Apply for
Accreditation

NMAO Accreditation Standards Application

You must complete at least 7 of the 9 standards. All (required) items must be completed.

1. Business Identity & Legitimacy

Provide the legal name of your business, postal address, email, and phone number.
Your Email Address(Required)
Address(Required)
Upload a copy of your certificate of incorporation, LLC, DBA, or state-issued business entity documentation.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
For schools that are supported by another entity, written agreements with that entity and documentation of the financial viability of that supporting entity must be submitted.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Upload your school’s logo or trademark.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
The school must have adequate resources available to support ongoing activities. Please submit a letter from your account stating so, or a copy of your bank statement.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.

2. Lineage & Credentials

List your instructor(s) and their instructor(s) to establish your school's lineage.
Provide contact info or public verification sources (picture of promotion with instructor if available).
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Upload any certificates that support your lineage.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.

3. Insurance, Instructor Information, and Safety Credentials

Provide a current liability insurance certificate.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Business Owners
List the name(s) of the business owner(s)
Owner 1
Owner 2
Owner 3
Owner 4
 
Indicate the number of years in business.
List all instructors 18+, and upload background check consent forms
Upload background check consent forms
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Upload CPR certification cards.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Upload picture showing location of first aid kits
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.

4: Facility Safety & Monitoring

Upload photos of video monitoring systems in place. Include a screenshot of system settings showing recording length/capacity.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Upload fire extinguisher locations.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.

5: Instructional Staff & Junior Instructor Program

Main Assistant Instructors
List all main assistant instructors with rank and experience.
Instructor 1 Name
Instructor 1 Email
Instructor 2 Name
Instructor 2 Email
Instructor 3 Name
Instructor 3 Email
Instructor 4 Name
Instructor 4 Email
 
Junior Instructors
List junior instructors under 18
Instructor 1
Instructor 2
Instructor 3
Instructor 4
 
Upload picture showing most recent instructor promotion
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.

6: Digital Presence & Public Transparency

Social
List your school’s social media handles.
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
X
 
Provide your website URL.
Upload a screenshot of your Google Business Profile (if available).
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.

7: Program Standards & Operations

Describe your method of student data protection (include platform or software used).
List the average annual number of enrolled students.
Upload proof of operations manual (if applicable).
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Transfer Students
Explain how transfer students are welcomed
Describe your process of belt promotion.
Does the school have a catalog? If so, upload the catalog.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Are there any policies in place related to disciplinary actions, adverse testing decisions, and appeals? If so, what are they? Are the policies available to the public?
How long do you retain student records for? Are the records secure under lock and key? If digital records are on a computer, who accesses them? Are firewalls in place on computers? What platforms are used to store student records?
How are paper records disposed of?
Nondisclosure Agreements
Does the school maintain signed confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements from all personnel (including staff, board members, instructors, examiners, consultants and vendors), involved in the school’s program.

8: Health, Hygiene & Allergy Awareness

Upload a photo of your allergy awareness signage.
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, jpeg, heic, heif, Max. file size: 10 MB.
How often are the following items cleaned and/or maintained: • Mats vacuumed • Mats mopped • Lobby cleaned • Bathrooms maintained
What cleaner is used to disinfect mats?
How often do you disinfect mitts, pads, and bags?
What cleaner is used to disinfect mitts/pads/bags?

9: Compliance

Good Standing
Acknowledge that your program must remain in good standing to retain accreditation.
Revocation of Accreditation
Understand that false information or unethical practices may lead to revocation of accreditation.
Compliance Period
Schools seeking accreditation will be granted a six-month compliance period to resolve any unmet certification requirements. This grace period allows schools the opportunity to bring all required standards into alignment with NMAO's criteria for safety, professionalism, and ethical practice. During this time, NMAO will provide guidance and resources needed to support schools in meeting the expectations of accreditation. Failure to meet requirements within this period may result in denial or postponement of accreditation status.
Our accreditation will set you apart from other schools and martial arts practitioners, and it will provide you with the credentials necessary to show your accomplishments.
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