A proud history...
Founded in 1951 in Tokyo Japan, the Kokusai Budoin Renmei, International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF), is the oldest continuous running Budo organization in the world. IMAF is dedicated to providing access to archives of historical information and sources of traditional instruction, as well as the promotion of friendship and cooperation among leaders and enthusiasts of the Japanese martial arts. With its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, IMAF has established branches in 17 countries, with members throughout the world. IMAF is a registered member of the UNITED NATIONS Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
IMAF Americas was established in 1985 and is authorized to maintain membership of Budoka in all of North and South America. IMAF is comprised of the following divisions: Judo, Kendo, Karatedo, Aikido, Iaido, Nihon Jujutsu and Kobudo. All BUDO enthusiasts who are in accord with the objectives of the International Martial Arts Federation are welcome to apply for Membership. IMAF-Americas Membership is recommended for professional development of Black-belts looking for continual education or dedicated Brown belts with written recommendation by their instructor.
As an international certification headquarters for the Japanese martial arts, IMAF commends meritorious, qualified and accredited individuals by granting grades, awards and titles through validated testing and training. The Federation sponsors regular exhibitions, tournaments and publishes pertinent information in the Gendo Newsletter concerning Japanese Martial Arts.
Among the objectives of IMAF are the expansion of interest in Japanese Martial Arts, the establishment of communication, friendship, understanding and harmony among member chapters, the development of the minds and bodies of members and the promotion of global understanding of traditional Budo and personal growth. Furthermore, we aim to reconnect "orphaned" Dojos in the Americas that have lost a direct connection to Japan and their Art.
The following members of the IMAF-Kokusai Budoin have earned 8-10th Dan and granted the Kyoshi, Hanshi or Meijin Title since 1952:
ASAI, Hiromu ISHII, Kojiro KONISHI, Yasuhiro ONUKI, Kichitaro
ASAKAWA, Motozumi ISHII, Mitujiro KUBOTA, Takaaki OSHIKIRI, Asakichi
CUNMINS, Joseph ITO, Kazuo KUROSE, Tsuyoshi OSHITA, Tokuji
FUJIWARA, Kenji ITOH, Takasue KUSUNOKI, Chikara OTA, Tsugiyoshi
ITSUKI, Yutaka MATSUURA, Tsuyoshi OTANI. Hiromichi
IVAN, Dan MATSUZAKI, Iwao OTSUBO, Shiho
FURUHASHI, Mamoru IWASA, Hidetoshi MIFUNE, Kyuzo SAITO, Hirohisa
GOSHU, Jabanada MIURA, Kunihiro SAKAI, Kazuo
HARA, Hisato KANAZAWA, Hirokazu MIYAKE, Takaoki SAKAMA, Katsutoshi
HARA, Takao KANEKO, Sadao MOUMA, Kodo SAKUMA, Susumu
HIGASHIKUNI, Naruhiko KASAHARA, Kyuzo MUTO, Masao
HIGUCHI, Ikuo KAWABATA, Terutaka NAKAMURA, Taizaburo SATO, Shizuya
HIROBE, Shusuke KAWASHIMA, Masahai KANAY, Kakudo SHIMADA, Teruko
KIKICHI, Genshichiro NOBETSU, Tadanori SHINADA, Shohei
HYODO, Noriaki KIMURA, Tokutaro NOMURA, Mitsuo SHINDO, Masayoshi
IGARASHI, Gozo KITA, Ysunobu NUMAO, Yoshikyo SHIODA, Gozo
IIOKA, Hitoshi NUNOKATA, Kunio
IKEDA, Shigeo KOBAYASHI, Yutaka OCHAI, Tadao SHIRATORI, Shunichi
INABA, Shozo OHTSUKA, Hironori SOEDA, Shiro
ISHIDA, Hiroshi KONDO, Mitsuhiro OMORO, Sogen TAKAHASHI, Kiichiro
TAKANO, Hiromasa YAMAGUCHI, Gogen
TAKANO, Tomoe YAMAGUCHI, Katsuo
TAKAYAMA, Koken YAMAMURA, Shigeji
TAKENO, Takafumi YAMAO, Nobutaka
TANAKA, Minoru YAMASHITA, Keiya
TANIGUCHI, Katsuichi YANAGISAWA, Jinnosuke
TOMITA, Takeji YASUI, Ken
TOMURA, Yunosuke TOSE, Keiji
YOSHIDA, Ryosaku YOSHIWARA, Soji
TOYAMA, Kunio
TSUCHIYA, Yoshihiko
TSUKIDA, Kenkichi
TSUMAKI, Seirin
TSURUI, Hiroshi
TSUTSUI, Shinji
UEMOTO, Nobukazu
UESHIBA, Kishomaru
WARIGAI, Akira
WATANABE, Kiyoji
YAHAGI, Kunikazu
IMAF Americas was established in 1985 and is authorized to maintain membership of Budoka in all of North and South America. IMAF is comprised of the following divisions: Judo, Kendo, Karatedo, Aikido, Iaido, Nihon Jujutsu and Kobudo. All BUDO enthusiasts who are in accord with the objectives of the International Martial Arts Federation are welcome to apply for Membership. IMAF-Americas Membership is recommended for professional development of Black-belts looking for continual education or dedicated Brown belts with written recommendation by their instructor.
