THE CONSTITUTION OF THE KENSHI KAI OKINAWAN GOJU-RYU KARATE-DO/KOBUDO KYOKAI
ARTICLE I
Name
1. The name of this organization shall be the KENSHI KAI OKINAWN GOJU RYU Karate-Do/KOBUDO Kyokai . The organization may be referred to as the IKKO.
ARTICLE 11
Purpose
I. To maintain the practice of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do.and Okinawan Kobudo
2. To propagate the practice of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and Okinawan Kobudo.
3. To coordinate and regulate the practice of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and Okinawan Kobudo within the member schools of the organization.
4. To develop the character of its members through the practice of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and Okinawan Kobudo.
5. To transact such lawful activities as necessary for operation.
6. To provide certification of accomplishment.
ARTICLE III
Government
I. This organization shall be independent and governed by its own constitution. Members shall abide by the statutes and regulations of this country.
2. All dan rank members are directly responsible to ensure that the rules and regulations of this constitution are enforced and that the training is followed as prescribed by the Chief Instructor.
3. All dan rank members are directly responsible for the assurance that this organization is never used for dishonest, immoral or illegal purposes.
ARTICLE IV
Jurisdiction
I. The central office shall be known as Headquarters of the IKKO. and claims jurisdiction for the organization.
2. Members of the IKKO. shall abide by this constitution and the rules and regulations of the IKKO.
3. In all cases, the laws, regulations and/or statutes in effect in the various locations of the schools of the IKKO shall
take precedence over this constitution in that location only.
ARTICLE V
Headquarters
1. The Headquarters shall be at such place as is designated by the Chief Instructor.
ARTICLE VI
Seal
1. The seal or official insignia of the IKKO shall be as designated by the Chief Instuctor.
ARTICLE VII
Management
1. The management of the organization shall be vested in the Chief Instructor, with assistance from various officers, boards and committees.
ARTICLE VIII
Officers and Duties
I. The officers of this organization shall be:
A. Chief Instructor (President)- Assistant Chief Instructor (Vice President)
B. National Director
C. Legal Advisor
D. Treasurer
E. Executive Secretary
F. Trustees
G. Regional Representative
2. Duties of the President & Vice President
A. To-generally oversee the operation of the organization.
B. To establish the central office.
C. To coordinate and supervise the activities of the officers.
D. To establish procedures and regulations for the operation of the organization.
E. To delegate duties and make appointments within the organization.
F. To coordinate and supervise the activities of the IKKO in member countries.
G. To define and explain Goju-Ryu Karate-Do training.
3. Duties of the National Director
A. To exercise general supervision within the designated member country.
B. To insure compliance of members within the member country to the rules and regulations of the IKKO
C. To act as liaison officer between member schools of the designated member country and the President.
D. To be appointed by the President.
E. To report to the President.
4. Duties of the Legal Advisor
A. To advise the Director on legal matters pertaining to the IKKO
B. To be appointed by the Director.
C. To report to the Director.
5. Duties of the Treasurer
A. To maintain records of all financial transactions of the IKKO
B. To accept IKKO funds and make expenditures for the organization.
C. To maintain the organization bank accounts.
D. To coordinate with the Executive Secretary.
E. To prepare an annual report for the Trustees.
F. To be appointed by the Director.
G. To report to the Director.
6. Duties of the Executive Secretary
A. To maintain records of membership in the IKKO
B. To keep records of promotional activities and update files.
C. To issue membership cards to members.
D. To maintain a file of all correspondence.
E. To issue memos and bulletins as necessary.
F. To appoint assistants as necessary.
G. To be appointed by the Director.
H. To report to the Director.
7. Duties of the Trustees
A. To insure that the organization complies with its intended purposes.
B. To review and audit books and records annually.
C. To be selected by the voting membership.
8. Duties of the Regional Representatives
A. To oversee the organizational activities in the assigned region.
B. To be appointed by the Director.
C. To report to the Director.
9. Additional Officers may be appointed by the Director as necessary to serve the needs of the organization.
ARTICLE IX
Membership and Membership Status
1. Members shall consist of the following:
A. Registered member
B. Registered program
C. Associate member
D. Associate program
E. Member Country
2. Membership in the organization shall be open to any individual of good character and reputation, with sound mind, who has an interest in martial arts. The IKKO shall provide equal opportunity, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, or sex for participation in or for any activity of this organization.
3. Membership may be denied to anyone convicted of a felony or having a history of acts of violence or mental instability.
4. Application for membership shall be in the form prescribed by headquarters and acceptance of membership shall bind said member to abide by this constitution and rules of the IKKO
5. Individual members who have been accepted by the IKKO be considered on probationary status for one year.
6. Schools and other organizations who have been accepted for membership by the IKKO shall be considered on probationary status for one year.
7. Membership status:
A. Registered member: Any individual accepted as a IKKO member. Entitled to benefits and activities of the
IKKO and required to abide by the IKKO constitution and rules.
B. Registered program: Any program accepted as a IKKO registered school. Entitled to benefits and activities of
the IKKO and required to abide by the IKKO constitution and rules. All members of a registered school must
join the organization.
C. Associate member: An individual whose primary allegiance lies outside the IKKO but who can contribute to and
benefit from the IKKO Receives no certification, shall not represent the IKKO nor receive sanction, shall not
use the IKKO name or insignia and participates by invitation only.
