Since 1952, the Kokusai Budoin Renmei / International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) has maintained a long and distinguished history deeply rooted in the foundations of Japanese martial arts. With representation in 27 countries and numerous members worldwide, IMAF stands as one of the leading martial arts institutions in the world. Its founders were among the select few who trained directly and regularly with the creators and early masters of such disciplines as Judo, Karatedo, Iaido, Nihon Jujutsu, Kendo, Aikido, and Kobudo. Both past and present leaders of the organization have also held important roles within the Japanese government. Make no mistake: the strength and credibility of IMAF are derived from its rich and unique heritage in Japan, as well as its standing as a dynamic, internationally connected, and accredited organization.
IMAF is a professional Budo organization of high status, respect, and esteem. This recognition is rooted in the broader social value of its mission, which serves not only the preservation and transmission of traditional martial disciplines, but also the cultivation of character, discipline, and cultural understanding. The organization’s work is regarded as important to society as a whole because it encompasses far more than technical skill alone. In addition to highly specialized martial expertise, IMAF also embraces the academic, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of Budo that are often absent in many other organizations.
As an international certification headquarters, IMAF seeks to promote knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of traditional Budo and Japanese culture throughout the world.
Membership is divided into three categories:
IMAF is a professional Budo organization of high status, respect, and esteem. This recognition is rooted in the broader social value of its mission, which serves not only the preservation and transmission of traditional martial disciplines, but also the cultivation of character, discipline, and cultural understanding. The organization’s work is regarded as important to society as a whole because it encompasses far more than technical skill alone. In addition to highly specialized martial expertise, IMAF also embraces the academic, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of Budo that are often absent in many other organizations.
As an international certification headquarters, IMAF seeks to promote knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of traditional Budo and Japanese culture throughout the world.
Membership is divided into three categories:
- Regular- Certified member, 4th Dan or above
- Associate- Certified member, 3rd Dan or below
- Affiliate- Non certified member
New Member Instructions: (for those without a membership number and passport)
1. Fill out and complete the new Member Application and submission instructions below. (All new members must join as affiliate. Affiliate membership is a necessary initiation step towards a certified Regular or Associate member. In order to become a certified member, a formal examination process must be conducted by IMAF Shogo or upon recommendation from National Director)
2. Complete your Academic and Budo related resume- use this template.
3. Send application paperwork and registration Fee of $170 via PayPal to [email protected]. (make sure you pay electronic sending fee)
In notes section of PayPal write the following- Example: John Doe, - th Dan, New affiliate Membership
4. Check to make sure all steps have been completed.
5. Email [email protected] your complete new member packet.
Note: Kyu membership documentation is the same process. (membership fees are $80 for National level or $170 for international level registration in Japan)
If you have any questions please contact us.
Application specific instructions
- Download the Membership Application, read the instructions carefully and complete each section. Note: this is a Microsoft Word™ document. The filename for your application should be in the following format: 'your-name-application.doc' (e.g. 'james-carter-application.doc').
- Submit a passport size digital photo in either .gif or .jpg format. The filename for your photo should be in the following format: 'firstname-lastname.gif' or 'firstname-lastname.jpg' (e.g. 'james-carter-application.gif').
- Submit Budo resume and substantiating certifications and other relevant documents electronically. The filename for your supporting documents should be in the following format: 'firstname-lastname-certification.xxx' (e.g. 'james-carter-3rd-dan-certification.pdf'). The file type may be .gif, .jpg, .doc, .pdf or other generally accepted file type.
-Submit a copy of application processing receipt.
Please check to ensure that all relevant documentation has been completed. Attach documents in an e-mail and send to [email protected]. Please verify all your information and that all relevant fields are filled in. Incomplete applications will incur an additional charge of $20.00 for the additional review and follow-up. Continued incomplete applications will not be processed or returned to the applicant.
Once the completed application packet is submitted to the IMAF-Americas office it will be reviewed for completeness, and if acceptable, will be undersigned by the Americas Administrative Officer. Once this is done, it will be sent to our Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan for a more thorough review, registration and archive. Accepted new members will receive an IMAF Americas affiliate member certificate. Certificates indicating rank or title are only provided after the affiliated applicant has been evaluated, approved and pass the physical technical requirements of their affiliate level to re-certify their rank for a lateral grade. Re-certifications can only occur at an international seminar testing board or an approved dojo. Once re-certification occurs the member can then apply for Regular or Associate membership the following year. ALL rank certificates and shogo title come from Japan HQ.
Standard application processing in Japan requires 12 - 15 weeks (once it leaves the U.S.) This time frame is contingent upon backlog and other factors. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
Applicants will receive the results of their application status via an e-mail notification from the local IMAF affiliate office or Sponsor.
Affiliate Membership Annual Renewal (Must have IMAF member number and passport)
Affiliate Member Instructions:
1. Renewing members no longer have to fill out a form if you have a IMAF passport number. (Kyu renewal completes the same process)
2. Click on PayPal link and sign into your account
3. In the send payment Section-Copy and paste Japan HQ Paypal info: Imaf.Americas@gmail.com.
In the Notes section write the following:
Example: Jxhn Dxe, ?th Dan (if applicable), Affiliate Membership
IMAF Americas Budo Passport Number- XXXXX (if already received passport)
Paying for 20XX Please send membership sticker for Budo passport. Thank you.
