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International Shorinryu Matsumura Seito Karate-do Federation
ISMSKF Guidelines and Procedures

1.    Objective

The purpose of International Shorinryu Matsumura Seito Karate-do Federation (“ISMSKF”) is to preserve the Okinawan Shorinryu Matsumura Seito Karate-do system and maintain the system as taught by Master Hohan Soken and Master Fusei Kise.

The ISMSKF is not asking anybody, nor any member, to change what they were originally taught or instructed.  However, we are more than happy to offer what we have been taught and instructed by Master Fusei Kise.

2.    ISMSKF Board

All decisions for amendments to the ISMSKF will be considered and voted on by the ISMSKF Board of Directors.

3.    Voting

  1. A majority +1 of the Board of Directors is needed for any changes.
  2. Executive Directors hold veto power.
  3. A veto from one Executive Director can be overridden only by unanimous consensus from all other directors.
  4. Veto by two Executive Directors cannot be overridden.

4.    Executive Directors (2)

Shihan Greg Lazarus
Shihan Jay Gravelle

5.    Senior Directors (up to 2 per country)

  1. Senior Directors may be assigned by the Executive Directors for each country.
  2. Senior Directors have veto power concerning issues within their country.
  3. Their official title is “Senior Director for (country)”.  This senior title is authority for their country only and is equal to a vote on the Board of Directors.

6.    Board of Directors

  1. All active Rokudan and above are eligible to be on the Board of Directors.
  2. Membership on the Board of Directors is not automatic, and an Executive Director must approve the person for membership on the board.

7.    Executive Director’s Responsibilities

  1. It is the responsibility of each Executive Director to support and encourage the expansion of the ISMSKF. This can be done any number of ways and their input and ingenuity in doing so is valued.
  2. Executive Directors are involved in all ISMSKF decisions and support the ISMSKF Guidelines.

8.    Directors’ Responsibilities

Although all active Rokudan are eligible to be on the Board of Directors, they are not required to be a Director to remain a member of the ISMSKF. There is no prejudice if they decide they do not want responsibility.

  1. It is the responsibility of each Director to support and encourage the expansion of the ISMSKF. This can be done any number of ways and their input and ingenuity in doing so is valued.
  2. Directors should show a real desire to be involved in ISMSKF decisions and submit ideas and suggestions.
  3. Each Director will be responsible for at least one administrative responsibility.
  4. Although Directors should be able to teach all ISMSKF requirements, they will also be responsible for at least one area of expertise to excel and be able to teach beyond the normal requirements. This will include the history, technical aspect and information not normally known. They should be able to provide at least an hour of seminar instruction for their area of expertise.
  5. They should make their best attempt to attend the yearly ISMSKF seminar. This is not a requirement, as it is understandable family matters may take priority.

9.    Succession Plan

  1. Executive Directors are selected by the outgoing Executive Director with approval of the remaining Executive Director.
  2. If the Executive Director is not able to select someone the senior Director of the vacant region will be offered the Executive Director position.
  3. If the senior Director of that region declines, the other directors on the board will select the Executive Director with approval of the remaining Executive Director.
  4. However, there can only be one Executive Director from one region.

10. Member’s Rights

As a member of the ISMSKF you have the right to*:

  1. ISMSKF training and seminars.
  2. Train at member dojos, with their permission.
  3. Use the ISMSKF in advertising and promotional materials.
  4. Earn rank and certification awarded by ISMSKF.
  5. However, additional costs may be associated with these rights and must be paid by the member.

11. Member’s Responsibilities

  1. Preserve the Okinawan Shorinryu Matsumura Seito Karate and Kobudo system.
  2. Dojo charters are required for each ISMSKF dojo – $35 per year due the first day of each year.
  3. Monthly dues of $2.00 per student. Payment by month, semi or yearly is up to each dojo.  Dojos may charge up to $1.00 per month additional dues to cover dojo costs.
  4. Testing fees are to be paid at least one month prior to testing, but the dojo Sensei has discretion for their dojo.
  5. Okinawan customs, protocol and respect must be observed by members.

