IBMA Individual Membership
IBMA—the International Budo Human Development Association—provides several
individual membership categories according to each person’s purpose and
level of involvement.
Individual membership is separate from the systems for organizational
partnership with IBMA and affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Individual Membership Categories
| Category | Principal Eligibility | Annual Dues | Principal Benefits and Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Member | Individuals interested in IBMA activities, Budo education, and research | Free | Associate Member content, public videos and articles, news, and event information |
| General Member | Individuals wishing to study Karate and Budo continuously | JPY 3,000 | Digital Karate Budo Textbook, Video Library, members-only lessons, and study materials |
| Regular Member | Individuals participating actively and continuously in the governance and activities of IBMA | JPY 30,000 | Participation in the General Assembly, voting rights, and committee and project activities. A separate application, confirmation, and approval are required. |
Associate Membership
Associate Membership is intended for individuals who are interested in
IBMA activities, Budo education, and Budo research and wish to begin learning
through IBMA information and public content.
Associate Membership is free of charge.
Associate Members may principally access:
- Digital textbook content provided for Associate Members
- IBMA news and event information
- Public videos and articles
- Other educational content provided for Associate Members
General Membership
General Membership is intended for individuals who support the principles
and activities of IBMA and wish to continue studying Karate and Budo.
Annual dues are JPY 3,000 per person.
General Members may principally access:
- General Member content in the Digital Karate Budo Textbook
- The Video Library
- Educational and study materials
- Members-only content
- Opportunities to participate in training, exchange, research, and other activities announced by IBMA
An organization or dojo applying for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
must, in principle, have at least five associated IBMA General Members.
At the time of an initial application, affiliation may begin with at least
three General Members if the prescribed conditions are satisfied and
approval is obtained.
Each individual must complete General Member registration voluntarily.
An organization or dojo must not register a person against that person’s
wishes.
Regular Membership
Regular Membership is intended for individuals who support the purposes and
principles of IBMA and participate actively and continuously in its governance
and activities.
Annual dues are JPY 30,000 per person.
Participation in the General Assembly, voting rights, and other rights and
obligations of Regular Members are governed by the Articles of Incorporation,
Membership Regulations, and other applicable rules of IBMA.
Regular Membership is not granted automatically through the simplified
registration form used for Associate and General Members. A separate
application, confirmation, and approval are required.
Supporting Membership
Supporting Membership is a separate system for organizations, corporations,
and similar entities wishing to support IBMA’s Budo education, research,
international exchange, instructor development, and social-contribution
activities.
Annual dues are JPY 5,000 per organization or corporation.
Supporting Membership is separate from the individual categories of
Associate Member, General Member, and Regular Member. Applications cannot
be submitted through the individual membership registration form.
Registration as an IBMA Supporting Member is optional. It is not a
requirement for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI, certification, or
renewal.
The Digital Karate Budo Textbook and Membership
The IBMA Digital Karate Budo Textbook is one of the educational and learning
services provided by IBMA to members and learners.
Public pages may be viewed without membership registration. Members-only
content may be accessed according to the member’s category and eligibility.
- Associate Members: content designated for Associate Members
- General Members: General Member textbook content, videos, lessons, and study materials
- Regular Members: General Member content together with participation in IBMA governance and activities
Individual Membership Registration
Individuals may register directly as Associate Members or General Members
through the IBMA Membership Registration page.
Those wishing to apply for Regular Membership or Supporting Membership
should contact the IBMA Office because separate procedures apply.
For Organizations and Dojos Seeking Partnership or Affiliation
The systems for organizations and dojos are separate from individual
membership.
- Organizations and dojos seeking cooperation with IBMA, regardless of Budo discipline or style, may apply for recognition as an IBMA Cooperating Organization or Cooperating Dojo.
- Kyokushin-related organizations and dojos may apply for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
At the affiliation stage, the representative or IBMA Liaison is not required
to be an IBMA Regular Member.
At least one Regular Member becomes necessary when an Affiliated Organization
or Affiliated Dojo later applies for certification as a Certified Organization
or Certified Dojo.
Supporting Membership is also optional and is not a requirement for
affiliation, certification, or renewal.
