World Ultimate Sin Moo Hapkido Federation primary emblem: eagle, dragon, globe, pyramids and martial artists in black, red and goldWUSMHF

Governance

Constitution of the World Ultimate Sin Moo Hapkido Federation

Adopted by the Founding Congress on the 12th day of June, 2026.

We, the members and affiliated organizations of the World Ultimate Sin Moo Hapkido Federation (WUSMHF), united by our commitment to the martial art, philosophy, and principles of Sinmoo Hapkido, hereby establish this Constitution to promote excellence in martial arts education, preserve the traditions of Hapkido, foster international cooperation, and develop future generations of practitioners through leadership, integrity, discipline, and service.

ARTICLE I

Name

The official name of the organization shall be the World Ultimate Sin Moo Hapkido Federation (WUSMHF), hereinafter referred to as "the Federation." The Federation shall operate as an international non-profit martial arts organization.

ARTICLE II

Mission and Objectives

The Federation shall:

  • Preserve, promote, and develop Ultimate Sin Moo Hapkido throughout the world; establish and maintain international technical standards; certify instructors, examiners, masters, and affiliated schools.
  • Promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development through martial arts training.
  • Encourage friendship, respect, and cooperation among all nations.
  • Organize international seminars, camps, competitions, demonstrations, and educational programs.
  • Develop leadership and character through martial arts practice.
  • Maintain ethical standards for all members.
  • Support research and preservation of Hapkido history and philosophy.
  • Promote peace, self-defense, and personal growth through martial arts education.

ARTICLE III

Official Principles

The Federation recognizes the following principles as fundamental:

  • Respect
  • Positive Outlook
  • Positive Mental Attitude
  • Honesty
  • Integrity
  • Discipline
  • Courage
  • Humility
  • Compassion
  • Self-Control
  • Focus
  • Leadership
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Service to Humanity

All members shall strive to embody these values.

ARTICLE IV

Membership

Section 1 – Membership Categories. The Federation shall recognize:

A. Individual Categories

  • Individual Members
  • Student Members
  • Black Belt Members
  • Instructor Members
  • Master Members
  • Grandmaster Members
  • Honorary Members

B. Organizational Members

  • Affiliated Clubs
  • Affiliated Schools
  • National Associations
  • Continental Federations

Section 2 – Eligibility. Membership shall be open to any person or organization supporting the aims and objectives of the Federation regardless of nationality, race, religion, gender, or political affiliation.

Section 3 – Membership Rights. Members in good standing may:

  • Participate in Federation activities.
  • Receive rank recognition.
  • Attend approved events.
  • Vote when entitled under Federation regulations.
  • Seek election to office when eligible.

Section 4 – Membership Responsibilities. Members shall:

  • Abide by this Constitution.
  • Uphold the Federation's Code of Ethics.
  • Maintain professional conduct.
  • Support Federation programs and objectives.

ARTICLE V

Governing Structure

The Federation shall consist of:

  • World Congress
  • Executive Board
  • Technical Council
  • Ethics and Discipline Committee
  • Continental Federations
  • National Federations
  • Affiliated Schools and Clubs

ARTICLE VI

World Congress

Section 1. The World Congress shall be the supreme governing authority of the Federation.

Section 2. The Congress shall meet every four (4) years.

Section 3. Voting members shall include:

  • Executive Board Members
  • National Federation Representatives
  • Continental Federation Representatives

Section 4. The Congress shall:

  • Elect Executive Officers.
  • Amend the Constitution.
  • Ratify international policies.
  • Approve strategic development plans.

ARTICLE VII

Executive Board

Section 1 – Composition. The Executive Board shall consist of:

  • President
  • Senior Vice President
  • Vice President for Administration
  • Vice President for Technical Affairs
  • Secretary General
  • Treasurer
  • Director of Education
  • Director of International Relations
  • Director of Development
  • Ethics Director
  • Continental Representatives

Section 2 – Duties. The President shall:

  • Serve as chief executive officer.
  • Represent the Federation internationally.
  • Preside over official meetings.
  • Ensure implementation of Federation policies.