D. Associate-program: Program comprised of associate members and subject to the same conditions.
E. Member Country: The registered members and registered programs in a given country shall constitute a member
country of the IKKO
ARTICLE X
Committees
1. Committees shall be appointed as necessary by the Director.
2. Committees shall report to the Director.
3. Review Board
A. The Review Board will serve as a Standing Committee.
B. The Review Board will be selected by the voting membership.
C. The Review Board will serve a two-year term.
D. Duties of the Review Board:
1. To consider grievances of a non-technical nature.
2. To act on decisions according to the provisions of this constitution with approval of the Director.
ARTICLE XI
Meetings
1. Meetings shall be held as necessary to serve the purposes of the IKKO .
2. An annual IKKO organization meeting will be held with location and date as specified by the Director.
3. Notice shall be given to voting members prior to annual meetings.
4. Voting members whose opinions are represented at an annual meeting shall constitute a quorum.
5. Annual meetings shall include all required legal considerations.
6. Procedures at annual meetings shall be at the discretion of the Director.
7. No error or omission in giving notice of any annual meeting of the IKKO shall
invalidate such meeting or make void any proceedings taken there.
ARTICLE XII
Voting
1. Voting members are those active IKKO members in compliance with this constitution and of dan rank.
2. At an annual meeting, a quorum shall consist of those voting members whose opinions are represented by any
means.
3. In special meetings called by the Director a quorum shall consist of those voting members whose opinions are
represented by any means.
4. In general voting situations, a quorum shall consist of a simple majority of voting members.
ARTICLE XIII
Disciplinary Measures
1. Any member or member school of this organization may be expelled, suspended or subject to probation for any of
the following reasons:
A. Violation of any of the provisions of this constitution or rules or regulations of the IKKO
B. Conduct which brings discredit to the individual or the IKKO
C. Misrepresenting or overcharging for any official certificate or other document issued by the IKKO
D. Making false or misleading statements on an application for membership or when applying for membership.
E. Any false or unauthorized representation as to rank or position in the IKKO
F. Any use of the organization name or property without the consent of the Director.
G. Non-payment of dues or fees.
2. The authority to hear and pass on charges shall be delegated to the Review Board with approval of the Director.
A. Rules and procedures for all such hearings shall be established by the Review Board and shall be in agreement
with this constitution.
ARTICLE XIV
Dues and Fees
1. Dues will be paid annually to the IKKO according to the existing fee schedule, which may vary from time to time.
2. Any member may be exempt from the payment of dues and/or fees at the discretion of the Director.
3. Fees may be charged for various special events, specific organization purposes, initial membership, certificates,
tournaments, promotional activities, supplies, travel expense, and other purposes with the approval of the Director.
4. Dues and fees are not refundable.
5. Income and expenses will be reviewed by the Trustees annually.
ARTICLE XV
Expenditures
1. Expenditures shall be made for the operation and interest of the organization exclusively.
2. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members,
trustees, officers or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay
reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the
purposes set forth.
3. All expenditures shall require approval of the Director, Treasurer and one other officer.
4. Records of expenditures and income will be reviewed annually by the Trustees.
ARTICLE XVI
Training
1. Goju-Ryu Karate-Do/Okinawan Kobudo training and practice within the organization shall be as defined by the Chief Instructor.
2. All IKKO active instructors are required to arrange annual practice sessions with the Chief Instructor or his designate.
ARTICLE XVII
Promotions
1. Each member school shall hold promotional examinations as scheduled by the Chief Instructor or Director.
2. Member schools are authorized to promote up to the rank of sho-dan with approval of the Chief Instructor.
3. Promotions above the rank of sho-dan require the express, written consent of the Chief Instructor..
4. Promotional findings shall be reviewed by Headquarters prior to acceptance.
ARTICLE XVIII
Tournaments
1. Tournaments sponsored by the IKKO or any of its members or member schools using the organization name or in
any way associated with the IKKO will require the written approval of the Director or Tournament Coordinator.
2. A minimum of one half of any profit of any authorized tournament shall inure to the organization.
3. Headquarters shall be provided with an outline of proposed tournament proceedings prior to approval.
4. Tournament rules and procedures shall be according to the W.K.F.. standards in effect at the time of the
tournament. Alternate rules or procedures require the consent of the Director or Tournament Coordinator.
ARTICLE XIX
Certificates and Membership Cards
1. Only official IKKO certificates and membership cards will be allowed.
2. Cards and certificates will be issued by Headquarters.
3. All schools in the organization shall use the official cards and certificates and they shall be issued to active
members only.
ARTICLE XX
Amendments
1. This constitution may be amended and approved by a simple majority of voting members whose opinion is expressed
at an annual meeting.
2. A quorum for amending or approving this constitution will consist of those voting members whose opinion is
expressed at an annual meeting.
ARTICLE XXI
National Constitution
1. This organization may establish a constitution pertaining to the operation of the organization in this country.
2. This constitution must agree in all cases with the IKKO International constitution with the following exceptions:
A. Rules, laws or statutes of this country that conflict with that constitution will take precedence.
B. Special exception is granted by the President.
3. This constitution must be approved by the International Headquarters to be valid.
ARTICLE XXII
General Policy
1. Tournaments require involvement of the Tournament Coordinator.
2. In the event that the Director is unable to adequately perform his responsibilities, a temporary substitute may be
appointed by the President.
3. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise
attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in any political
campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
4. Only white practice uniforms will be allowed.
5. The official insignia is to be worn on practice uniforms on the upper left chest area. No other marking or insignia
shall be allowed except by express, written consent of the Director.
6. The IKKO will in no way be responsible or held liable for any debt, other liability, neglect or default of any
member.
ARTICLE XXIV
Fiscal Year
1. The fiscal year for the organization shall be from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
ARTICLE XXV
Member Withdrawal
1. Any member, member program or member country may voluntarily withdraw from the organization by submitting
written notification to the Director.