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==History==
Founded in 19931992, the World Head of Family Sokeship Council is the first American grandmasters council.<ref name="Tullis2004-12-01"/> It was founded by Frank E. Sanchez of Guam and resident of Florida.<ref name="August 2003 10 Anniversary"/> The membership consists of exclusively those who are ranked 9th and 10th degree Dan, or equivalent<ref name="2000-09-29"/> and is by invitation or sponsorship only.<ref name="Tullis2004-12-01"/> However, 8th degree Dan and author Tero Laaksonen of Finland was inducted in 2012.<ref name="Tero Laaksonen 8th Dan"/> The WHFSC is a non-political organization, it respects all martial artists regardless of style or discipline and does not confer or grant Grandmaster status.<ref name="WHFSC Compendium"/>
In 2000, the organization had 149 members,<ref name="Dyke2000-09-14"/> and as of February 2016, the membership stands at 293 internationally.<ref name="Frankly Speaking"/> WHFSC acceptance is based upon verifiable attributes, in 2013, only two of the four nominees passed the review process and were accepted into the Sokeship Council. The WHFSC has no membership fees.<ref name="2013 Convention"/> WHFSC accepts martial arts that are at least a decade old and practiced in no fewer than five states.<ref name="Bergquist1994-01-11"/>