IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliation Regulations
Preamble
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI respects the history and spirit of Kyokushin Karate. It studies its techniques and training systems and seeks to pass them on to future generations.
The affiliation system is not intended to integrate participating organizations into a single structure. The history, name, distinctive character, and independence of each organization and dojo shall be respected.
At the same time, safe Budo instruction and instructional ethics shall be shared as common principles. Cooperation in technical research, education, and exchange shall also be promoted.
Affiliation establishes a cooperative relationship with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI. Certification is a separate system for organizations and dojos that satisfy additional standards.
Chapter 1 — General Provisions
Article 1 — Purpose
These Regulations establish the basic rules governing affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI. They also establish the basic provisions concerning certification after affiliation.
The independence of each organization and dojo shall be respected. On this basis, the sound development of Karate and Budo shall be promoted.
Article 2 — Names
- The Japanese name shall be “IBMA極真会館.”
- The English name shall be “IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.”
- “IBMA” means the International Budo Human Development Association.
Article 3 — Relationship with IBMA
IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI is an independent Budo organization cooperating with IBMA. It is not an internal division or subordinate organization of IBMA.
IBMA and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI shall operate independently. Their membership systems, finances, authority, and responsibilities shall also be managed separately.
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI does not automatically confer IBMA membership. Individual IBMA membership requires separate registration.
Article 4 — Respect for Independence
The independence of Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos shall be respected. The following matters shall, in principle, remain under their own management.
- Organization or dojo name
- History and activity record
- Representative and organizational structure
- Daily operations
- Instructional policies
- Training content and training system
- Kyu rank system
- Independent instructor system
- Membership system and fees
- Approach to competition
- Independent local activities
This principle does not exempt an organization from legal, safety, or ethical requirements. These Regulations and other applicable rules shall also be observed.
Chapter 2 — Affiliation
Article 5 — Affiliation Categories
Affiliation with IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI shall consist of the following two categories.
- Affiliated Organization
An organization that supervises multiple dojos or training locations. - Affiliated Dojo
An independently operated dojo, club, or training group.
There is no superior-subordinate relationship between these categories. Classification shall be based on organizational form, scale, and activities.
Article 6 — Basic Requirements for Affiliation
An organization or dojo seeking affiliation shall satisfy the following conditions.
- Understand the philosophy and purpose of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
- Respect the history and spirit of Kyokushin Karate.
- Conduct continuing Budo activities.
- Have a clearly identified representative and contact person.
- Maintain an appropriate instructional structure.
- Maintain an appropriate safety management system.
- Respect Budo instructional ethics.
- Comply with laws and accepted social standards.
- Have no relationship with antisocial or criminal organizations.
- Comply with these Regulations and related rules.
Article 7 — IBMA Membership Requirements
1. Affiliated Organization
An Affiliated Organization shall maintain the following IBMA membership base.
- At least 5 IBMA General Members
- At least 1 IBMA Regular Member
The IBMA Regular Member shall serve as a person responsible for continuing cooperation with IBMA. Preferably, this shall be the representative or liaison person.
2. Affiliated Dojo
An Affiliated Dojo shall maintain the following IBMA membership base.
- At least 5 IBMA General Members
An IBMA Regular Member is not a mandatory requirement for an Affiliated Dojo. Registration may nevertheless be recommended where appropriate.
3. Individual Membership
IBMA membership shall be based on the voluntary decision of each individual. No organization or dojo may register a person against that person’s will.
Special circumstances involving a newly established dojo may be discussed individually. However, five General Members shall remain the basic requirement.
Article 8 — IBMA Supporting Membership
An organization or dojo may register as an IBMA Supporting Member. Such registration is voluntary.
IBMA Supporting Membership is not a condition of affiliation. It is also not a mandatory condition for certification or renewal.
Article 9 — Application for Affiliation
An organization or dojo seeking affiliation shall apply through the prescribed procedure. Online application shall be the standard method.
Preliminary consultation is optional. An applicant may seek consultation before applying if necessary.
The applicant shall principally provide the following information.
- Name of the organization or dojo
- Address and principal area of activity
- Information concerning the representative
- Information concerning the liaison person
- Overview of the organization or dojo
- Principal activities
- Information concerning instructors
- Ranks and qualifications
- Safety management information
- IBMA membership information
- Other information required for review
Additional documents may be requested where necessary. An interview or online confirmation may also be conducted.
Article 10 — Review of Affiliation
The application shall be reviewed comprehensively. The following matters shall be among the principal points considered.
