For Those Considering Affiliation with IBMA Kyokushin Kai
IBMA Kyokushin Kai respects the history and spirit of Kyokushin Karate and is committed to preserving, studying, and developing its techniques, training system, and value as Budo, and passing them on to future generations.
The affiliation system is not intended to integrate participating organizations and dojos into a single organization.
After affiliation, each organization and dojo retains its own name, representative, teaching policies, training content, organizational management, and financial independence.
This system is designed to promote instructor development, improved safety, technical research, exchange, and international cooperation while respecting the history and autonomy of each organization and dojo.
Important Information
This page provides information for organizations, dojos, clubs, and similar groups seeking affiliation with IBMA Kyokushin Kai.
“Individual Membership Registration,” through which an individual becomes an IBMA member, and an “Affiliation Application,” through which an organization or dojo becomes affiliated with IBMA Kyokushin Kai, are separate procedures.
Registration as an IBMA Supporting Member is optional.
Registration as an IBMA Supporting Member is not a condition for affiliation with, accreditation by, or renewal with IBMA Kyokushin Kai.
Difference Between Affiliation and Accreditation
IBMA Kyokushin Kai distinguishes between “Affiliation” and “Accreditation.”
1. Affiliation
Affiliation is the basic stage for establishing a cooperative relationship with IBMA Kyokushin Kai.
Affiliated organizations and dojos may participate in training programs, exchange activities, instructor development, qualification and certification programs, international exchange, and other activities conducted by IBMA Kyokushin Kai while retaining their independence.
After becoming affiliated, an organization or dojo may continue its activities as an “Affiliated Organization” or “Affiliated Dojo” without applying for accreditation.
2. Accreditation
Accreditation is granted to organizations and dojos that meet higher standards following a comprehensive review of their record of activities after affiliation, instructional structure, safety management, placement of qualified personnel, social credibility, and other relevant factors.
Accreditation is not granted automatically upon affiliation.
As a general rule, an organization or dojo must have at least two years of activity after its affiliation has been approved. However, if it already had sufficient experience and an established instructional structure before becoming affiliated, it may be considered for accreditation after at least one year of activity.
The fundamental policy of IBMA Kyokushin Kai is as follows:
Affiliation is open; accreditation is granted with care.
Main Requirements for Affiliation
Organizations and dojos seeking affiliation must principally meet the following requirements:
- They must support the principles and objectives of IBMA and IBMA Kyokushin Kai.
- They must continuously engage in Karate-do or related Budo activities.
- Their representative, person responsible for operations, and liaison officer responsible for communication with IBMA must be clearly designated.
- They must comply with applicable laws and regulations, public order and morals, and Budo ethics.
- They must maintain an appropriate instructional structure and safety management system.
- They must have no relationship with organized crime groups or other antisocial forces.
- As a general rule, at least five IBMA General Members associated with the organization or dojo must be registered.
- They must comply with the regulations of IBMA Kyokushin Kai and all related regulations.
The representative may also serve as the liaison officer responsible for communication with IBMA.
At the time of affiliation, it is not mandatory for the representative or liaison officer to be an IBMA Full Member.
Number of General Members Required for New Affiliation
At the time of affiliation, an organization or dojo must, as a general rule, have at least five registered IBMA General Members associated with it.
However, if it is difficult to have five registered members at the time of a new affiliation application, the organization or dojo may apply under the following conditions:
- At least three IBMA General Members must be registered.
- A plan must be submitted to increase the number of registered IBMA General Members to at least five by the first affiliation renewal.
- Approval must be obtained from IBMA Kyokushin Kai.
An organization or dojo must not register any individual as an IBMA General Member against that person’s wishes.
Each individual must register separately, based on their own free will, in accordance with the IBMA Membership Regulations and registration procedures.
IBMA Supporting Membership
An organization or dojo may register as an IBMA Supporting Member if it wishes to support the activities of IBMA.
However, registration as an IBMA Supporting Member is optional.
Registration as an IBMA Supporting Member is not a mandatory requirement for an affiliation application, accreditation application, or renewal with IBMA Kyokushin Kai.
Affiliation applications and IBMA Supporting Membership registrations are handled as separate systems.
