To address some of the most common questions, we have provided an extensive FAQ section.
What is the International Martial Arts Federation, IMAF?
Kokusai Budoin, IMAF (International Martial Arts Federation) was established in 1951 by leading practitioners of traditional Japanese martial arts in Tokyo, Japan. The Federation is dedicated to the promotion and development of the martial arts worldwide. The formal Japanese title of Kokusai Budoin, IMAF NPO, which translates into English as the “International Martial Arts Federation, a Non-Profit Organization”, or the acronym IMAF for short.
What is IMAF’s history?
IMAF was founded in 1951 by a group of Japan’s most prominent martial arts practitioners, including Master Kyuzo Mifune, Master Kazuo Ito and Shizuya Sato of Judo; Master Hakudo Nakayama and Master Hiromasa Takano of Kendo; Master Hironori Otsuka of Karatedo, and Kiyotaka Wake and Sueo Kiyoura. The first Chairman was Prince Tsunenori Kaya (uncle of Emperor Hirohito, a former lieutenant general in the Imperial Army), and was followed by Prince Higashikuni (the first post-World War II Prime Minister, the only member of the Japanese Imperial Family to have held this post). IMAF, then known as the National Japan Health Association sponsored the first, large-scale, public, post-World War II martial arts demonstration in Japan in Hibiya Park in downtown Tokyo in February 1952.
What are IMAF’s purpose and goals?
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 and personal growth.
Meijin 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)
Ikuo Higuchi Karatedo Meijin 10th Dan, Current Kokusai Budoin, IMAF Chief Director
What famous martial artists are associated with IMAF?
Some of the best-known IMAF martial artists and leaders include:
– Kyuzo Mifune, Hanshi, Meijin 10-dan Judo
– Kazuo Ito, Hanshi, Meijin 10-dan Judo
– Shizuya Sato, Hanshi, Hanshi 10-dan Nihon Jujutsu and Hanshi 9-dan Judo
– Hakudo Nakayama, Meijin 10-dan Kendo
– Hiromasa Takano, Meijin 10-dan Kendo
– Hironori Otsuka, Meijin 10-dan Karatedo
– Gogen Yamaguchi, Hanshi 10-dan Karatedo
– Hirokazu Kanazawa, Hanshi 10-dan Karatedo
– Kazuo Sakai, Hanshi 10-dan Karatedo
– Katsuo Yamaguchi, Meijin 10-dan Iaido
– Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Aikikai Aikido, and son of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba
Is IMAF a Non-Profit Organization (NPO)?
Kokusai Budoin, IMAF is registered as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the site of Japan’s national government, is the legal body granting and monitoring IMAF’s non-profit status. Additionally, the Federation is registered in various Branch Countries under a variety of auspices, according to local laws and regulations.
Is there an IMAF-related dojo near me?
IMAF has 27 Branch Countries and over 10,000 members worldwide. Additionally, interested individuals are encouraged to contact an official representative in his/her region should none be available in his/her country of residence. Please contact international@imaf.com for more information.
Can IMAF members train in other IMAF affiliate dojos in other states or countries?
IMAF maintains an open-door policy for all members. Additionally, members are encouraged to visit and train with others at every opportunity.
Please contact an IMAF dojo directly to request information about training sessions. Keep in mind that IMAF affiliate dojos are individual businesses and clubs. Language barriers, liability issues, local laws, and other practical matters must be considered. Ultimately, all visits are at the discretion of the local IMAF instructor. Please contact international@imaf.com for more information.
What benefits are there to joining IMAF as an individual?
IMAF membership gives individuals access to the oldest Japanese martial arts organization, with the premier Japanese martial arts practitioners in the world. Members can get their ranks recognized by the world’s foremost Japanese martial arts organization. Members have access to IMAF seminars, where they can personally train with a variety of the top martial artists in the major styles of modern and traditional Japanese martial arts. Please contact international@imaf.com for more information.
Do I need a minimum martial arts rank or background to join IMAF?
Individuals of all ranks and levels of experience are welcome to join IMAF. We encourage all interested practitioners to contact us and learn more about our worldwide programs. Please contact international@imaf.com for more information.
I am a parent, and my child is interested in martial arts. What should I look for in a dojo or martial arts style?
A dojo is a place for the serious study of martial arts. Some are private, small businesses, others are college or other club-level activities, while others are large, geographically diverse organizations. Regardless, you should be able to see an interest in the study of Japanese martial arts, a motivation to impart instruction, and a certain camaraderie among the students. You should be able to talk to the instructor to ask questions and become comfortable with the instructor.
Japanese martial arts cover many different styles. Some, such as Judo, Aikido, and Jujutsu, are always practiced hand-to-hand with an opponent and involve extensive close contact and grappling. Others, such as Karatedo, mix individually demonstrated katas (forms) and one-on-one kumite (sparring) at a distance.
Still others, such as Iaido (Japanese sword techniques), are often practiced individually in set forms without physical contact. Some, such as Iaido, exclusively employ dedicated and specialized weapons such as Japanese swords, almost always modified for maximum safety, while others, such as Karate and Jujutsu employ more improvised and simpler weapons such as staffs and short sticks.
Different styles appeal to different people, and in fact, interests and appeal will change over time. The Japanese martial arts styles practiced in IMAF have survived for hundreds of years because of their enduring appeal to a wide range of practitioners. IMAF recommends that interested individuals study, ask questions and personally observe various styles.
What are the different IMAF individual membership classes?
Membership is divided into three categories: Regular, Associate, and Affiliate.
Regular Membership: This membership is open to all those holding 4th dan or higher degrees as recognized by IMAF.
Associate Membership: This membership is open to all those who hold 3rd dan or lower degrees as recognized by IMAF.
What sort of functions does IMAF sponsor?
IMAF Exhibitions: IMAF holds an annual exhibition in Japan. IMAF members worldwide join to demonstrate their skills. The exhibit is generally coupled with a series of training seminars with the leading instructors of IMAF.
IMAF Seminars: IMAF instructors from several divisions travel from Japan to North America and Europe annually to present seminars to IMAF members. These seminars not only feature Japan’s premier instructors but also provide opportunities to practice different martial arts. Local, national, and/or regional IMAF seminars are also frequently held.
Kokusai Budoin • Kokusai Budorenmei, IMAF 