- Understanding of the philosophy
- Nature of activities
- Instructional structure
- Safety management
- Instructional ethics
- IBMA membership base
- Background of representatives and instructors
- Rank system
- Organizational management
- Respect for other organizations
- Social credibility
Affiliation may be approved subject to additional conditions where appropriate.
Article 11 — Establishment of Affiliation
Submission of an application form alone does not establish affiliation. The prescribed review and approval are required.
After approval, the required registration procedures shall be completed. Formal affiliation shall take effect after payment of the affiliation fee.
Article 12 — Provisional Affiliation Period
No uniform provisional affiliation period shall be established. Affiliation may be approved when the applicant is considered appropriate after review.
Where development of the instructional structure is necessary, affiliation may be approved subject to conditions.
Article 13 — Term and Renewal of Affiliation
The term of affiliation shall be determined separately by IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Registration information and activity status may be reviewed upon renewal. Safety management and instructional structure may also be reviewed.
If an organization temporarily fails to meet a requirement, an improvement period may be provided.
Chapter 3 — Instructional Structure
Article 14 — Certified Instructors
An Affiliated Organization or Affiliated Dojo shall, in principle, have at least one IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Certified Instructor.
However, Certified Instructor status is not required at the time of the initial affiliation application. Lack of such qualification alone shall not be grounds for denying affiliation.
If no Certified Instructor is currently available, the organization or dojo shall work toward developing or placing one after affiliation. As a general guideline, this should be achieved within two years.
Special circumstances may be handled through individual consultation. Expiration of the period alone shall not automatically terminate affiliation.
Article 15 — Role of Certified Instructors
Certified Instructor status is not intended to standardize the techniques of all affiliated organizations and dojos.
A Certified Instructor shall understand the philosophy, safety principles, and ethics of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI. The instructor shall also serve as a liaison for the affiliation system.
Chapter 4 — Ranks and Qualifications
Article 16 — Kyu Rank Systems
Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos may maintain their own kyu rank systems.
Existing systems do not need to be changed because of affiliation. Independent kyu ranks shall be awarded under the responsibility of the issuing organization.
Article 17 — Independent Dan Rank Systems
Dan ranks awarded by an organization before affiliation shall be respected.
An organization may continue operating its own dan rank system after affiliation. The issuing organization shall be clearly identified.
Independent dan ranks and IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Certified Dan Ranks are separate systems.
Article 18 — Certified Dan Ranks
Holding an IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Certified Dan Rank shall not be a mandatory condition of affiliation.
Training, seminars, and examinations may be provided to those who wish to obtain a Certified Dan Rank.
The recognition of Certified Dan Ranks shall be governed by separate dan rank regulations.
Article 19 — Authority to Award Dan Ranks
Affiliation alone does not grant authority to award dan ranks in the name of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Separate approval is required to award dan ranks in the name of IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
The following matters shall be considered in the review.
- Rank of the representative
- Training history of the representative
- Instructional experience
- Examination structure
- Length of organizational activity
- Size of the organization
- Minimum training periods
- Age requirements
- Examination regulations
- Record management
- Safety management
Where appropriate, limits may be placed on the maximum dan rank that an organization is authorized to award.
Chapter 5 — Names, Logos, and Activities
Article 20 — Affiliation Designations
Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos may use the approved affiliation designations within the permitted scope.
- IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliated Organization
- IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Affiliated Dojo
Article 21 — Use of Existing Names
Organizations and dojos may continue using their existing names after affiliation.
Affiliation alone does not grant the right to include “IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI” in the official name of an organization or dojo.
Article 22 — Logos and Marks
Use of the IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI logo, emblem, or other marks requires the prescribed approval.
An affiliated organization may not authorize a third party to use such marks.
Article 23 — Tournaments, Seminars, and Other Activities
Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos may conduct activities under their own names.
They may independently organize tournaments, seminars, demonstrations, and other activities.
Prior approval is required for names that may reasonably be understood as official IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI events.
Chapter 6 — Safety and Ethics
Article 24 — Safe Budo Instruction
Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos shall make reasonable efforts to ensure safety.
- Instruction appropriate to age and experience
- Consideration of physical condition and health
- Prevention of dangerous training
- Prevention of excessive contact
- Use of appropriate protective equipment
- Safety checks of training facilities
- Appropriate response to accidents
Article 25 — Budo Instructional Ethics
Instructors shall respect the personality and dignity of all practitioners.
Position, rank, or qualification shall not be used improperly.
The following conduct is prohibited.