The Secretary General shall:

  • Maintain official records.
  • Manage communications.
  • Coordinate meetings and reports.

The Treasurer shall:

  • Manage Federation finances.
  • Present annual financial statements.
  • Maintain transparent accounting records.

Section 3 – Term of Office. Executive Officers shall serve four-year terms and may be re-elected.

ARTICLE VIII

Technical Council

Section 1. The Technical Council shall be responsible for:

  • Curriculum development.
  • Technical standards.
  • Instructor certification.
  • Rank requirements.
  • International examiner qualifications.

Section 2. The Technical Council shall consist of senior masters appointed by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IX

Dan and Instructor Certification

Section 1. The Federation shall maintain official standards for:

  • Black Belt Certification
  • Instructor Certification
  • Master Certification
  • Examiner Certification

Section 2. All promotions shall be based upon:

  • Technical competence
  • Knowledge of philosophy
  • Character
  • Leadership
  • Teaching ability
  • Service to the Federation

Section 3. Honorary ranks may only be awarded by unanimous approval of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE X

National Federations

Section 1. Only one officially recognized National Federation may represent each country unless otherwise approved by the Executive Board.

Section 2. National Federations shall:

  • Follow Federation standards.
  • Submit annual reports.
  • Maintain active membership.
  • Support international programs.

ARTICLE XI

Continental Federations

The Federation may establish:

  • African Federation
  • Asian Federation
  • European Federation
  • North American Federation
  • South American Federation
  • Oceania Federation

Each shall operate under Federation authority.

ARTICLE XII

Code of Ethics

All members shall:

  • Demonstrate respect toward others.
  • Promote safe training practices.
  • Avoid abuse of authority.
  • Avoid discrimination or harassment.
  • Maintain honesty in rank representation.
  • Protect students and vulnerable persons.
  • Preserve the reputation of the Federation.

ARTICLE XIII

Safeguarding and Student Protection

The Federation shall maintain policies to:

  • Protect children and vulnerable adults.
  • Prevent abuse and misconduct.
  • Investigate complaints fairly.
  • Promote safe sporting environments.

All instructors shall comply with safeguarding requirements established by their country and the Federation.

ARTICLE XIV

Disciplinary Procedures

Section 1. Complaints shall be submitted in writing.

Section 2. The Ethics and Discipline Committee shall investigate alleged violations.

Section 3. Penalties may include:

  • Warning
  • Probation
  • Suspension
  • Removal of instructor certification
  • Revocation of rank recognition
  • Expulsion

Section 4. All members shall have the right to appeal.

ARTICLE XV

Finances

Federation income may be derived from:

  • Membership fees
  • Certification fees
  • Event revenues
  • Sponsorship agreements
  • Donations
  • Educational programs
  • Merchandise sales

All funds shall be used exclusively for Federation purposes.

ARTICLE XVI

Official Emblems

The Federation shall have the authority to establish and protect:

  • Official logo
  • Official insignia
  • Official certificates
  • Official uniforms and markings

Use of Federation intellectual property requires authorization.

ARTICLE XVII

Amendments

Amendments to this Constitution shall require:

  • Written proposal submitted at least ninety (90) days before voting.
  • Approval by two-thirds (2/3) of voting delegates present at the World Congress.

ARTICLE XVIII

Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, all remaining assets shall be transferred to a recognized non-profit educational, cultural, or martial arts organization selected by the World Congress. No assets shall be distributed to individual members.

ARTICLE XIX

Adoption

This Constitution was adopted by the Founding Congress of the World Ultimate Sinmoo Hapkido Federation on the 12th day of June, 2026.

Founding Executive Officers

  • President: SGM Massan Ghorbani, Joongkwan Sunsa
  • Senior Vice President: To Be Elected
  • Secretary General: To Be Elected
  • Treasurer: To Be Elected
  • Technical Director: To Be Elected
  • Witness: To Be Elected