As an international certification headquarters for the Japanese martial arts, IMAF commends meritorious, qualified and accredited individuals by granting grades, awards and titles through validated testing and training. The Federation sponsors regular exhibitions, tournaments and publishes pertinent information in the Gendo Newsletter concerning Japanese Martial Arts.
Among the objectives of IMAF are the expansion of interest in Japanese Martial Arts, the establishment of communication, friendship, understanding and harmony among member chapters, the development of the minds and bodies of members and the promotion of global understanding of traditional Budo and personal growth. Furthermore, we aim to reconnect "orphaned" Dojos in the Americas that have lost a direct connection to Japan and their Art.
The following members of the IMAF-Kokusai Budoin have earned 8-10th Dan and granted the Kyoshi, Hanshi or Meijin Title since 1952:
ASAI, Hiromu ISHII, Kojiro KONISHI, Yasuhiro ONUKI, Kichitaro
ASAKAWA, Motozumi ISHII, Mitujiro KUBOTA, Takaaki OSHIKIRI, Asakichi
CUNMINS, Joseph ITO, Kazuo KUROSE, Tsuyoshi OSHITA, Tokuji
FUJIWARA, Kenji ITOH, Takasue KUSUNOKI, Chikara OTA, Tsugiyoshi
ITSUKI, Yutaka MATSUURA, Tsuyoshi OTANI. Hiromichi
IVAN, Dan MATSUZAKI, Iwao OTSUBO, Shiho
FURUHASHI, Mamoru IWASA, Hidetoshi MIFUNE, Kyuzo SAITO, Hirohisa
GOSHU, Jabanada MIURA, Kunihiro SAKAI, Kazuo
HARA, Hisato KANAZAWA, Hirokazu MIYAKE, Takaoki SAKAMA, Katsutoshi
HARA, Takao KANEKO, Sadao MOUMA, Kodo SAKUMA, Susumu
HIGASHIKUNI, Naruhiko KASAHARA, Kyuzo MUTO, Masao
HIGUCHI, Ikuo KAWABATA, Terutaka NAKAMURA, Taizaburo SATO, Shizuya
HIROBE, Shusuke KAWASHIMA, Masahai KANAY, Kakudo SHIMADA, Teruko
KIKICHI, Genshichiro NOBETSU, Tadanori SHINADA, Shohei
HYODO, Noriaki KIMURA, Tokutaro NOMURA, Mitsuo SHINDO, Masayoshi
IGARASHI, Gozo KITA, Ysunobu NUMAO, Yoshikyo SHIODA, Gozo
IIOKA, Hitoshi NUNOKATA, Kunio
IKEDA, Shigeo KOBAYASHI, Yutaka OCHAI, Tadao SHIRATORI, Shunichi
INABA, Shozo OHTSUKA, Hironori SOEDA, Shiro
ISHIDA, Hiroshi KONDO, Mitsuhiro OMORO, Sogen TAKAHASHI, Kiichiro
TAKANO, Hiromasa YAMAGUCHI, Gogen
TAKANO, Tomoe YAMAGUCHI, Katsuo
TAKAYAMA, Koken YAMAMURA, Shigeji
TAKENO, Takafumi YAMAO, Nobutaka
TANAKA, Minoru YAMASHITA, Keiya
TANIGUCHI, Katsuichi YANAGISAWA, Jinnosuke
TOMITA, Takeji YASUI, Ken
TOMURA, Yunosuke TOSE, Keiji
YOSHIDA, Ryosaku YOSHIWARA, Soji
TOYAMA, Kunio
TSUCHIYA, Yoshihiko
TSUKIDA, Kenkichi
TSUMAKI, Seirin
TSURUI, Hiroshi
TSUTSUI, Shinji
UEMOTO, Nobukazu
UESHIBA, Kishomaru
WARIGAI, Akira
WATANABE, Kiyoji
YAHAGI, Kunikazu
DIVISIONS
The Kokusai Budoin/International Martial Arts Federation, is comprised of seven divisions representing the various Japanese martial arts. These include Judo, Kendo, Karatedo, Aikido, Iaido, Nihon Jujutsu and Kobudo. Each division has an extensive heritage rooted in
the traditions of classical martial arts.
the traditions of classical martial arts.
