Guide to IBMA Membership, Organizational Cooperation, and Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
Introduction
IBMA—the International Budo Human Development Association—is an educational, research, and exchange organization that seeks to apply budo to human development and the creation of a better society through budo education, research, international exchange, leadership development, and social contribution.
IBMA is not a governing body for any single martial arts style or school. It builds a network in which participants cooperate across differences in style, discipline, and nationality while respecting their respective independence.
About IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI is an organization officially recognized by IBMA. It supports the principles of IBMA and works for the preservation, study, promotion, and further development of Kyokushin Karate as budo.
IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI are independent organizations. IBMA is not the governing body of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI, and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI is not an internal division of IBMA.
Forms of Participation and Cooperation
| Category | Main Participants | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IBMA Associate Member | Individuals wishing to learn about IBMA | Free registration, activity information, and access to selected content |
| IBMA General Member | Individuals wishing to study budo | Access to the Digital Karate Budo Textbook, videos, and members-only materials |
| IBMA Regular Member | Individuals participating in IBMA governance and activities | Participation in general meetings, voting, committees, and other activities as provided by the Articles of Incorporation |
| IBMA Supporting Member | Organizations and legal entities supporting IBMA | Support for education, research, exchange, and social contribution |
| IBMA Cooperating Organization or Dojo | Martial arts organizations and dojos | Formal recognition of a cooperative relationship with IBMA |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliated Organization or Dojo | Kyokushin Karate organizations and dojos | Participation in the IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI network |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Certified Organization or Dojo | Affiliated organizations and dojos meeting the required standards | Formal certification following affiliation and review |
Distinction between Terms
- An individual becomes an IBMA member through “membership” or “member registration.”
- An organization or dojo establishes a cooperative relationship with IBMA through “recognition as an IBMA Cooperating Organization or Cooperating Dojo.”
- An organization or dojo joins IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI through “affiliation.”
- An affiliated organization or dojo meeting the required standards may receive “certification.”
The term “affiliation with IBMA” is not used for organizations or dojos.
Membership and Affiliation Fees
| Category | Annual Fee or Charge |
| IBMA Associate Member | Free |
| IBMA General Member | JPY 3,000 per year |
| IBMA Regular Member | JPY 30,000 per year |
| IBMA Supporting Member | JPY 5,000 per organization per year |
| Recognition as an IBMA Cooperating Organization or Dojo | No additional fee |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI affiliation | JPY 10,000 per organization per year |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI certification application | Details provided separately |
The representative of an IBMA Cooperating Organization or Dojo must generally be an IBMA Regular Member.
Each organization or dojo affiliated with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI must appoint at least one IBMA Regular Member as its representative or designated IBMA liaison.
When one person newly registers as an IBMA Regular Member and the organization or dojo affiliates with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI, the basic annual amount is JPY 40,000: a JPY 30,000 Regular Membership fee plus a JPY 10,000 affiliation fee.
Application Process
- Confirm the appropriate membership category or organizational system.
- Submit the applicable membership registration or organization and dojo application form.
- Complete any review or interview requested by IBMA or IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
- Pay the applicable membership or affiliation fee after approval.
- Receive confirmation of membership, recognition, affiliation, or certification.
Applicable Documents
- IBMA members are governed by the IBMA Membership Regulations.
- IBMA Cooperating Organizations and Dojos are governed by the IBMA Cooperating Organization and Dojo Recognition Guidelines.
- Organizations and dojos affiliated with or certified by IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI are governed by the IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliation and Certification Regulations.
- The IBMA Articles of Incorporation take precedence in matters concerning IBMA Regular Members.
Applicants should review the applicable regulations or guidelines before applying.
