A group of local martial artists have formed a new organisation within Bermuda's vast martial art's community.

Some of the Island's most recognised martial arts instructors have joined together based on their common views to promote the spirit of martial arts.

The new organisation, called United Martial Arts Association, is not designed to circumvent the long-standing Bermuda Martial Arts Federation (BMAF) -- the Island's governing body for martial arts.

The executive council raised points-to-note regarding how they plan to operate the new organisation.

Sifu Tori Robinson of Self Defence Systems said: "We intend to be a lot more active.'' Sifu Kevin Watson of Xhieung Kung Fu said: "We're going to have members of all systems and styles -- to benefit more than just one particular style.'' He said they plan to fill the calender year with activities such as seminars, tournaments, charity work and demonstrations -- local and abroad.

Sifu Robinson said: "Basically we started putting on seminars together and after sitting down and talking, we all realised we had the same views on martial arts in Bermuda.'' The executive council said it will avoid the politics normally associated with over-bloated bureaucracies.

Sifu David Simmons of Wing Lam Kung Fu said the organisation planned to raise money for it's events through membership fees, fund raising events and local sponsors.

Sifu Robinson explained sponsorship was a funding option because of some members distinguished track record.

"We have within the organisation a lot of successful martial artists that have done well locally and overseas.'' But the council raised concerns the formation could draw fire from critics and could be misinterpreted as a leadership challenge for Bermuda's martial arts community -- a leadership that is solidified within the BMAF.

Sifu Robinson said: "Our main concern is to foster martial arts throughout Bermuda -- we're going to refrain from getting into a battle.

"We want to be noticed through our actions rather than our announcement.

We're calling ourselves an organisation rather than a governing body because that's what we are. We stand up and we don't have any hidden agenda.'' Sifu Watson said: "If a school shares our views regardless of what style, they can join us and our common goal is to support one another.'' Professor Arnold Allan of Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu said: "The main thing is everybody is entitled to do what they feel is best for them.'' Members of the United Martial Arts Association thus far are: Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu lead by Prof. Allan, Sifu Watson's Xhieung Kung Fu and Six Harmony Tai Chi school, Sifu Robinson's Jeet Kun Do, Kempo and Jujitsu Self Defence Systems, Sifu David Simmons' Wing Lam Kung Fu School, Renshi Lee Tucker's Shorin Ryu school and Shihan McClarren Smith's school.

For further information, call 236-6792 or 735-3431.