Preventing Fraud, Embracing the Digital Future
The United States Korean Federation (USKF) is implementing important changes starting this May to help prevent fraud and modernize how we manage memberships and rank promotions. These updates are designed to improve security, convenience, and ease of access for all members.
📲 Membership Updates
To streamline the membership process and enhance security:
- Physical Membership Certificates will no longer be issued — except for Traditional Lifetime Memberships.
- All other memberships (Traditional & E-Memberships) will receive digital PDF membership cards, easily accessible via smartphones or computers.
- New Traditional Members will still receive official patches as part of their welcome package.
This shift ensures that all members have quick, secure access to their credentials anytime, anywhere.
🥋 Promotion & Rank Changes
We’re also evolving how we recognize promotions, especially at the Gup (non-black belt) levels:
- USKF Headquarters will no longer issue physical Gup rank certificates.
- Licensed individual schools may continue to issue their own certificates if they choose.
- Digital E-Promotion Rank Cards (PDF) will now be provided instead of printed certificates. These can be stored on phones or computers for easy retrieval and sharing.
This move reduces the chance of fraudulent certificates and supports eco-friendly, efficient documentation.
🎖️ Dan Rank Certificates: New Look & Enhanced Security
Dan rank certificates are getting a modern facelift, along with built-in fraud prevention features to ensure authenticity and protect the value of your achievement.
Expect a clean, modern design with features that make your certificate easier to verify and harder to duplicate.
✅ What This Means for You
These updates are designed to:
- Improve security against fraudulent documents
- Reduce paper waste and mailing delays
- Give you fast, digital access to your credentials
- Modernize our federation while respecting tradition
If you have questions or need assistance with these updates, please contact USKF Headquarters for support.
📧 Stay Connected
Make sure your email is up to date with USKF to receive your digital cards and rank certificates! Contact your instructor or school administrator to help or write us at: info@uskido.org.
This article was originally published in the United States Kido Federation E-Magazine. It is important to members of Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts because as a Flag Ship School and testing center for the USKF we will be making these changes effective May 1, 2025.