12. Dojo Owners and Requirements

A dojo may be a commercial dojo or classes within a shared location, such as a fitness center, church or other space. Each physical location should have a dojo charter and a designated sensei(s).

  1. Dojo Owners are required to have an Instructor’s Certificate (Dojo Owners from other organizations have two (2) years to obtain an Instructor’s Certificate.)
  2. Dojo Owners are required to have a current dojo charter.
  3. Dojo Owners should operate their dojo in a professional manner and make sure all their members are informed of classes, seminars and special functions.
  4. Dojo Owners are required to maintain an accurate accounting of any ISMSKF monies and ISMSKF members, including attendance, email addresses, testing, ranking dates and dues.
  5. The ISMSKF Monthly Dues and Testing form and ISMSKF Monthly Accounting form must be sent by the 10th of every month to an Executive or Senior Director. (See ISMSKF forms.)
  6. Dojo Charters may be revoked for failure to meet dojo charter requirements above.

13. Changing Sensei

  1. You should ask permission from your Sensei if you have a need to change dojos.
  2. If this is denied, a letter should be sent to the board addressing why you need to change and a due process of mediation should take place with input from all concerned.

14. Accepting Members From Other Organizations

  1. Members of other organizations are welcome to join the ISMSKF at their current belt level provided they show competency and certification. This will be considered a probationary rank but will receive all the respect of their rank.
  2. If the other organization’s belt color is not in the ISMSKF system, the member must accept the ISMSKF belt rank below their kyu rank. Accepted Dan ranks must wear a solid Black belt or other belt similar to the ISMSKF belts, if approved by the Board of Directors.
  3. They must test for their current rank through the ISMSKF and show competencies for all ISMSKF requirements up to their current rank.
  4. Members of other organizations of Shodan or higher must be approved by an ISMSKF Director.
  5. Members of other organizations of Rokudan or higher must be approved by both Executive Directors. They must test for rank in the ISMSKF within a minimum of two years in the ISMSKF prior to being accepted as an ISMSKF Director on the board. Rokudan and above will be considered only if they have a formal dojo with at least 10 members or in the process of growing. AND they are willing to totally commit to our style AND are committed to coming to camp OR a seminar hosted by an Executive Director at least once a year. Godan and below do not need to have a dojo to join but must be committed to coming to camp OR a seminar hosted by an Executive Director at least once a year.
  6. Dojos from other organizations are welcome to join the ISMSKF provided the sensei will acquire and teach the ISMSKF techniques and requirements being taught, and the Dojo owner arranges for instruction from an ISMSKF dojo. It is highly recommended at least two higher level students along with the dojo owner attend ISMSKF instruction.

15. International Dojos

Dojos outside the United States have the same ISMSKF Guidelines and Procedures with exceptions deemed appropriate for each individual country’s financial situation and customs.

  1. Each country will be assigned Senior Country Directors by the ISMSKF Executive Directors
  2. Testing fees and dues will be negotiated.
  3. Fees for certificates must cover all costs for producing and shipping certificates.
  4.  The country dojos will host an ISMSKF seminar every two years paying for the ISMSKF Executive Directors to visit their country.

Seminars

16. Dojo Seminars

  1. We “encourage”, but not require, all dojo owners to host one seminar for ISMSKF Executive Director or another upper ranked member from another dojo each year. This encourages the exchange of information and techniques and fosters a sense of family within the federation.
  2. We “encourage”, but not require, all dojo owners to hold one seminar outside their normal training schedule for their own dojo each year.
  3. A “Seminar” should consist of at least one full day (4-6 hours) of intense training.

17. Annual ISMSKF Seminar

  1. The ISMSKF will rotate between dojos or an agreed site for an “ISMSKF Annual Seminar” and gathering for the benefit of promoting the exchange of information and comradery.
  2. The “ISMSKF Annual Seminar” will consist of at least two full days of intense training and a get-together dinner type function for all attendees.

