial arts began as methods for people to defend themselves. Different disciplines developed simultaneously in various regions, and as people travelled, and shared their knowledge, certain aspects became common among the many forms.
One of the commonalities among the martial arts is usually a system of rank, which is often indictated by the color of the belt worn by the practitioner. Our 12 belt levels before black belt are known as 'gups', with the lowest belt being a 12th gup, and the belt before the black belt being a 1st gup. In the Ernie Reye's World Martial Arts Association, these are the belts:
12th gup White Belt
11th gup: Orange belt
10th gup: Gold Belt
9th gup: Green Belt
8th gup Purple Belt
7th Gup: Blue Belt
6th Gup: Blue-1 Belt (blue with a black stripe)
5th Gup: Brown Belt
4th Gup: Brown-1 Belt (brown with a black stripe)
3rd Gup: Red Belt
2nd Gup: Red-1 Belt (Red with a black stripe)
1st Gup: Black Belt Candidate Belt (half red/half black)
Most martial arts disciplines also have multiple degrees of Black Belts, known as 'Dans'. The First Dan is a first degree black belt, the Second Dan is the next highest belt, and so on. Those holding 4th through 8th Dans are referred to as 'Masters', someone who holds a 9th Dan is a 'Grandmaster'.
In our association, each belt level is associated with a specific curriculum which must be mastered, The student takes a 'belt test' in order to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum, and when that is accomplished, the next belt is awarded. It usually takes between 4 and 5 years of practice (participating in at least 2 classes per week) to earn the rank of first dan, or first degree black belt.
West Coast World Martial Arts Association Logo
“SHARPEN THE BLADE”
The founders of our association are Kwan Jang Nim Ernie Reyes and Tony Thompson.
Our logo is composed of a three-bladed martial art edge coming to a sharp point. It represents three parts of a whole for staying razor sharp! The first blade and point at the bottom of the logo represents you the individual. The second blade to the left as we move clockwise represents our students. The last blade and point at the right represents our association, team and family.
The yin and yang symbol represents the source of who we are, martial artists striving for balance and flexibility to adapt to continuous change in the universe.
West Coast is the root of our organization of where our association originated. It is home base. The name World Martial Arts evolved from the fact that our style is a mixed system of martial arts from all over the world.
Through our association’s reputation of producing some of the most famous Black Belt students, champions, and demonstrations in the history of martial arts in America, we have had the opportunity to meet, share and learn from legendary masters, grand masters and world champions from all styles of martial arts.
This has had great influence in opening our minds and hearts to create a unique mixed martial arts system for the 21st Century. Our style no doubt develops well-rounded and versatile martial art students through a system that is fun, dynamic, educational and empowering.
The real dynamic of the three-bladed sickle, is when it is in motion, in flight, spinning and turning propelled by taking massive action, then soaring to new heights of health, happiness and success for us all.
Without you sharpening your blade first, the other blades are meaningless and will remain dull and motionless. You must stay sharp for life! Sharpen your blade!
Staying sharp and pursuing the edge is not a one-stop destination, it is a lifetime journey of striving for “Mastery” in all areas of your life.
