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History of the AMAAF
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History
The origins of the American Martial Arts Alliance Foundation and its publishing legacy date back to 2015, with the release of the first Who’s Who in the Martial Arts biography book. The project was originally created by Jessie Bowen as a tribute and dedication to his martial arts instructor, O-Sensei Jan Wellendorf, founder of Sanshinkai Karate. Initially, the publication was intended to be a single commemorative volume recognizing martial artists and preserving their personal histories and contributions to the martial arts community.
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According to Bowen, the project expanded following encouragement from longtime martial arts associates Joe Corley and Jeff Smith, who believed the concept could become an ongoing historical and recognition platform for martial artists worldwide. As a result, a second edition of Who’s Who in the Martial Arts was produced and featured Cynthia Rothrock on the cover. The release coincided with the organization’s second Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Awards Banquet held in Charlotte.
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The success of the early publications led to the development of multiple biography and legacy book series connected to the American Martial Arts Alliance community and, later, to Elite Publications, which evolved into an international publishing and media company specializing in martial arts, leadership, and personal development.
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Subsequent publishing projects included:
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Who’s Who in the Martial Arts series
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Martial Arts Masters and Pioneers series
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Changing Lives series
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AMAA Legacy series
Collectively, the projects brought together martial artists, instructors, actors, competitors, and pioneers from around the world to document their experiences, achievements, and contributions to martial arts history.
Several volumes in the series paid tribute to influential martial arts figures, including Chuck Norris, Benny Urquidez, and Jhoon Rhee, among others, recognized for their impact on martial arts instruction, competition, and media representation.
The publications later became associated with the annual Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Hall of Honors events, which combined recognition ceremonies, seminars, networking opportunities, and historical preservation initiatives for martial artists and martial arts schools.
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NEW MAGAZINE RELEASE
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$49.95 PLUS S&H
HARDCOVER
special edition
ORDER YOUR COPY
$49.95 PLUS S&H HARDCOVER
CYNTHIA ROTHROCK SIGNED
COPIES AVAILABLE

MORE THAN JUST AN OCCASION
IT'S A CELEBRATION!
ONLINE MEET & GREET VIP RECEPTION
The American Martial Arts Legacy Weekend is more than just an occasion; it's a celebration of our community and its achievements. Hundreds of other renowned martial artists worldwide will be present at the VIP reception, allowing you to interact with and learn from martial arts giants like Grand Master Cynthia Rothrock. Additionally, get some of the FEATURED martial artists in the acclaimed Who's Who in the Martial Arts biography book to sign your copy.
ENRICHING LECTURES
With the help of expert lectures, improve your skills and advance your career. Business and personal development sessions are available at the American Martial Arts Legacy Weekend to help you advance your martial arts career. Meet hundreds of martial artists from across the world while learning from industry professionals, gaining insightful knowledge, and networking. Grow your career with us and improve your abilities.
EXPERT-LED WORKSHOPS
Gain full control of your potential with workshops taught by professionals. Take advantage of the opportunity to study under the industry's top professionals. Your potential will be fully realized thanks to our expert-led workshops on both professional and personal growth. Our seminars will give you the information and expertise you need to succeed, whether your goal is to develop your leadership abilities or obtain a competitive advantage in your field of work.

meet our amaa elite
seminar instructors

For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure,
come join us at the American Martial Arts Legacy weekend!
REGISTER EARLY!

AMAA

the distinguished privilege of an amaa legacy ring
The AMAA Legacy Ring is the benchmark for exceptional martial artists that are inducted. More than 1,000 inductees worldwide enjoy the distinguished privilege of wearing the AMAA Legacy Ring, which is presented to each inductee as a showcase and identifies the members of this important award.
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Make your black belt nomination today! celebrating the contributions that martial artists have made to the martial arts.



introducing american martial arts alliance
who's who in the
martial arts

shining a light on today's young blackbelts and tomorrow's future martial arts leaders
Parents and martial arts school leaders, now is your chance to recognize your child or student for all of their hard work and dedication to the martial arts. Let's help encourage them to continue on this journey and one day be able to share their martial arts legacy with the world! Your child must be between the ages of 14-18 and hold the rank of Black Belt.



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now available!
THE AMERICAN MARITAL ARTS ALLIANCE

COME CELEBRATE OUR MARTIAL ARTS LEGACY WITH THIS COMMEMORATIVE MUSEUM.
The AMAA Legacy Museum will honor the lives and legacies of AMAA Inductees, martial arts legends, masters, pioneers as well as commemorate our organization's contribution and deep commitment to the martial arts in the form of inspiring publications, educational & professional development, humanitarian efforts and community outreach.





