IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a start-up program and is NOT currently accredited. An institution must be in operation for a minimum of two years before beginning the process to initially apply for accreditation. The American Martial Arts College (AMAC) plans to apply for accreditation once the requirements have been met. For further information about accreditation, please visit: The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) at http://www.chea.org , The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) at http://www.acics,org , The Distance Education Training Council (DETC) at http://www.detc.org, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) at http://www.sacs.org , The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us , and The US Department of Education (USDE) at http://www.ed.gov. These resources are legitimate accrediting agencies recognized by the US Department of Education, as opposed to “Accrediting Mills” which will issue accreditation to any “school” willing to pay a certain amount of money (the CHEA website has more information about “accrediting mills”). The AMAC plans to pursue accreditation through one or more of these listed legitimate agencies.
Course Descriptions
General Education Core Requirements: All of these requirements must be fulfilled through a regionally-accredited institution or may be tested out of through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), the ACT PEP Regent's College Examinations, or the Excelsior College Examination Program. All core requirements can be completed through one of these accredited examination programs. For additional information on the feasability of testing out of the core educational requirements, please see:
http://distancelearn.about.com/od/nontraditionalcredit/a/TestOut.htm
The following martial arts courses must be completed through the American Martial Arts College:
Introduction to Martial Arts- A cursory overview of martial arts in general, to include known and speculated history, development, and various styles.
History of the Martial Arts I- A detailed historical study of Asian martial arts focusing on the timeframe of the 14th century to the 19th century.
History of the Martial Arts II- A detailed historical study of Asian martial arts focusing on the timeframe of the 20th century, particularly discussing their worldwide expansion and numerous offshoots.
Survey of the Martial Arts I- A detailed look at the various martial arts styles from China, Japan, Okinawa, and Korea.
Survey of the Martial Arts II- A detailed look at the various martial arts from India, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Philipines, Brazil, Greece, United States, Israel, and other parts of the world.
Martial Arts Philosophy- Philosophical thinking about martial arts, to include religious underpinnings, codes of ethics, and moral lessons.
Martial Arts Health and Fitness- A detailed study of concepts and methods of good health and fitness through martial arts activities. Discusses elements such as nutrition, exercise, stretching, breathing.
Martial Arts Kinesiology- Examines the physical movement and motor skills of martial arts in relation to the anatomical principles, mechanical principles, and physical laws which govern them.
Martial Arts Training Skills and Techniques- Examines training programs, tools, and exercises specific to martial arts.
Martial Arts and the Law- Examines the legal aspects of running a martial arts business, the concept of self-defense, and the criminal and civil liabilities of inappropriate use of skills.
First Aid and Safety- Teaches the basic concepts of first aid, CPR and safety in any environment, and qualifies as a first responder. This class must be satisfied by taking the American Red Cross "Emergency Responder" and "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" courses, or equivalent courses from a recognized agency. Once completed, students will also discuss martial arts specific injuries. Credit for previous experience may be awarded.
Beginning Martial Arts- Martial arts training at an approved martial arts school; must satisfy the requirements for 10th through 6th kyu (gup) or equivalent (may take much longer than one semester). Credit for previous experience may be awarded.
Intermediate Martial Arts- Martial arts training at an approved martial arts school; must satisfy the requirements for 5th through 3rd kyu (gup) or equivalent (may take much longer than one semester). Credit for previous experience may be awarded.
Advanced Martial Arts- Martial Arts training at an approved martial arts school; must satisfy the requirements for 2nd kyu (gup) through Shodan (Chodan) or equivalent (may take much longer than one semester). Credit for previous experience may be awarded.
The Business of Martial Arts- An in-depth look at starting and running a martial arts school, including practices and procedures specifically inherent in martial arts.
Teaching Martial Arts- A study of teaching methods and techniques specific to martial arts. Reviews common issues in teaching martial arts.
Teaching Martial Arts Internship- Practical application of instruction at an approved martial arts school. One semester hour awarded for every twenty hours of hands-on teaching time. Must include 2 semester hours teaching beginning students, 2 semester hours teaching intermediate students, and 2 semester hours teaching advanced students. Credit for previous experience may be awarded.
Residential Colloquia- Two one-week residential requirements (3 semester hours awarded for each) during which time martial arts skills will be demonstrated, in-person academic examinations will be administered and other residential requirements will be met. Credit will automatically be awarded to full-time residential students.
Fees
As stated before, the American Martial Arts College is not currently accredited. Therefore, the rates at this time can be substantially lower than they will be in the future once accreditation has been approved. However, it also means that we are currently unable to accept government financial aid, the Montgomery GI Bill, and most corporate tuition assistance. Please understand that the low tuition and fees are not an indication of quality of the program or the expected quality of the students' academic performance. The curriculum will remain substantially the same once the program is started, but changes will be made in accordance with accreditation agency requests. The changes in curriculum will be required by all students, past or present, in order to receive credit for completing the approved program.
In addition to minor associated application and other general fees (to be determined), the initial anticipated tuition fees will be approximately $65 per semester hour. Once accredited, tuition will probably be around $350 per semester hour. Other than a slight assessment fee, we will not charge for transferred hours or credit-by-examination hours.
The majority of study materials and textbooks will be readily available through most online and large corporate booksellers (Amazon.com, Borders, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, etc.).