During the past decade, martial arts have gained popularity, and could even be considered "main stream". However, the uninitiated do not necessarily know the difference between "sport martial arts" and "traditional martial arts". This is especially true in the United States. Traditional martial arts have been in practice ever since the beginning of history. Unlike "sport martial arts", traditional martial arts are concerned with the entire person: body, mind and spirit. Furthermore, traditional martial arts contain within them important elements of the rich cultures from which they have evolved. Sport martial arts have their place, and serve their purpose. However, traditional martial arts provide a unique and precious form of physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual training for their dedicated practitioners.

It is our goal to further the growth of traditional martial arts in this country, while providing a platform from which communication and cooperation can develop among the variety of schools, styles and cultures that make up the "traditional martial arts".

This web site is both informative and functional. The Accreditation Commission of Traditional Martial Arts  is an association and accrediting body for those schools of traditional martial arts. Not all schools provide of safe learning environment and there is no governing body to ensure that all students are being provided as safe an environment as possible.  This makes it difficult for the general public to distinguish between a good quality school and those that are less qualified. For anything to grow, it must develop momentum and cooperation. It is my wish that ACTMA will evolve into an organization that has a measurable, positive and lasting impact on the traditional martial arts in this country.

Over time, we will add to this web site, including an online directory of traditional martial arts information sources. Please bookmark us and check back often. And as always, we welcome your comments.

Respectfully,

Grand Master Edward Song, Ph.D.

President's Martial Arts Profile

President's Eastern Medicine Profile