18. ISMSKF Rank Grading and Promotion

  1. Promotion in rank is at the discretion of your sensei.
  2. ISMSKF Sensei with an ISMSKF Instructor’s Certification can be promoted up to one rank below their current rank.
  3. Promotion of Rokudan and above requires the approval of their sensei and the Executive Directors.
  4. Yondan and above must be in front of one Executive Director or two Directors or a Senior Director of their country.
  5. ISMSKF Sensei with an ISMSKF Instructor’s Certification can promote up to one rank below their current rank without an ISMSKF Senior Director approval.
  6. ISMSKF Sensei without an ISMSKF Instructor’s Certification can be promoted up to Dan rank or up to one rank below their current rank with an ISMSKF Director approval.
  7. To be eligible for testing ISMSKF dues must be current and have been paid during the entire “time in rank”.
  8. Time in rank and age requirements are mandatory for promotion but may be waived if skill or other circumstances are shown to exceed the requirements. The sensei must discuss this with an ISMSKF Executive or Senior Director before granting a waiver.
  9. Minimum Age for Adult Dan Rank is 16 and minimum age for Youth Rank Jr. Dan Rank is 11.
  10. Promotion to Rokudan and above must include discussion with, or attendance of, an Executive Senior Director.
  11. Attendance at seminars should be encouraged but is not a requirement for promotions.
  12. An ISMSKF Certified Instructor License is recommended for Dan ranks but is not a requirement.

19. Standard Class Gi:

  1. Kyu Ranks:  Solid White Gis
  2. Shodan-Sandan Ranks:  White Gis or  Black pants/White top (preferred)
  3. Yondan-Rokudan Ranks:  White Gis,  Black pants/White top or White pants/Black top (preferred)
  4. Nanadan Ranks and above: Solid Black Gis (preferred)
  5. Dojo Owners:  White Gis, Black pants/White top, White pants/Black top, Solid Black Gis (unless a higher rank is visiting)
  6. Executive and Senior Directors: Solid Black Gis

20. Seminar Gi with ISMSKF Executive Director:

  1. All Ranks 6 Dan and below (in the presence of an ISMSKF Executive or Senior Director):  Solid White Gis only.
  2. Nandan Black pants and White top.
  3. Hachidan Black Top and White pants.
  4. ISMSKF seminar without an ISMSKF Executive or Senior Director’s presence: The Standard Class Gi.

21. Patches:

  1. Gi should have an ISMSKF official patch or embroidered ISMSKF patch on the left front. The Weapons patch is on the left sleeve (when earned) and the dojo patch (if the dojo has one) is on the right sleeve.
  2. No other patches are allowed on the gi at official ISMSKF functions.
  3. Patches may be ordered through the organization, but patches ordered from other sources must be approved by the Executive Directors
  4. See addendum “C” for patch details and placement.

22. Obi:

  1. Adult Kyu Rank belts 9 kyu to 7 kyu may be blue (with or without stripes) or blue, purple and orange without stripes. Adult Kyu Rank belts 6 – 4 are green without stripes and 3 – 1 are brown without stripes.
  2. Youth Kyu Rank belts can be flexible and may be blue, purple and orange with or without stripes.
  3. Due to tournament requirements Sensei may award other belt ranks that correspond with tournament ranks.
  4. Adult Dan Rank Shodan – Sandan belts will be a plain Black Belt. No stripes on Black Belts.
  5. Adult Dan Rank Yondan – Rokudan will be an embroidered ISMSKF Black Belt. No stripes on Black Belts.

23. Kyu colored belts – Own dojo any color belts and seminar need to be the same. Rank Requirements

  1. The ISMSKF Rank Testing Requirements are the minimum requirements for ISMSKF certification. Additionally, the student shall be required to perform a kata from the previous rank test to demonstrate continued proficiency and improvement.
  2. Dojos may require additional techniques for testing but must be indicated as dojo specific requirements.
  3. The age considered for adult ranks is 16 years old.
  4. The minimum age for Shodan Jr. is 11 years old.

To Join the ISMSKF Please Submit the form below.

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