Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
Preserving independence while shaping the future of Kyokushin Karate together.
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI respects the history and spirit of Kyokushin Karate. Its purpose is to preserve, study, develop, and transmit its fundamentals, kata, techniques, training systems, and value as Budo to future generations.
The affiliation system is not intended to integrate participating organizations and dojos into a single organization or to require them to change their existing names, histories, representatives, teaching policies, training content, or methods of operation.
It provides a framework for cooperation in areas of shared interest, including the preservation of Kyokushin Karate, technical research, instructor development, safety, rank and qualification systems, and domestic and international exchange, while respecting the history and distinctive character of each organization and dojo.
Individual membership registration with IBMA and an application by an organization or dojo for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI are separate procedures. Registration as an IBMA Supporting Member is optional and is not a requirement for affiliation, certification, or renewal.
Relationship Between IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI is an independent Budo organization that supports the principles of IBMA—the International Budo Human Development Association—and operates with recognition from IBMA.
IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI cooperate in human development through Budo, education, research, instructor development, international exchange, and social contribution. However, each organization maintains its own organizational structure, membership system, authority, operations, and responsibilities.
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not automatically constitute individual or organizational membership in IBMA.
Individuals associated with an organization or dojo applying for affiliation must complete their IBMA individual membership registration separately and voluntarily.
Difference Between Affiliation and Certification
Affiliation
Affiliation is the basic stage through which an organization or dojo that supports the principles and purposes of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI establishes a continuing cooperative relationship while maintaining its independence.
Within the scope permitted by the applicable Regulations and approval, Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos may participate in seminars, joint training, technical research, instructor development, qualification systems, and domestic and international exchange.
An organization or dojo may continue to operate as an Affiliated Organization or Affiliated Dojo without applying for certification.
Certification
Certification is formal recognition granted by IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI after a comprehensive review of post-affiliation activities, instructional systems, safety management, ethical conduct, placement of qualified personnel, organizational operations, and public credibility.
Certification is not granted automatically through affiliation.
In principle, certification requires at least two years of continuous and appropriate activity after affiliation has been approved. In exceptional cases, an organization or dojo with sufficient prior experience, an established instructional structure, qualified personnel, and public credibility may become eligible for review after at least one year of affiliation.
Affiliation is open; certification is granted with care.
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI seeks to provide broad opportunities for cooperation while protecting the credibility and value of its official name, certified ranks, and instructor qualifications.
Principal Requirements for Affiliation
An organization or dojo seeking affiliation must principally satisfy the following requirements:
- Support the principles and purposes of IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
- Conduct ongoing Karate or related Budo activities
- Clearly appoint a representative, an operations manager, and an IBMA Liaison
- Comply with applicable laws, public order and morals, and the ethical principles of Budo
- Maintain appropriate instructional and safety-management systems
- Have no relationship with antisocial or criminal organizations or activities
- In principle, have at least five associated IBMA General Members
- Comply with the Regulations of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI and related rules
The representative may also serve as the IBMA Liaison.
The representative or IBMA Liaison is not required to be an IBMA Regular Member at the affiliation stage.
When the organization or dojo later applies for certification, in principle, at least one of the representative or IBMA Liaison must be an IBMA Regular Member.
General Members Required for Initial Affiliation
In principle, an organization or dojo must have at least five associated IBMA General Members.
If it is difficult to have five General Members at the time of the initial application, the organization or dojo may apply with at least three General Members under the following conditions:
- At least three IBMA General Members are registered
- A plan is submitted to increase the number to at least five by the first affiliation renewal
- Approval is obtained from IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
Each person must register as an IBMA General Member voluntarily. An organization or dojo must not register an individual against that person’s wishes.
IBMA Supporting Membership
An organization or dojo may register as an IBMA Supporting Member if it wishes to support IBMA’s Budo education, research, international exchange, human development, and social-contribution activities.
IBMA Supporting Membership is optional.
Supporting Membership is not a requirement for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI, certification, or renewal.
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI and registration as an IBMA Supporting Member are administered as separate systems.
Regional Categories
For overseas organizations, dojos, and IBMA Regular Members, regional categories A, B, and C are used to take account of local economic conditions and maintain a reasonable balance with the practical level of fees paid in Japan.
| Regional category | General basis |
|---|---|
| Japan / Region A | Japan and regions with a broadly comparable economic level and payment capacity |
| Region B | Regions whose economic circumstances are between those of Regions A and C |
| Region C | Regions where additional consideration should be given to the financial burden |
The applicable regional category will be confirmed by the IBMA Office based on the member’s place of residence or the principal location of the organization’s or dojo’s activities.
Annual Membership and Affiliation Fees
| Category | Japan / Region A | Region B | Region C |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBMA General Member Individual |
Residents of Japan: JPY 3,000 per year Overseas residents: equivalent of JPY 1,000 per year |
Overseas residents: equivalent of JPY 1,000 per year | Overseas residents: equivalent of JPY 1,000 per year |
| IBMA Regular Member Individual |
JPY 30,000 per year | Equivalent of JPY 20,000 per year | Equivalent of JPY 10,000 per year |
| IBMA Supporting Member Organization or dojo; optional |
JPY 5,000 per year | Equivalent of JPY 3,500 per year | Equivalent of JPY 2,000 per year |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliation Fee Per organization or dojo |
JPY 10,000 per year | Equivalent of JPY 7,000 per year | Equivalent of JPY 4,000 per year |
The annual General Membership fee is JPY 3,000 for residents of Japan and the equivalent of JPY 1,000 for overseas residents in all regions. General Membership dues are ordinarily paid by each individual member. An organization or dojo is not required to pay the dues of all its associated members.
