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BECOME A MEMBER

Mission & Purpose

The American Order of Combat – BuDoKwan was originally established as a fraternal association of Military Veterans who were also Black Belt Instructors and Masters. Today, the Order proudly continues its legacy by serving as a professional organization for:

      • U.S. Military Veterans and Active-Duty Personnel

      • Law Enforcement and Emergency Services

      • U.S. Citizens dedicated to the practice, instruction, and discipline of the Martial Arts

Our core mission is to provide a structured system of training, certification, and advancement for our members—rooted in honor, service, and the warrior spirit.

We further commit to:

✅ Promoting a deep understanding of U.S. Citizenship and civic responsibility

✅ Educating members on the respectful use and display of the American Flag

✅ Advancing education in the Martial Arts but in academic, business, and technical fields

✅Promoting the ideas of Service: Military, Community and Organizational.

✅ Organizing events that promote martial skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie

✅ Recognizing and celebrating excellence within the Martial Arts community

✅ Promoting participation in, and support of our Military, Law Enforcement and Emergency Service personnel

✅ Honoring the achievements of our members and their families

Membership Opportunities

🔹 General Membership (Color Belt Students)

Students training under an AOC-affiliated lodge are eligible to apply for General Membership.

      • Applications can be submitted through your current lodge or directly on this site.

      • If you are not currently training at an affiliate school, you may still apply. In this case, you will be assigned to the Warriors Institute (HQ Lodge) and expected to follow all established training protocols and guidelines.

🔹 BuDoKwan Membership (Black Belts Only)

This level is reserved for active and retired Black Belt practitioners.

      • Applications must be submitted directly to the American Order of Combat

      • All memberships are subject to review and approval by the Board of Masters

🔹 Returning Members

Welcome back. If you’ve been inactive within the Order for two years or more, here’s how to rejoin:

      • Black Belts: Reapply using the BuDoKwan Application

      • Color Belt Students: Reapply using the General Membership Application

      • All returning members will go through the standard review process.

Affiliate Lodge Membership

Martial Arts schools seeking to register as an official AOC Affiliate Lodge must apply directly through the Order.

Eligibility – Chief Instructor Must Be:

      • An active BuDoKwan Member in good standing,

      • OR a returning BuDoKwan Member with an application submitted,

      • OR referred by a current Board of Masters member or an existing Affiliate Lodge Chief Instructor.

Once approved, your school will become an officially recognized lodge under the American Order of Combat—committed to training the next generation with integrity, excellence, and warrior spirit.