IAMSP Crest — International Academy of Martial Science and Philosophy
Council of Higher Education in Martial Arts
IAMSP
International Academy of Martial Science & Philosophy
Ph.D. / MA · DMS Degree Program
About the Degree → View Recipients
About IAMSP
What Is the International Academy of Martial Science & Philosophy?

The International Academy of Martial Science and Philosophy (IAMSP) was established to recognize and award Martial Artists worldwide for their dedication, personal accomplishments, training, teaching, and steadfast dedication in the field of Martial Arts, Philosophy, and Science.

Unique in its approach, the IAMSP seeks to integrate Eastern and Western thought into its degree programs. Each of IAMSP's programs is an external degree course of study. This means that students do not have to physically attend classes at the Academy. Students set their own goals and complete course requirements in the convenience of their homes, offices, or personal study areas.

This academy recognizes martial artists from around the world for their life-long dedication and accomplishments in the field of martial arts / science studies — offering martial art degree programs designed for full-time martial artists or working professionals only.

The IAMSP Council of Education in Martial Arts Philosophy and Science grants different degrees and certifications under its own authority, to develop its own accreditation system and curriculum. The degrees are based upon these requirements.

IAMSP Council of Higher Education in Martial Arts
IAMSP Council of Higher Education in Martial Arts
The Degree Program
Ph.D./MA DMS — Doctor of Martial Science / Philosophy
📜
Life Experience Degree
The DMS degree is awarded based on Life Experience — recognizing decades of dedicated practice, teaching, and mastery rather than traditional classroom instruction.
⏳
40–50 Years Minimum
A minimum of 40–50 years of martial arts experience and training is required. This degree honors true lifetime masters of their art.
🌐
External Degree Program
No physical attendance required. Students set their own goals and complete course requirements from home, office, or personal study areas. Coursework is submitted to IAMSP.
🔍
Background Check Required
A background check will be conducted through the NCIC (National Crime Information Center) or the FBI NICS. Any Felony charge can instantly disqualify an individual.
⚖️
Ethics & Conduct
The IAMSP recognizes one's ethical conduct, morality, and adherence to the Bushido Code of Ethics over the years. Final authority rests with the President of IAMSP.
🎓
Professional Recognition
These degrees are not to be confused with traditional academic degrees. They are intended to recognize and show professional status within the Martial Arts Community worldwide.
Eligibility
Requirements for the DMS Degree
Minimum Qualifications
◆ 40–50 years minimum of martial arts experience and training

◆ Life-long dedication and accomplishments in the field of martial arts / science studies

◆ Full-time martial artist or working professional with dedicated practice

◆ Clean criminal record — background check through NCIC and/or FBI NICS required

◆ No felony convictions — any felony charge can instantly disqualify an individual from receiving the DMS degree
Character Requirements
◆ Ethical conduct and morality — abiding by the Laws of the Land

◆ Adherence to the Bushido Code of Ethics over the years

◆ References, associates, and former students will be consulted to confirm authenticity

◆ Should deception be discovered after awarding the DMS, the recipient may be stripped of the degree

◆ Final decision and authority to grant or revoke the DMS degree is made solely by the President of IAMSP
Important Note
The degrees and certifications offered by IAMSP are not to be confused with traditional academic degrees or certifications. Their purpose is to recognize and show professional status within the Martial Arts Community. The IAMSP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or handicap in any of its policies, procedures, or practices.
The IAMSP Way
Philosophy & Values

The IAMSP encourages students to make use of the independent study program to design their own course of study, incorporating their personal goals and experiences into the degree program. The IAMSP welcomes enrollment of all those who demonstrate a sincere and dedicated commitment to completing their postsecondary education in martial arts in the unique setting that IAMSP provides.

Teamwork
Integrity
Dedication
Bushido
Honor Roll
Recognized Recipients
DMS Degree Recipients — Last 20 Years
Dr. Kevin P. Horton
Dr. Kevin L. Morris
Dr. Michael Murkins Sr.
Dr. Ronnie Lovick, Sr.
Dr. Sean Gray
Dr. Paul Dyer
Dr. Harold Credle
Dr. Jody Perry
Dr. Troy Barcia
Dr. Lesley Freeman Jr.
Dr. Orlando Yarobough
Dr. Abdullah Ameen Asad
Dr. Sifu Steve Muhammad
Dr. Richard Kaufman
Dr. Abdul Azziz Muhammad
Dr. Denis Debranche
Dr. Rita Joyce
Dr. Robert "Sugar" Crosson
Dr. De Rhandell Joyce
Dr. Fernando Figueroa (DR)
Dr. Shakura Sabur
Dr. Melvin Armstrong
Dr. Oluyemi Mashama
Dr. Wesley Swanson
Dr. Andrew Doty
Dr. Samuel Burris
Dr. Richard Anderson
Dr. Daryl Johnson
Dr. Keith Barrett
Dr. Michael Maxwell
Dr. Apolo Ladra
Dr. Runako Rudo Mashama

Pursue the DMS Degree

If you have dedicated 40–50 years to the martial arts and exemplify the values of the Bushido Code, you may be eligible for the Ph.D./MA DMS Degree through IAMSP.

Call Dr. Holifield · (770) 742-5269 → About the Founder