Membership, Cooperation and Affiliation Guide
Choose the Form of Participation That Best Suits You
IBMA offers several forms of participation for individuals, organizations and dojos. Each system has a distinct purpose and relationship with IBMA. Please choose the form that best reflects your present activities and future direction.
The three principal forms of participation are outlined below.
Individuals may become members of IBMA. Organizations and dojos may establish cooperation with IBMA. Kyokushin-based organizations and dojos may affiliate with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
In every case, IBMA respects the identity, autonomy and independence of each participant. Cooperation is built upon mutual respect and a shared commitment to the future of Budo.
1. Participate in IBMA as an Individual
Individuals who support the principles and activities of IBMA may participate through its membership system. Membership provides an appropriate framework for learning, exchange and continued involvement with IBMA.
The principal categories for individual participation are as follows.
- IBMA Associate Member — Free membership
- IBMA General Member — Access to member materials, activities and exchange opportunities
- IBMA Regular Member — Participation in IBMA governance and decision-making
Previous Budo experience is not required. Membership is open regardless of style or organizational affiliation. Individuals who share an interest in the principles of IBMA are welcome to participate.
2. Cooperate with IBMA as an Organization or Dojo
Organizations and dojos may establish a cooperative relationship with IBMA regardless of Karate style or Budo discipline. Such cooperation is based upon respect for the principles and purposes of IBMA.
Fields of cooperation may include Budo education, research, instructor development and international exchange. Youth development, community engagement and social contribution may also form part of this relationship.
This system does not constitute organizational affiliation with IBMA. Nor does cooperation automatically confer IBMA membership upon an organization or dojo. It is a relationship between independent bodies that choose to work together in areas of shared purpose.
An organization does not become a branch or subordinate body of IBMA through this relationship. Its name, history, representative and teaching system may be retained. Its membership structure, rank system, finances and daily operations also remain independent in principle.
3. Affiliate with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI
This system is intended for organizations and dojos whose activities are based upon Kyokushin Karate. It values the history, spirit, techniques and training methods inherited through the Kyokushin tradition.
Kata, training systems and the broader value of Karate as Budo are also regarded as important. Organizations and dojos that wish to contribute to their preservation, study and development may apply for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
The two principal affiliation categories are as follows.
- Affiliated Organization
- Affiliated Dojo
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not require organizational affiliation with IBMA itself. IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI maintain distinct organizational systems while cooperating in areas of shared principle and purpose.
However, affiliation requires the prescribed IBMA individual membership registrations. The applicable membership categories and required numbers are defined in the current Affiliation Regulations.
Applicants should therefore review the latest regulations before submitting a formal application.
Overview of the Different Systems
| Category | Eligible Participants | Relationship | Principal Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBMA Associate Member | Individual | IBMA individual membership | To learn about IBMA and receive information |
| IBMA General Member | Individual | IBMA individual membership | To use educational materials and participate in activities and exchange |
| IBMA Regular Member | Individual | IBMA individual membership | To participate in IBMA governance and decision-making |
| Cooperation with IBMA | Organizations and dojos | Cooperation between independent organizations | To cooperate in education, research, exchange and social contribution |
| IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliated Organization / Dojo | Kyokushin-based organizations and dojos | Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI | Preservation, study and development of Kyokushin Karate and the formation of an international network |
About Certification
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI treats affiliation and certification as distinct systems. Affiliation is the basic stage for establishing a formal cooperative relationship. Certification represents a further stage based upon prescribed standards and review.
An Affiliated Organization or Affiliated Dojo may apply for recognition as a Certified Organization or Certified Dojo after satisfying the applicable requirements. Certification is not granted automatically upon affiliation.
Qualifications and approvals such as the following are also examined separately.
- Certified Instructor
- Certified Kyoshi and Certified Shihan
- Certified Dan Rank
- Examiner and other qualifications
- Approval of authority to award dan ranks
- Other certification systems established separately
These qualifications and approvals are not conferred merely by affiliation. Each is governed by the relevant regulations, standards and review procedures.
Respect for Independence
Cooperation with IBMA and affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI do not require an organization or dojo to abandon its identity. Each participant retains its independence within the framework of the applicable regulations.
In principle, the following matters may remain unchanged.
- Organization or dojo name
- History and record of activity
- Representative
- Instructors
- Teaching system and training content
- Kyu and dan ranking system
- Membership system
- Membership fees
- Finances
- Day-to-day operations
- Community activities
The use of the names IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI is subject to prescribed conditions. The same applies to logos, official representations, certified qualifications and certified ranks. Authority to award dan ranks is also governed by the relevant rules and approvals.
Fees
For IBMA individual membership dues, please consult the official membership information page. The applicable membership category and fee should be confirmed before registration.
For IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI affiliation fees, renewal fees and other charges, please refer to the latest information on the official website. Fees and procedures may be revised in accordance with the applicable system or regional circumstances.
Conditions relating to cooperation with IBMA are determined according to the nature and scope of the proposed relationship.
Which System Is Appropriate?
I wish to participate in IBMA activities as an individual
→ Please consider IBMA Individual Membership.
Our Budo organization or dojo wishes to cooperate with IBMA
→ Please consider Cooperation with IBMA.
Our Kyokushin organization or dojo wishes to join the network
→ Please consider Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
If You Are Unsure, Please Contact Us
If you are uncertain which system is appropriate, please tell us about your present activities, Budo discipline and organizational structure. Information about the size of your organization and its future direction will also assist us.
After reviewing the information provided, we will advise you on the most appropriate system and possible next steps.
Important
This page provides a general explanation of the available systems. Formal requirements are governed by the latest regulations and official notices. Current official information takes precedence regarding membership, fees, affiliation requirements and certification.
The same principle applies to certified qualifications, certified ranks and authority to award dan ranks. The use of names, logos and official designations is also subject to the applicable regulations and approvals.
