Why Butokukai?

Membership of KOKUSAI BUTOKUKAI means far more than simply belonging to a martial arts association. It is a commitment to the values of traditional martial arts and opens the door to an international community dedicated to the authentic preservation and transmission of Shorinji Ryu.

As a member, you benefit from numerous advantages:

• International recognition.
• Official grades and certifications that can be documented and validated in accordance with the association’s guidelines.
• Qualified training in the traditional disciplines of Shorinji Ryu Karate Do, Okinawa Kobudo, Tai Chi and Chi Kung under experienced instructors.
• Seminars, courses and international gatherings that promote professional exchange and personal development.
• Access to the online library with an extensive collection of specialist literature, historical documents and teaching materials, tailored to your respective level of training.
• Becoming part of a vibrant community that embodies respect, integrity, discipline and mutual support.
• Fostering personal development, as the focus is not solely on technical perfection, but equally on the development of character, a sense of responsibility and inner attitude.
• Community service through which you actively contribute to the preservation and transmission of traditional martial arts for future generations.

KOKUSAI BUTOKUKAI regards martial arts as a lifelong journey. Membership brings together people who not only wish to learn techniques, but who also want to live by and pass on the values of Budo in their everyday lives. Those who become members are choosing quality, tradition, community and an authentic training programme with international links.

Why is membership of one of our dojos worthwhile for a student?

Membership of our dojo is far more than simply taking part in a sport. It marks the start of a personal journey that fosters physical fitness, mental development and human values in equal measure.

Our dojos are places of learning, community and mutual respect. Here, children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens train together – regardless of age, previous experience or personal goals.

With a dojo membership, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits:

• Regular training under qualified and experienced instructors.
• A thorough training programme in the traditional arts of Shorinji Ryu Karate Do, Okinawa Kobudo, Tai Chi and Chi Kung.
• Individual support tailored to your personal level of proficiency.
• Participation in courses, workshops and club events.
• Preparation for Kyu, Dan and Duan examinations in accordance with the guidelines of the KOKUSAI BUTOKUKAI.
• A friendly and respectful training environment characterised by mutual support.
• Improvement in health, flexibility, coordination, concentration and self-confidence.
• The teaching of traditional values such as respect, courtesy, discipline, responsibility and humility.
• The opportunity to become part of a strong community where friendships are formed and everyone is supported on their personal journey.

A dojo membership means taking time for yourself, learning continuously and growing together with others. The focus is not on competition or short-term success, but on the joy of movement, the development of one’s own abilities and lifelong learning.

Our dojo is a place where tradition is lived out, knowledge is passed on and people are supported in their personal development. We look forward to welcoming you on this journey.

Why should a dojo become a member of KOKUSAI BUTOKUKAI?

A dojo’s membership of KOKUSAI BUTOKUKAI is a mark of quality, tradition and responsible martial arts practice. It combines the dojo’s independence with the benefits of a strong national and international organisation dedicated to preserving authentic martial arts and their values.

As a member dojo, you benefit from numerous advantages:

• Official recognition as a member of KOKUSAI BUTOKUKAI.
• Legally compliant conduct of kyu, dan and duan examinations, as well as the issue of official certificates and graduation certificates.
• Technical support from the association, as well as access to standardised training and examination guidelines.
• Regular courses, further training and instructor seminars to continuously enhance the quality of training.
• Participation in national and international events, training camps and meetings with high-ranking instructors from various countries.
• Access to extensive teaching materials and the online library containing historical documents, specialist literature and training materials.
• Promotion of the dojo within the association and on the official media channels of KOKUSAI BUTOKUKAI.
• Exchange with other member dojos to foster the sharing of experiences, knowledge and joint projects.
• Support with the establishment and further development of a dojo, with organisational matters and with long-term training planning.
• Preservation of traditional values, without losing sight of a modern and forward-looking approach to club management.

KOKUSAI BUTOKUKAI does not see itself as a purely administrative association, but as a community of dojos and instructors who jointly take responsibility for the future of traditional martial arts. Each member dojo remains independent in its work whilst benefiting from the association’s experience, knowledge and international network.

Membership enhances the dojo’s credibility, builds trust among students and parents, and provides a solid foundation for high-quality training. Together, we preserve the tradition of Shorinji Ryu and responsibly develop it for future generations.

Insurance cover and organisational benefits
(Applies only to official individual members of BUTOKUKAI GERMANY e.V.)

A dojo’s membership of BUTOKUKAI GERMANY e.V. not only offers technical and organisational support, but also significant added value in terms of insurance cover and club organisation.

The specific benefits include:

• ARAG sports insurance: Organised sport in Germany benefits from one of the most comprehensive insurance cover systems in Europe. Through this existing affiliation, member dojos benefit from comprehensive insurance cover for training and club operations. This includes, amongst other things, third-party liability, accident, legal expenses and fidelity insurance. This provides security for clubs, instructors, officials and members.
• Services provided by organised sport: Through their integration into the structures of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), dojos have access to a wide range of support services. These include advisory services, information on club law and club development, support for volunteers, and a diverse range of services for the professional management of a club.
• Benefits of GEMA framework agreements: For club events, courses or training sessions involving music, member dojos can make use of the existing framework agreements between organised sport and GEMA. As a result, GEMA fees are significantly reduced in many cases or – depending on the nature and scale of the event – covered in full.

These benefits represent considerable added value for every dojo. They reduce organisational burdens, provide financial advantages and give those in charge the peace of mind to focus on their core task: the qualified teaching of traditional martial arts and the sustainable development of their club.