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IBMA—the International Budo Human Development Association—promotes cooperation with organizations and dojos that support its principles, regardless of Karate style or Budo discipline.
Kyokushin-related organizations and dojos may also apply for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Cooperate with IBMA; affiliate with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
These systems enable organizations and dojos to work together for the future of Budo while retaining their names, histories, teaching policies, and operational independence.
Two Forms of Participation
1. IBMA Cooperating Organization or Cooperating Dojo
This category is for organizations and dojos of any Karate style or Budo discipline that support IBMA’s principles and wish to cooperate in Budo education, research, instructor development, international exchange, or social contribution.
Cooperation with IBMA does not constitute organizational “membership” or “affiliation” with IBMA. Following review and confirmation, an applicant may be registered as an IBMA Cooperating Organization or IBMA Cooperating Dojo.
2. IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliated Organization or Affiliated Dojo
This category is for Kyokushin-related organizations and dojos that value the history, spirit, fundamentals, kata, techniques, and training systems of Kyokushin Karate and wish to cooperate in their preservation, study, and development.
An organization or dojo approved for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI will, in principle, also be treated as having a cooperative relationship with IBMA. A duplicate application for cooperation with IBMA is therefore unnecessary.
After building an appropriate record of activity and satisfying the prescribed standards, an affiliate may later apply for recognition as a Certified Organization or Certified Dojo. Certification is not granted automatically through affiliation.
Key Differences
| Category | For | Relationship | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBMA Cooperating Organization / Dojo | Budo organizations and dojos generally | Cooperation with IBMA | Free in principle |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliated Organization / Dojo | Kyokushin-related organizations and dojos | Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI and cooperation with IBMA | Regional affiliation fee |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Certified Organization / Dojo | Affiliates satisfying the certification standards | Formal recognition following separate review | Certification-related fees prescribed separately |
Organizational Independence
Following cooperation or affiliation, each organization or dojo will, in principle, continue to manage the following independently:
- Its name, history, and record of activities
- Its representative, instructors, teaching policies, and training content
- Its structure, membership system, fees, finances, and daily operations
- Its local activities and relationships with other organizations
Use of the names, logos, certification statements, ranks, or instructor qualifications of IBMA or IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI remains subject to the applicable regulations and any required individual approval.
Individual Membership Requirements for Kyokushin Affiliation
- In principle, at least five individuals associated with the applicant must be IBMA General Members.
- If five registrations are difficult at the initial stage, an applicant may apply with at least three General Members and a plan to reach five by the first renewal, subject to approval.
- Every individual must register voluntarily. An organization or dojo must not register anyone against that person’s wishes.
- An IBMA Regular Member is not required at the affiliation stage.
- For a later certification application, in principle, at least one of the representative or IBMA Liaison must be an IBMA Regular Member.
Regional Categories, Annual Dues, and Affiliation Fees
For overseas applicants, Regions A, B, and C are used to reflect local economic circumstances. The IBMA Office will confirm the applicable category based on the individual’s residence or the principal location of the organization’s or dojo’s activities.
| Category | Japan | Region A | Region B | Region C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBMA General Member Per person |
JPY 3,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 1,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 1,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 1,000/year |
| IBMA Regular Member Per person |
JPY 30,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 30,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 20,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 10,000/year |
| IBMA Supporting Member Organization/corporation; optional |
JPY 5,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 5,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 3,500/year | Equivalent of JPY 2,000/year |
| Cooperation with IBMA Per organization/dojo |
Free in principle | Free in principle | Free in principle | Free in principle |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliation Per organization/dojo |
JPY 10,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 10,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 7,000/year | Equivalent of JPY 4,000/year |
Important
IBMA Supporting Membership is optional. It is not required for cooperation with IBMA or for affiliation, certification, or renewal with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI. Regular Membership dues and certification-related charges are also not included in the ordinary affiliation fee.
Standard Annual Cost Including Five General Members
The following totals combine the IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI affiliation fee with dues for five General Members. Optional Supporting Membership, Regular Membership, and certification-related charges are excluded.
| Region | Five General Members | Affiliation Fee | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | JPY 15,000 | JPY 10,000 | JPY 25,000 |
| Region A | JPY 5,000 equivalent | JPY 10,000 equivalent | JPY 15,000 equivalent |
| Region B | JPY 5,000 equivalent | JPY 7,000 equivalent | JPY 12,000 equivalent |
| Region C | JPY 5,000 equivalent | JPY 4,000 equivalent | JPY 9,000 equivalent |
Application Process
- Review this information and the applicable regulations.
- Use the application form and select either cooperation with IBMA or affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
- For Kyokushin affiliation, confirm the required General Member registrations.
- The office reviews the applicant’s activities, instructional structure, and safety management and may request an interview or additional documents.
- The applicant receives the decision and, where applicable, its regional category and affiliation fee.
- Registration or affiliation takes effect after approval and completion of all required procedures and payments.
