About
Founded in 1951, Kokusai Budoin • Kokusai Budorenmei, International Martial Arts Federation (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 numerous countries, with members throughout the world.
IMAF is comprised of the following divisions: Judo, Kendo, Karatedo, Aikido, Iaido, Nihon Jujutsu and Kobudo.
As an international certification headquarters for the martial arts, IMAF commends meritorious individuals by granting degrees, grades and awards. The Federation sponsors regular exhibitions, tournaments and publishes pertinent information concerning Japanese Martial Arts.
All traditional Japanese martial arts enthusiasts who are in accord with the objectives of the International Martial Arts Federation are welcome to apply for Membership. As a registered Japanese NPO, our by-laws require all individuals wishing to apply for membership comply with the following criteria:
• To be registered with a recognized traditional Japanese martial arts association
• To submit a request for membership form via email to: international@imaf.com
• To submit copies relevant documents such as recent certificates of rank for review
• To submit a curriculum vitae that includes relevant details of your professional and budo experience
Consolidated Regulations: AboutKokusai Budoin • Kokusai Budorenmei, IMAF was founded by senior members of the traditional Japanese martial arts community, many of whom have been recognized for his/her contributions to supporting both the rebuilding of Japan after the end of World War II, as well as their efforts to promote understanding among peoples internationally.
The following is a list of founders and Meijin (Grand Master) Title holders.
Kyuzo Mifune • Judo Meijin 10th dan (1883 – 1965)
Hakudo Nakayama Kendo Meijin 10th dan (1873 – 1959)
Kazuo Ito • Judo Meijin 10th dan (1898 – 1974)
Hiromasa Takano • Kendo Meijin 10th dan (1900 – 1987)
Hironori Otsuka • Karatedo Meijin 10th dan (1892 – 1982)
Takasue Ito • Judo Meijin 10th dan (1887 – 1981)
Tsugiyoshi Ota • Iaido Meijin 10th dan (1892 – 1984)
Gozo Shioda • Aikido Meijin 10th dan (1915 – 1994)
Katsuo Yamaguchi • Iaido Meijin 10th dan (1917 – 2006)
Kenji Tose • Iaido Meijin 10th dan (1924 – 2010)
Shizuya Sato • Nihon Jujutsu Meijin 10th dan (1929 – 2011)
Hirokazu Kanazawa • Karatedo Meijin 10th dan (1931 – 2019)
Kazuo Sakai • Karatedo Meijin 10th dan (1930 – 2016)
Tadanori Nobetsu • Karatedo Meijin 10th dan (1935 – 2023)
Terukata Kawabata • Kobudo Meijin 10th dan (1940 – )
Ikuo Higuchi • Karatedo Meijin 10th dan (1941 – )
Kokusai Budoin • Kokusai Budorenmei, IMAF 