Scroll Down, to see read more about Instructor Certification & School Accreditation
From the ICBA Chairman:
The International Chinese Boxing Association (ICBA) was established with a clear purpose: to support the growth, professionalism, and cooperation of martial arts instructors and schools around the world.
Across the global martial arts community there exist many traditions, lineages, and teaching methods. Chinese systems, Japanese arts, Korean systems, Southeast Asian traditions, and modern combative programs all contribute to the rich diversity of our field. The ICBA respects and honors this diversity.
Our goal is not to replace traditions or interfere with lineage authority. Rather, the ICBA exists to support instructors by providing professional recognition, organizational tools, and resources that strengthen the quality of martial arts instruction.
ICBA Instructor Certification does not determine rank, lineage, or style authority. Those honors belong to your teachers and your tradition.
Instead, ICBA certification recognizes the professionalism of those who teach. It affirms that an instructor maintains responsible teaching practices, ethical standards, structured learning environments, and a commitment to student development. This program validates the Instructor/Teacher.
Similarly, ICBA School Accreditation does not dictate curriculum or alter existing systems. It simply verifies that a school operates with structure, organization, safety, and professionalism. Our School Accreditation is a complimentary program to the ICBA Instructor Certification. Instructor Certification certifies the instructor’s teaching methods, School Accreditation validates the organization/school.
Our vision is to create a cooperative international network where martial arts schools of many traditions can stand together while preserving their unique identities.
The ICBA exists to support instructors — not control them. It exists to elevate standards — not replace traditions.
We welcome martial artists from all styles who believe in professionalism, integrity, and the responsible teaching of martial arts.
Lastly, the ICBA wants to be a support system for you! Our programs have been developed due to requests from our Members. If you have a need or want, in regards to the ICBA Program Offerings, Please let us know by submitting a Contact Us form – we would be happy to discuss and possibly develop the best program to fit your needs!
Respectfully,
Steve Milliet, ICBA Chairman
Our Programs
Instructor Certification
What It Is — And What It Is Not
WHAT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION IS…
1. Professional Instructor Recognition
ICBA Instructor Certification & Assistant Instructor Certification recognizes individuals who actively teach martial arts and meet professional instructional standards.
It confirms that an instructor:
- Teaches responsibly and ethically
- Maintains structured lesson planning
- Understands student progression
- Promotes safety and professionalism
- Operates within an organized teaching framework
ICBA certification is about how you teach, not what you teach.
2. System-Neutral and Style-Respectful
ICBA does not replace, modify, or interfere with lineage structures, titles (such as Sifu, Sensei, Sabumnim, Sobanim, or Professor), or internal ranking systems.
ICBA certification affirms instructional professionalism without altering style identity.
3. Teaching Methodology Support
ICBA provides tools to help instructors:
- Structure classes effectively
- Improve student retention
- Enhance communication and leadership
- Develop structured progression systems
- Maintain safe training environments
- Strengthen operational professionalism
ICBA provides frameworks and guidance — not mandates.
Certification provides third‑party recognition and professional documentation that can support instructors when working with schools, community programs, seminars, insurance providers, and international organizations.
WHAT ICBA INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION IS NOT
ICBA certification is NOT rank certification.
ICBA does NOT:
- Promote individuals to Sifu or Sensei
- Award Dan ranks or belt levels
- Override lineage authority
- Recognize or reject internal ranking structures
Your teachers determine rank within your tradition. ICBA recognizes the professionalism of instruction.
ICBA certification is NOT curriculum control.
ICBA does NOT:
- Change your forms
- Modify your techniques
- Standardize your art
- Require Chinese terminology
- Force style conversion
You teach your material. ICBA verifies instructional standards.
ICBA certification is not political or cultural domination. Participation is open to martial arts instructors from all systems and traditions.
School Accreditation
What It Is — And What It Is Not
WHAT SCHOOL ACCREDITATION IS…
ICBA School Accreditation verifies that a martial arts school operates under structured organizational standards while maintaining its own curriculum and traditions.
Accreditation confirms that:
- The school maintains a structured curriculum
- Student progression is documented
- Instruction is conducted safely
- Professional conduct and ethics are upheld
- Instructors meet professional teaching standards
ICBA validates organizational structure without redesigning the art itself.
WHAT SCHOOL ACCREDITATION IS NOT
ICBA accreditation is NOT a curriculum rewrite.
ICBA does NOT:
- Replace forms or techniques
- Alter belt or rank systems
- Require specific techniques
- Force stylistic integration
ICBA respects the uniqueness of every martial arts system and preserves the integrity of each tradition.
Note: School Accreditation is only available to ICBA Certified Instructors.
If you purchase this product and are not a Professional or Executive Member, your payment will be reimbursed.
Lineage Recognition
What It Is – And What It Is Not
Your Lineage. Our Seal. Global Recognition.
The International Chinese Boxing Association (ICBA) honors the masters of the craft through its Lineage Recognition Program. This program formally acknowledges the titles and traditions of system founders, inheritors, and senior lineage holders.
Examples of lineage titles may include:
- Soke
- Sijo
- Grandmaster
- System Founder
- Lineage Inheritor
Through a board review process, ICBA evaluates submitted documentation and history to formally recognize legitimate martial arts lineage leadership.
ICBA does not create lineage — it documents and recognizes it.
WHAT LINEAGE RECOGNITION IS
1. Formal International Recognition
ICBA Lineage Recognition acknowledges the historical and leadership role of individuals who founded a martial arts system, inherited a system from a recognized lineage, or serve as the primary custodians of a system’s development.
2. Historical Documentation
The program helps document and preserve martial arts system origins, founder history, lineage succession, and system development for future generations.
3. International Organizational Acknowledgment
Lineage Recognition provides third-party acknowledgment through an international organization, supporting professional credibility and historical preservation.
4. Recognition of Achievement and Contribution
Lineage Recognition honors individuals who have devoted decades to building a system, preserving a lineage, and contributing to the global martial arts community.
WHAT LINEAGE RECOGNITION IS NOT
It Is NOT Rank Promotion
Lineage Recognition does not promote rank, award belts or dan levels, or replace internal ranking systems.
It Is NOT Lineage Arbitration
ICBA does not resolve lineage disputes or determine which branch of a system is legitimate. Recognition is based only on documentation submitted for review.
It Is NOT Ownership of Your System
Recognition does not transfer ownership or authority of a martial arts system to ICBA. Each system remains fully independent.
Recognition Honors
Individuals accepted into the ICBA Lineage Recognition Program will receive:
- Official ICBA Lineage Recognition Certificate (stamped and signed)
- Official ICBA Recognition Patch
- Custom ICBA Recognition Sash or Belt
- Official Documentation of Recognition
These honors serve as visible symbols of global acknowledgment and professional respect.