Judo
Based primarily on Tenjin Shinyo-ryu, Kito-ryu, and Yoshin-ryu styles of Jujutsu, Jigoro Kano developed a comprehensive system he called Judo. Judo emphasizes the larger educational value of training in attack and defense, so that it could be a path or way of life that all people could participate in. Judo practice includes two major aspects of training, randori and kata. Randori, or free exercise, is practiced under conditions of actual contest. It includes nage-waza (throwing) and katame-waza (grappling) as well as osaekomi-waza (immobilizations), shime-waza (chokes), and kansetsu-waza (joint locks). Kata, which literally means "form", is a formal system of pre-arranged exercises, including, throwing, immobilization, joint locks, striking, and the use of weapons.
Based primarily on Tenjin Shinyo-ryu, Kito-ryu, and Yoshin-ryu styles of Jujutsu, Jigoro Kano developed a comprehensive system he called Judo. Judo emphasizes the larger educational value of training in attack and defense, so that it could be a path or way of life that all people could participate in. Judo practice includes two major aspects of training, randori and kata. Randori, or free exercise, is practiced under conditions of actual contest. It includes nage-waza (throwing) and katame-waza (grappling) as well as osaekomi-waza (immobilizations), shime-waza (chokes), and kansetsu-waza (joint locks). Kata, which literally means "form", is a formal system of pre-arranged exercises, including, throwing, immobilization, joint locks, striking, and the use of weapons.
Kendo
Kendo, the way of the sword, is a modern martial art based on ancient Kenjutsu, the art of swordsmanship. The word Kendo is made of the characters ken (sword) and do (way or path); a way of life following the practice of Kendo. The Samurai (traditional warrior class) of medieval Japan were required to be proficient with the yari or naginata (spear), yumi (bow), kenjutsu (arts of swordsmanship), and kumiuchi or jujutsu (unarmed combat). However, as the sword was said to be soul of the samurai, Kenjutsu was the art most central to the ancient warriors of Japan.
Kendo, the way of the sword, is a modern martial art based on ancient Kenjutsu, the art of swordsmanship. The word Kendo is made of the characters ken (sword) and do (way or path); a way of life following the practice of Kendo. The Samurai (traditional warrior class) of medieval Japan were required to be proficient with the yari or naginata (spear), yumi (bow), kenjutsu (arts of swordsmanship), and kumiuchi or jujutsu (unarmed combat). However, as the sword was said to be soul of the samurai, Kenjutsu was the art most central to the ancient warriors of Japan.
Karatedo
The word Karatedo is a combination of three Japanese characters, kara (empty), te (hand) and do (way or path). The "way of Karate" is a means of physical, spiritual and moral development based on protracted training. Karatedo practice has three aspects: kihon (basic training) emphasizing stances, breathing, various blocks, hand techniques and kicks; Kata (forms) is the heart of Karatedo and enables the practitioner to fully grasp the meaning of basic breathing, concentration, balance, coordination and focus; Kumite (sparring) allows practitioners to apply methods of attack and defense in a dynamic manner that enhances timing speed and control while working with a partner under controlled conditions. Through hard training, practitioners seek to foster a spirit that strives for truth, perseverance, spirit, respecting others, and refraining from violent behavior.
The word Karatedo is a combination of three Japanese characters, kara (empty), te (hand) and do (way or path). The "way of Karate" is a means of physical, spiritual and moral development based on protracted training. Karatedo practice has three aspects: kihon (basic training) emphasizing stances, breathing, various blocks, hand techniques and kicks; Kata (forms) is the heart of Karatedo and enables the practitioner to fully grasp the meaning of basic breathing, concentration, balance, coordination and focus; Kumite (sparring) allows practitioners to apply methods of attack and defense in a dynamic manner that enhances timing speed and control while working with a partner under controlled conditions. Through hard training, practitioners seek to foster a spirit that strives for truth, perseverance, spirit, respecting others, and refraining from violent behavior.