With the consent of the individuals concerned, an organization or dojo may collect and remit their membership dues on their behalf.
The applicable conversion method, payment currency, remittance charges, and payment procedure will be explained by the IBMA Office at the time of application or renewal.
Certification application fees, review fees, certificate issuance fees, renewal fees, and other certification-related charges will be prescribed separately from the affiliation fee.
Overseas General Members and Training in Japan
Overseas General Membership is not intended solely as a means of accessing digital content.
Subject to confirmation of membership status and the applicable conditions, overseas General Members may receive the following opportunities:
- Member information concerning IBMA or IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI seminars and exchange activities held in Japan
- Preferential arrangements for designated seminars, events, or exchange activities
- The opportunity to request trial participation or exchange training at participating or affiliated organizations and dojos
- Information about IBMA activities through the official website, email, or other communication channels
- Access to membership materials or digital content designated by IBMA
Membership in IBMA or IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not provide an automatic right to participate in training at any dojo. Before travelling or attending, members must contact the IBMA Office or the proposed host dojo, complete membership verification, and obtain the host dojo’s approval. Unannounced visits, same-day walk-in participation, and participation without permission are not accepted.
IBMA plans to issue digital membership cards to overseas members for membership verification.
A digital membership card certifies IBMA membership status. It is not an official identity document issued by a government or public authority.
Independence Retained After Affiliation
Following affiliation, each organization or dojo will, in principle, retain its independence in relation to:
- Its organization or dojo name
- Its history and record of activities
- Its representative and instructors
- Its teaching policies and training content
- Its organizational structure and methods of operation
- Its own membership system and fees
- Its finances and day-to-day management
- Its independent activities in its local community
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not require these matters to be changed uniformly.
However, use of the name, certification status, ranks, qualifications, logos, or trademarks of IBMA or IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI remains subject to the applicable Regulations and any required individual approval.
Responsibilities of Affiliated Organizations and Dojos
While respecting the independence of each organization and dojo, IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI asks its affiliates to cooperate in maintaining mutual trust and public credibility by:
- Respecting the principles, Regulations, and ethical standards of IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
- Working to maintain safe and appropriate instruction and training environments
- Protecting the social credibility of ranks and instructor qualifications
- Respecting other affiliated organizations, dojos, and Budo organizations
- Cooperating with necessary activity reports and updates of registration information
- Supporting the preservation, study, development, and transmission of Kyokushin Karate to future generations
Opportunities Following Affiliation
Subject to the applicable Regulations and approved scope, an Affiliated Organization or Affiliated Dojo may:
- Identify itself as an “IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliated Organization” or “IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliated Dojo”
- Have its organization or dojo name listed on an official website or other official media
- Receive an Affiliation Registration Certificate
- Participate in seminars, training courses, joint training, exchange events, and tournaments
- Apply for instructor qualifications, certified ranks, Certified Kyoshi, Certified Shihan, and other qualifications under the applicable conditions
- Apply for recognition as a Certified Organization or Certified Dojo after satisfying the relevant requirements
- Participate in information sharing and exchange through IBMA-Net or related systems
- Propose joint projects with IBMA or IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
- Receive opportunities to participate in international exchange and related international alliance activities
Affiliation or certification does not confer an unrestricted right to use or issue the names, logos, trademarks, ranks, or qualifications of IBMA, IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI, or any partner organization.
Relationship with KWU SENSHI
Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI may receive opportunities to participate in KWU SENSHI alliance activities and international exchange through IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not automatically constitute recognition as a KWU SENSHI branch, Certified Organization, or Certified Dojo.
If separate recognition by KWU SENSHI is required, a separate application, review, and approval process must be completed.
Affiliation Application Process
Please review this page and the IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliation and Certification Regulations.
If you have questions concerning the requirements, regional category, number of General Members, instructional structure, development of qualified personnel, or future certification, please contact us before applying.
In principle, at least five associated individuals must voluntarily register as IBMA General Members. Under the initial-affiliation exception, at least three General Members are required.
A separate application must be submitted for each organization or dojo through the designated application page.
The organization’s activity record, instructional structure, safety management, ethical conduct, and General Member registrations will be reviewed. An interview, additional documents, online confirmation, or confirmation of activities may be requested.
The applicant will be notified of approval, conditional approval, deferral, or denial, together with any further procedures.
Following approval, the affiliation fee must be paid using the specified method. Affiliation becomes effective after all required procedures have been completed.
Submission of an application form alone does not establish affiliation or certification.
Applications and Inquiries
Organizations and dojos wishing to apply should review the membership system and the Affiliation and Certification Regulations before completing the necessary individual membership registrations and organization or dojo application.
If you have questions concerning the requirements, regional category, number of General Members, instructional structure, or application process, please contact the IBMA Office through the dedicated inquiry page before applying.
