IMGKA Guidelines 2009

INTERNATIONAL MEIBUKAN GOJYU-RYU KARATE-DO ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES

1. The mission of this association is to propagate and standardize Meibukan Gojyu-Ryu Karate-Do on a global level. This is to be accomplished through friendship and cooperation while maintaining the highest standards as set down by the governing body in Okinawa, Japan.

2. All dojo owners are equal and an integral part of IMGKA. We will have no presidents or vice-presidents and there is but one Hombu Dojo and it is in Okinawa, Japan. Since the passing of Dai Sensei, Master Meitatsu Yagi, being the eldest son and 10th dan (judan) is his successor and head of IMGKA. IMGKA dojo follow this lineage. Dojo owners who wish to maintain memberships with other associations or organizations will be known as IMGKA Associate dojo.

3. All annual dojo registration fees of $200 Cdn as well as black belt membership fees of $35 Cdn are due by January 15 of the new year and shall be sent to Ken Trebilcock, General Secretary. The General Secretary will send out dojo certificates and membership cards, and any and all necessary expenses shall be deducted from this fund. The list of certified dojos and black belt members, as well as an accounting of these, will be sent to IMGKA Chairman Master Meitatsu Yagi in Okinawa and listed on the IMGKA web site www.imgka.com. The General Secretary is responsible for fair and equal sharing of information among IMGKA members. He will also be responsible for the announcement for any events relating to IMGKA dojos and their members. These shall include seminar dates, times, etc. IMGKA members are welcome to train at the Hombu dojo in Okinawa providing their IMGKA membership is current. The fee for training in Okinawa is $75 US per month, or $40 US for 2 weeks paid to Master Meitatsu Yagi upon arrival. Persons who are not current IMGKA members are welcome to train with Master Meitatsu Yagi and the fee for training in Okinawa is $100 US per month or $60 US for 2 weeks or less paid to Masteri Meitatsu Yagi upon arrival.

4. All dojo owners are also Directors of IMGKA and as such should make their best efforts to provide and develop IMGKA, not only in North America but other countries as well. All IMGKA directors should keep in touch in order to maintain a similar understanding of kata, kumite and kobudo of IMGKA.. This should prevent any gaps or misunderstandings from occurring. Directors should attend all annual IMGKA meetings to have input as to the growth and development of IMGKA.. If a dojo owner misses two (2) consecutive IMGKA meetings they will no longer be considered a Director of IMGKA..

5. Only IMGKA members can use the Meibukan crest but all other materials related to Dai Sensei, Master Meitatsu Yagi or the Yagi family must be authorized by Hombu dojo, Master Meitatsu Yagi in Okinawa. As well any pictures, drawings, calligraphy, patches, publications, T-shirts, etc need to receive prior approval from Master Meitatsu Yagi before use or publication.

6. A new IMGKA dojo instructor may apply for a rank test after a one-year probationary period. New IMGKA dojo instructors are encouraged to find and learn from an existing IMGKA teacher who can assist them in learning Meibukan Gojyu-Ryu. All testing will incorporate all facets of the association criteria including Sanchin, Tensho, Gojyu-Ryu Kata, Meibuken, Meibukan Kobudo and Yakusoku Kumite. From Shodan to Yondan, testing can be done when Sensei visits the country. Godan testing and above will be conducted by Sensei Meitatsu Yagi in Okinawa.

7. Sensei Meitatsu Yagi has traveled the world teaching seminars and is ready, willing and able to continue to do this. In order to continue to do this, Sensei will need all costs covered (including all transportation, hotel accommodations, food, etc.) by the host dojo(s) as well as a minimum seminar fee of $400.00 paid for each seminar conducted.

June 16th, 2009

Meitatsu Yagi        Akihito Yagi        Ken Trebilcock

Chairman              President           General Secretary