Aikido
The Japanese word Aikido consists of three characters that mean the way of spiritual harmony. Some additional insight into the soul of Aikido is revealed by the saying of unification of technique, body, and spirit, which is used to explain the meaning and objective of Aikido.
In its early, pre-World War II years, access to Aikido instruction was very exclusive, limited to individuals with proper, personal high-level introductions to Morihei Ueshiba. It was not until the 1950’s, under the leadership of Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the founder’s son and inheritor of the leadership of Aikido, that Aikido was widely taught in Japan.
The Japanese word Aikido consists of three characters that mean the way of spiritual harmony. Some additional insight into the soul of Aikido is revealed by the saying of unification of technique, body, and spirit, which is used to explain the meaning and objective of Aikido.
In its early, pre-World War II years, access to Aikido instruction was very exclusive, limited to individuals with proper, personal high-level introductions to Morihei Ueshiba. It was not until the 1950’s, under the leadership of Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the founder’s son and inheritor of the leadership of Aikido, that Aikido was widely taught in Japan.
Iaido
Iaido, the way of the sword, is a martial art that began as on offshoot of Kenjutsu, arts of swordsmanship. It was developed as a defensive method to counter surprise attacks in 15th and 16th century Japan.
The physical practice of Iaido includes drawing, parrying and cutting motions, as well as various methods of returning the sword to the scabbard. Training focuses on Kata, pre-arranged forms that are designed as defenses against an imaginary opponent, and each form teaches several principles of correct sword handling. Some Iaido styles also practice Tameshigiri, The Art of physically cutting with the sword.
Iaido, the way of the sword, is a martial art that began as on offshoot of Kenjutsu, arts of swordsmanship. It was developed as a defensive method to counter surprise attacks in 15th and 16th century Japan.
The physical practice of Iaido includes drawing, parrying and cutting motions, as well as various methods of returning the sword to the scabbard. Training focuses on Kata, pre-arranged forms that are designed as defenses against an imaginary opponent, and each form teaches several principles of correct sword handling. Some Iaido styles also practice Tameshigiri, The Art of physically cutting with the sword.
Nihon Jujitsu
Additional martial arts form one of the cultural properties of Japan. Depictions of warriors in combat utilizing the classical weapons of the sword, bow and lance, as well as un-armed measures, known collectively as Jujutsu, can be found in ancient scrolls dating from the dawn of Japanese civilization.
Nihon Jujutsu is a modern system of self-defense and physical exercise based on techniques commonly found in ancient and contemporary styles of armed and unarmed combat. Regular training includes physical conditioning, evasive movements, striking, throwing and immobilizations (joint locks and other methods of restraint). The training employs a systematic approach to self-defense that effectively develops speed, balance and power through graduated exercises.
Additional martial arts form one of the cultural properties of Japan. Depictions of warriors in combat utilizing the classical weapons of the sword, bow and lance, as well as un-armed measures, known collectively as Jujutsu, can be found in ancient scrolls dating from the dawn of Japanese civilization.
Nihon Jujutsu is a modern system of self-defense and physical exercise based on techniques commonly found in ancient and contemporary styles of armed and unarmed combat. Regular training includes physical conditioning, evasive movements, striking, throwing and immobilizations (joint locks and other methods of restraint). The training employs a systematic approach to self-defense that effectively develops speed, balance and power through graduated exercises.
Kobudo
Traditional Japanese martial arts are divided into modern, gendai budo, and ancient, koryu budo or kobudo. Gendai budo refers to forms that were established after the Meiji restoration (1868), an era of major modernization in Japan, while kobudo refers to systems founded prior to that period.
Kobudo styles or ryu follow traditions developed in ancient times; utilize the classical weapons of sword, spear, bow, Naginata and minor weapons such as the kusari-gama (sickle and chain), shuriken (throwing knives), staffs of various lengths, the sai, kama, tonfa and others.
Traditional Japanese martial arts are divided into modern, gendai budo, and ancient, koryu budo or kobudo. Gendai budo refers to forms that were established after the Meiji restoration (1868), an era of major modernization in Japan, while kobudo refers to systems founded prior to that period.
Kobudo styles or ryu follow traditions developed in ancient times; utilize the classical weapons of sword, spear, bow, Naginata and minor weapons such as the kusari-gama (sickle and chain), shuriken (throwing knives), staffs of various lengths, the sai, kama, tonfa and others.