Membership & Affiliation

IBMA offers individual membership and develops cooperative relationships with organizations and dojos that support its principles and activities.

This page provides a clear starting point for individuals wishing to join IBMA, organizations and dojos seeking cooperation or affiliation, and existing members wishing to access their accounts.

1. Individual Membership

IBMA provides several individual membership categories according to each person’s purpose and level of involvement.

Associate Member

Associate Membership is free of charge and is intended for individuals who wish to receive information about IBMA, Budo education, research, events, and publicly available content.

General Member

General Membership is intended for individuals who support IBMA’s principles and wish to participate in its educational, research, training, and exchange activities.

• Annual dues for residents of Japan: JPY 3,000
• Annual dues for residents outside Japan: the equivalent of JPY 1,000, regardless of region

General Members may receive information through the official website and email and may be offered preferential conditions for seminars, training events, exchange activities, and other IBMA programs.

International General Members may also request trial or exchange training at participating dojos in Japan. Participation is not automatic and requires advance contact, membership verification, and approval by the host dojo.

Unannounced visits or participation in training without prior approval cannot be accepted.

Regular Member

Regular Membership is intended for individuals who participate actively and continuously in the governance and activities of IBMA. A separate application, review, and approval are required.

Annual dues for Regular Members are determined according to regional economic conditions.

2. Cooperation with Organizations and Dojos

IBMA develops cooperative relationships with organizations and dojos that support Budo education, research, instructor development, international exchange, and social contribution.

These relationships do not require an organization or dojo to dissolve, merge with IBMA, or abandon its existing name, history, teaching policies, training content, or methods of operation.

IBMA respects the identity and independence of each participating organization and dojo.

IBMA Cooperating Organizations and Dojos

Organizations and dojos may seek recognition as an IBMA Cooperating Organization or Cooperating Dojo, regardless of their Karate style or Budo discipline.

Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI

Organizations and dojos involved in Kyokushin Karate may apply for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.

IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI are independent organizations with their own membership systems, authority, finances, and responsibilities. IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI is not an internal division, branch, or subordinate organization of IBMA.

In principle, an organization or dojo applying for affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI must have at least five associated IBMA General Members. At initial affiliation, an application may be accepted with at least three General Members and an approved plan to reach five by the first renewal.

Registration as an IBMA Supporting Member is voluntary and is not a requirement for affiliation, certification, or renewal.

3. Certified and Partner Organizations

IBMA also works with independent Budo organizations that have been formally certified by IBMA or maintain an officially recognized cooperative relationship with it.

IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI is an independent Budo organization certified by IBMA. It works to preserve, study, develop, and transmit the history, spirit, techniques, kata, and training systems of Kyokushin Karate.

4. Login and Member Account

Registered members may log in to access eligible member content and manage their account information.