NWBBA
What is the Northwest Black Belt Association or NWBBA?
The NWBBA is an association of martial arts schools. Originally derived from the branch schools of the Northwest Martial Arts (NWMA) Main gym, the NWBBA now includes those branches as well as other non-NWMA schools. Together these schools help each other by sharing information and ideas, developing new curriculum, bringing in new training and the latest techniques and helping new schools start or grow. NWBBA schools use a standard set of curriculum and belt ranking is certified through The Association providing more universal recognition than individual gyms can provide. The NWBBA includes several Master Instructors within the membership to provide training expertise and belt testing. Black belt testing and promotion for students in the NWBBA is done as a group event twice per year which includes the “Extravaganza” which is a public demonstration and award ceremony.
Where does your membership fees go and what do you get in return?
Curriculum - The largest expense for the Northwest Black Belt Association (NWBBA) is in developing and improving the curriculum taught in NWBBA schools as well as training your instructors in those techniques. NWBBA strives to keep on the cutting edge of any new techniques in the martial arts world. We have brought in special instructors in the past such as Olympic & National TKD team members and coaches as well as others such as Master Geoff Booth (Hapkido instructor) from Australia.
Testing & Certification - Master instructors conducting tests within the NWBBA use set standards developed by the NWBBA to maintain quality assurance and consistency within all schools. The NWBBA also provides official certification in which your rank is recognized on a higher level than just within your individual school. Your rank will be respected equally at any NWBBA school or even at many non-association schools due to the national recognition of the NWBBA. Testing fees as most schools will be reduced by $10 as a NWBBA member and some schools require membership to test at all. You will average 4 tests per year.
Special Events - Occasionally the NWBBA holds special events such as training seminars, weekend or week long training camps, guest trainers, biannual demonstration extravaganza’s, awards banquets, tournaments and much more. Many of these events are open to participating members only or there may be a discounted or free entry fee for current members. Average savings for members is $10 per event and there are usually at least 5 events available per year totaling a $50 value.
Curriculum Notes & Student Handbook - As a member you will receive a student handbook developed by the association which covers all the information you need to know as a martial arts student. Printing and distribution fees may apply at some gyms.
Training DVD’s - NWBBA is constantly developing training DVD’s for each set of new material. These DVD’s are currently only available to members. Your fist DVD comes free with your membership and each additional DVD will be available to members at the cost of $15. If NWBBA were to open sales of the DVD’s to non-members in the future the cost will be estimated at $25 each. Averaging 4 DVD’s per year this is a $40 savings.
Membership Card - You will be given a membership card when your application is processed. Your membership card has a student ID number and expiration date on it. Keep this card in a safe place as you will be required to present it before testing or for entry into special association events.
Membership Patch - With your membership you will also receive a NWBBA membership patch which can be worn on your uniform. Extra patches are available for $5.
School Improvement - You membership fees also go toward financial and technical assistance for new instructors starting new schools and improving or expanding existing schools in need.