Cooperation with IBMA and Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
Working Together for the Future of Budo While Respecting Independence
IBMA (International Budo Man Association) promotes cooperation
with organizations and dojos in order to advance
personal development through Budo, education, research,
instructor development, international exchange,
and contribution to society.
For organizations and dojos whose activities are based on
Kyokushin Karate, IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI provides
a separate affiliation system.
These are two different systems with different purposes.
Cooperate with IBMA.
Affiliate with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
In both cases, the basic principle is to respect
the name, history, leadership, instructional system,
policies, grading system, and operational independence
developed by each organization and dojo.
Two Different Systems
1. Cooperation with IBMA
This system is open to organizations and dojos
regardless of Budo discipline or style that support
the principles and objectives of IBMA
and wish to cooperate in areas such as Budo education,
research, instructor development, international exchange,
youth development, and contribution to society.
Cooperation with IBMA does not constitute
organizational membership or organizational affiliation with IBMA.
It also does not mean becoming a branch
or subordinate body of IBMA.
Each organization remains independent
while cooperating with IBMA in areas of shared purpose.
2. Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI is intended
for organizations and dojos whose activities are based on
Kyokushin Karate and that seek to preserve, study,
develop, and transmit its history, spirit,
techniques, kata, training systems,
and value as Budo.
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI primarily provides
the following two affiliation categories:
- Affiliated Organization
- Affiliated Dojo
Applications may be reviewed on the basis of
activity history, leadership, instructors,
instructional structure, safety management,
ethics, organizational management,
and other relevant matters.
After affiliation, the existing organization or dojo
generally retains its name, history, leadership,
instructional system, organizational structure,
membership system, finances, local activities,
and daily management.
Difference Between the Two Systems
| Item | Cooperation with IBMA | Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI |
|---|---|---|
| Main participants | Organizations and dojos of any Budo discipline or style | Organizations and dojos based on Kyokushin Karate |
| Relationship | Cooperation between independent organizations | Affiliated Organization or Affiliated Dojo of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI |
| Independence | Maintained | Generally maintained |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI ranks and qualifications | Generally not applicable | Available subject to applicable regulations and review |
| Main purpose | Cooperation in education, research, exchange, and social contribution |
Preservation, research, development, and networking within Kyokushin Karate |
Independence of Organizations and Dojos
Cooperation with IBMA or affiliation with
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not, in principle,
require changes to the following:
- Organization or dojo name
- History and previous activities
- Representative and leadership
- Instructors and instructional structure
- Training system and teaching policies
- Organizational structure
- Membership system and fees
- Finances and daily management
- Local activities
- Existing Kyu and Dan grading systems
However, use of the IBMA or IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
name, logo, official designations,
certified qualifications, certified Dan ranks,
Dan-ranking authority, or related privileges
is governed by applicable regulations
and individual approval conditions.
Official Certification within IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not generally operate
“Certified Organization” or “Certified Dojo”
as higher organizational categories above
Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos.
Official certification is primarily applied
to individual qualifications and specific systems,
including:
- Certified Instructors
- Certified teaching or senior instructor qualifications
- Certified Dan ranks
- Examiners and other certified qualifications
- Approval of Dan-ranking authority
- Other separately established certification systems
These are not automatically granted upon affiliation.
Each is subject to its own regulations,
standards, review, and approval.
Kyu and Dan Systems
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not
automatically require an organization or dojo
to abolish or immediately change its existing
Kyu and Dan grading system.
Existing grading systems are generally respected
in consideration of the history and independence
of each organization.
However, official IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Dan ranks
and Dan-ranking authority are administered separately
under applicable regulations and review procedures.
Use of Names and Logos
Cooperation or affiliation does not automatically
grant unrestricted use of the IBMA or
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI name, logo,
trademark, or official designation.
Use on websites, advertisements, certificates,
tournament titles, event names, printed materials,
or similar items is subject to applicable regulations
or individual approval.
Relationship with Individual IBMA Membership
Individual membership in IBMA and
organizational cooperation or affiliation
are separate systems.
Where individual IBMA membership is required
in connection with affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI,
each individual registers voluntarily
under the IBMA individual membership system.
Organizations and dojos should not register individuals
against their wishes.
For current individual membership requirements
related to affiliation,
please refer to the latest affiliation regulations
published by IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Affiliation Fees and Membership Fees
Affiliation fees, renewal fees,
individual membership fees,
and other charges may be revised
according to region or changes in the system.
For this reason, specific amounts are not listed
on this page.
Please refer to the latest official information
published by IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Considering Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI?
For current information concerning affiliation requirements,
affiliation regulations, Certified Instructors,
certified Dan ranks, Dan-ranking authority,
use of names and logos, and related matters,
please refer to the official IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI website.
Not Sure Which System Is Right for You?
If you are unsure whether cooperation with IBMA
or affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
is appropriate for your organization or dojo,
please begin with a preliminary inquiry.
We can review your current activities,
Budo discipline, organizational structure,
and future objectives and provide guidance
regarding the appropriate system.
Formal Application
Organizations and dojos wishing to proceed formally
may submit the prescribed application.
Applications will be reviewed,
and additional documents, an interview,
or other confirmation may be requested where necessary.
Submission of an application form alone does not automatically
establish cooperation, affiliation,
certification, rank, or any other official status.
Important Notice
This page provides a general explanation of the overall system.
For official and current requirements concerning affiliation
with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI, certified qualifications,
certified Dan ranks, Dan-ranking authority,
use of names and logos, fees, and related matters,
the latest regulations and information published
on the official IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI website shall take precedence.