4. Verify your PayPal physical home address is correct.
5. Send $80 for Affiliate renewal (make sure you pay any electronic sending fee)
Affiliate Member Instructions:
1. Renewing members no longer have to fill out a form if you have a IMAF passport number. (Kyu renewal completes the same process)
2. Click on PayPal link and sign into your account
3. In the send payment Section-Copy and paste Japan HQ Paypal info: Imaf.Americas@gmail.com.
In the Notes section write the following:
Example: Jxhn Dxe, ?th Dan (if applicable), Affiliate Membership
IMAF Americas Budo Passport Number- XXXXX (if already received passport)
Paying for 20XX Please send membership sticker for Budo passport. Thank you.
4. Verify your PayPal physical home address is correct.
5. Send $80 for Affiliate renewal (make sure you pay any electronic sending fee)
Associate Membership renewal (for those with a member number and passport): This membership is open to all those holding 3rd dan or lower degrees as recognized by IMAF. Demonstrated capability and/or testing at an official IMAF Seminar in a qualifying Budo is a requirement for associate membership.
Associate Member Instructions:
1. Associate member renewals no longer have to submit a form if you have a IMAF Budo passport number.
2. Click on PayPal link and sign into your account
3. In the send payment Section-Copy and paste Japan HQ PayPal info: [email protected].
In the Notes section write the following:
For Example: Jxhn Dxe, 2nd Dan, Associate Membership
IMAF Americas Budo Passport Number- XXXXX
Paying for 20XX.
Thank you.
4. Verify your PayPal physical home address is correct
5. Send $60.00 for Associate renewal (make sure you pay any electronic sending fee) an additional $35 for any additional division registration with a maximum of three.
Associate Member Instructions:
1. Associate member renewals no longer have to submit a form if you have a IMAF Budo passport number.
2. Click on PayPal link and sign into your account
3. In the send payment Section-Copy and paste Japan HQ PayPal info: [email protected].
In the Notes section write the following:
For Example: Jxhn Dxe, 2nd Dan, Associate Membership
IMAF Americas Budo Passport Number- XXXXX
Paying for 20XX.
Thank you.
4. Verify your PayPal physical home address is correct
5. Send $60.00 for Associate renewal (make sure you pay any electronic sending fee) an additional $35 for any additional division registration with a maximum of three.
Regular Membership renewal (for those with a member number and passport): This membership is open to all those holding 4th Dan or higher degrees as recognized by IMAF. Advanced demonstrated capability and/or testing at a official IMAF Seminar in a qualifying Budo is a requirement for regular membership. Former members of IMAF who have been absent longer than 3 years, may need to remunerate 3 years of membership to HQ.
Regular Member Instructions:
1. Regular members no longer have to fill out form if already have a IMAF budo passport number.
2. Click on PayPal link and sign into your account
3. In the send payment Section-Copy and paste Japan HQ paypal info: [email protected]
In the Notes section write the following:
For Example: Jxhn Dxe, 5th Dan, Regular Membership
IMAF Americas Budo Passport Number- XXXXX
Paying for 20XX.
Thank you.
4. Verify your PayPal physical home address is correct
5. Send $75.00 for regular member renewal (make sure you pay any electronic sending fee) an additional $35 for any additional division registration with a maximum of three.
Regular Member Instructions:
1. Regular members no longer have to fill out form if already have a IMAF budo passport number.
2. Click on PayPal link and sign into your account
3. In the send payment Section-Copy and paste Japan HQ paypal info: [email protected]
In the Notes section write the following:
For Example: Jxhn Dxe, 5th Dan, Regular Membership
IMAF Americas Budo Passport Number- XXXXX
Paying for 20XX.
Thank you.
4. Verify your PayPal physical home address is correct
5. Send $75.00 for regular member renewal (make sure you pay any electronic sending fee) an additional $35 for any additional division registration with a maximum of three.
As a non-profit organization, the Government of Japan has formally recognized IMAF as a premier martial arts institution since 1952. As a member of IMAF, you will become part of its rich tradition and heritage. In addition, your certifications of achievement will be registered and archived in Japan and recognized worldwide.
For new members, we encourage you to review the FAQ section carefully in addition to speaking with your instructor about the benefits of joining IMAF. If your current dojo or instructor is not affiliated with IMAF and you would like to learn more about the organization, please contact the IMAF Affiliate office near you.
The application process is straightforward and simple to complete. Your application can be submitted by e-mail or by post. Please read the instructions carefully for each. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed and your application fee is non-refundable.
For new members, we encourage you to review the FAQ section carefully in addition to speaking with your instructor about the benefits of joining IMAF. If your current dojo or instructor is not affiliated with IMAF and you would like to learn more about the organization, please contact the IMAF Affiliate office near you.
The application process is straightforward and simple to complete. Your application can be submitted by e-mail or by post. Please read the instructions carefully for each. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed and your application fee is non-refundable.