- Unnecessary or excessive violence
- Intimidation
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Inappropriate conduct toward children or minors
- Conduct seriously damaging social credibility
Article 26 — Mutual Respect
Affiliation shall not be used as a basis for claiming superiority over other organizations.
Other organizations, dojos, styles, and Budo disciplines shall be respected.
Differences of opinion should, where possible, be resolved through dialogue.
Chapter 7 — Certification
Article 27 — Position of Certification
Certification is a system separate from affiliation.
An Affiliated Organization or Affiliated Dojo may continue its activities without applying for certification.
An organization or dojo that satisfies the prescribed standards may apply for certification.
Article 28 — Certification Categories
The certification categories shall be as follows.
- Certified Organization
- Certified Dojo
- Dojo Affiliated with a Certified Organization
Article 29 — Certified Organization
A Certified Organization shall be an organization supervising multiple dojos or similar units.
The organization as a whole shall undergo review by IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Article 30 — Certified Dojo
A Certified Dojo shall be an independently operated dojo.
The dojo shall undergo direct review by IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Article 31 — Dojo Affiliated with a Certified Organization
This category refers to a dojo managed by a Certified Organization.
Such a dojo shall be registered through the Certified Organization.
It shall be distinguished from an independently Certified Dojo.
Article 32 — Basic Requirements for Certification
The activity record after affiliation shall be reviewed when certification is sought.
The instructional structure, safety management, ethics, and placement of qualified personnel shall also be reviewed.
A Certified Organization or Certified Dojo shall, in principle, have at least one IBMA Regular Member.
Article 33 — Certification Review
Certification shall not be granted automatically.
The activity record, instructional structure, safety, and related matters shall be reviewed comprehensively.
Additional materials or an interview may be requested where necessary.
Article 34 — Certification Designations
After certification, the approved certification designation may be used within the authorized scope.
- IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Certified Organization
- IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI Certified Dojo
An organization or dojo that has not been certified shall not use a certification designation.
Chapter 8 — Changes, Renewal, and Corrective Measures
Article 35 — Notification of Changes
Important changes shall be reported promptly.
- Organization or dojo name
- Representative
- Liaison person
- Address
- Contact information
- Number of IBMA members
- Certified Instructors
- Instructional structure
- Organizational structure
Article 36 — Failure to Meet Requirements
An organization or dojo may temporarily fail to meet a requirement.
In such a case, affiliation shall not necessarily be terminated immediately. The circumstances shall first be reviewed, and an improvement period may be provided.
Article 37 — Corrective Measures
Where a violation of these Regulations occurs, corrective action may be required.
Where necessary, restrictions on activities or other measures may be imposed.
Article 38 — Suspension or Revocation
Affiliation or certification may be suspended where a serious violation occurs.
Where improvement cannot reasonably be expected, affiliation or certification may be revoked.
Serious safety problems or ethical violations may also constitute grounds for such measures.
Chapter 9 — Termination of Affiliation and Certification
Article 39 — Termination of Affiliation
An Affiliated Organization or Affiliated Dojo may terminate its affiliation by submitting the prescribed notice.
After termination, affiliation designations may no longer be used.
Article 40 — Withdrawal from Certification
A Certified Organization or Certified Dojo may withdraw from certification.
After withdrawal, certification designations may no longer be used.
Chapter 10 — Personal Information
Article 41 — Handling of Personal Information
Information obtained through the affiliation and certification systems shall be used only to the extent necessary for their administration.
Information necessary to confirm IBMA membership status may be shared where required for the operation of the system.
Personal information shall not be provided improperly to third parties.
Chapter 11 — Miscellaneous Provisions
Article 42 — Separate Regulations
The following matters may be governed by separate rules where necessary.
- Certified Instructor Regulations
- Certified Instructor Title Regulations
- Dan Rank and Examination Regulations
- Regulations concerning authority to award dan ranks
- Name and logo usage standards
- Safety management guidelines
- Instructional ethics regulations
- Certification review standards
- Fees and related charges
Article 43 — Interpretation of the Regulations
Matters not expressly provided for in these Regulations shall be handled through individual consultation.
Matters concerning IBMA membership shall be governed primarily by the applicable IBMA regulations.
Article 44 — Amendments
These Regulations may be amended when necessary.
Important amendments shall be communicated to affiliated organizations and dojos.
Supplementary Provisions
The effective date of these Regulations shall be determined separately by IBMA KYOKUSHIN KAI.
Existing Affiliated Organizations and Affiliated Dojos may be granted a transition period where necessary.
Ranks and qualifications previously awarded by an organization shall be respected as part of that organization’s own system.