Basic Fees Required for Affiliation
IBMA Kyokushin Kai Affiliation Fee
JPY 10,000 per organization or dojo per year
IBMA General Membership Annual Fee
JPY 3,000 per person per year
For five IBMA General Members, the total annual membership fee is JPY 15,000.
Therefore, the basic annual cost of affiliation with five General Members is as follows:
- IBMA Kyokushin Kai affiliation fee: JPY 10,000
- Annual fees for five IBMA General Members: JPY 15,000
- Total: JPY 25,000
When an organization or dojo becomes affiliated with three General Members under the special provision for new affiliations, the basic annual cost is as follows:
- IBMA Kyokushin Kai affiliation fee: JPY 10,000
- Annual fees for three IBMA General Members: JPY 9,000
- Total: JPY 19,000
IBMA Supporting Membership Annual Fee
JPY 5,000 per organization or dojo per year
Registration as an IBMA Supporting Member is optional and is not a mandatory cost of affiliation.
Fees for accreditation applications, assessments, issuance of certificates, and other related services will be prescribed separately from the affiliation fee.
Opportunities Available After Affiliation
Affiliated organizations and dojos may participate in the following activities within the scope approved by IBMA Kyokushin Kai:
- Use of the designation “IBMA Kyokushin Kai Affiliated Organization” or “IBMA Kyokushin Kai Affiliated Dojo”
- Listing of the organization’s or dojo’s name on the official IBMA Kyokushin Kai website
- Issuance of a Certificate of Affiliation
- Participation in training sessions, seminars, exchange events, tournaments, and other activities
- Application for instructor qualifications, accredited Dan grades, Certified Kyoshi, Certified Shihan, and other credentials
- Application for accreditation as an Accredited Organization or Accredited Dojo after meeting the applicable requirements
- Information sharing and exchange through IBMA-Net
- Proposal of joint projects with IBMA or IBMA Kyokushin Kai
- Opportunities to participate in international exchange and KWU SENSHI alliance activities
Affiliation or accreditation does not grant the right to freely use the names, logos, or trademarks of IBMA, IBMA Kyokushin Kai, or KWU SENSHI.
Separate approval is required for the use of any name or logo.
Relationship with KWU SENSHI
Organizations and dojos affiliated with IBMA Kyokushin Kai are positioned as alliance members of KWU SENSHI through IBMA Kyokushin Kai.
However, affiliation does not automatically result in accreditation as a KWU SENSHI branch, accredited organization, or accredited dojo.
Organizations and dojos seeking individual accreditation from KWU SENSHI must submit a separate application and obtain approval.
Affiliation Application Process
1. Review the Affiliation Information and Regulations
Please review this page and the “IBMA Kyokushin Kai Affiliation and Accreditation Regulations.”
2. Request a Preliminary Consultation if Necessary
If you have any questions regarding affiliation requirements, the required number of General Members, instructional structure, development of qualified personnel, or other matters, please contact us before submitting your application.
3. Register the Relevant Individuals as IBMA General Members
As a general rule, at least five individuals must register as IBMA General Members. When applying under the special provision for new affiliations, at least three individuals must register.
4. Submit an Affiliation Application for the Organization or Dojo
Each organization or dojo must submit an application using the prescribed affiliation application form.
5. Review
IBMA Kyokushin Kai will review the submitted information, record of activities, instructional structure, safety management, ethical standards, registration status of General Members, and other relevant matters.
If necessary, applicants may be asked to participate in an interview, submit additional documents, or allow verification of their activities.
6. Notification of the Review Result
Applicants will be notified whether their application has been approved, conditionally approved, deferred, or declined.
7. Payment of the Affiliation Fee and Completion of Registration
After the affiliation application has been approved, please pay the affiliation fee using the designated payment method. The organization or dojo will become formally affiliated after all required procedures have been completed.
Applications and Inquiries
If you wish to apply for affiliation, please review the Affiliation and Accreditation Regulations and submit your application through the “Organization/Dojo Partnership and Affiliation Application” page.
If you have any questions regarding the system or application procedures, please contact us through the “Organization/Dojo Inquiries” page.
