Kokusai Budoin (IMAF Japan): United by the Spirit of Budo

El Kokusai Budoin, also known as International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF), is an organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and teaching of traditional Japanese martial arts, collectively known as budoFounded in 1952 in Japan, Kokusai Budoin has become one of the most respected institutions in the dissemination of budo throughout the world, promoting an approach that integrates technique, spirit and ethical values ​​that characterize Japanese martial arts.

Kokusai Budoin was founded in Tokyo in 1952, a time when Japan was beginning to regain its cultural identity after World War II. The organization was created with the mission of protecting and revitalizing Japanese martial arts, many of which had been banned or restricted during the years of occupation. Kokusai Budoin sought to preserve the traditional techniques and values ​​of budo and share them with an international audience that was increasingly showing interest in Japanese culture and its combat arts.

Among the founders of Kokusai Budoin were some of Japan's most prominent martial arts masters., including experts in disciplines such as judo, kendo, karate, aikido, jujutsu and iaido. These pioneers shared the vision that budo should be a path to personal improvement and peace, not just a means of combat. Budo, as a philosophy and as a practice, is conceived as a path of mental, physical and spiritual growth that transcends mere physical training.

Kokusai Budoin (IMAF) has set out to take budo beyond Japan, promoting the learning of traditional martial arts on all continents. The organization has established a wide network of affiliates and representatives in countries in America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania, where they are dedicated to spreading budo training in accordance with traditional ethical and technical principles.

Through the organization of international seminars, championships and cultural events, Kokusai Budoin has achieved a global reach, creating an international community that honors and respects the traditions of Japanese budo.

The mission of Kokusai Budoin goes beyond the teaching of martial techniques. The organization promotes a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, fostering mutual respect and peace through the practice of martial arts. Kokusai Budoin emphasizes that budo is not only a tool of self-defense, but also a path to developing discipline, humility, and self-control. At its events and seminars, practitioners are encouraged to understand and apply these values ​​in all aspects of their lives.

Kokusai Budoin (IMAF) encompasses several traditional disciplines of budo, promoting a holistic approach that allows practitioners to deepen their skills and understanding of each martial art.

El judo, created by Jigoro Kano, is an unarmed combat discipline that focuses on throwing, immobilization, and submission techniques. Kokusai Budoin teaches judo not only as a form of combat, but as a method of self-knowledge and personal growth. The organization follows the principle of "jita-kyoei" or "mutual benefit", emphasizing cooperation and respect for the opponent.

Kendo It is the art of Japanese fencing, which is practiced with a bamboo sword or shinaiAt Kokusai Budoin, kendo is taught with a strong focus on "zanshin" (constant alertness) and the development of self-confidence and concentration. The organization promotes kendo as a path to discipline the body and mind, teaching practitioners to confront themselves and their own limits.

Karate-do Karate is one of the most popular Japanese martial arts and is promoted by Kokusai Budoin in its traditional form, with a focus on technique and spirit. The practice of karate emphasizes precision, control and respect, teaching practitioners to use self-defense with responsibility and restraint.

Aikido, created by Morihei Ueshiba, is a discipline that focuses on using an opponent's energy to neutralize conflict without inflicting harm. Kokusai Budoin encourages the practice of aikido as a way to develop empathy and inner calm, teaching control and projection techniques that combine self-defense with emotional growth.

El jujutsu is one of the oldest martial arts in Japan and is known for its focus on hand-to-hand combat. Kokusai Budoin promotes jujutsu with the purpose of preserving its traditional techniques, teaching students control, immobilization and disarming techniques that can be applied in self-defense situations.

Iaido Iaido is a Japanese fencing discipline that focuses on the technique of drawing, cutting and sheathing the sword in one fluid motion. Through Kokusai Budoin, iaido practitioners learn not only sword techniques, but also the importance of mental focus and discipline that characterize this form of budo.

Kokusai Budoin regularly organizes international seminars and championships which bring together budo practitioners from around the world. These events allow students and teachers to exchange knowledge, share techniques and practice with others in an environment of respect and camaraderie. The seminars also provide the opportunity to receive direct instruction from high-level teachers, promoting continuous learning and technical excellence in each discipline.

Kokusai Budoin offers an international certification system that ensures that the standards of quality and authenticity in the teaching of budo are recognized globally. Through rigorous evaluations, the organization awards degrees and titles to those practitioners who demonstrate technical and ethical competence in their respective disciplines. This certification system is respected worldwide, and the degrees awarded by Kokusai Budoin are recognized in dojos and martial organizations throughout the world.

One of the main missions of Kokusai Budoin is to act as a link between East and West, bringing the traditions of Japanese budo to practitioners of other cultures and backgrounds. Through its activities, the organization fosters understanding and respect between people of different countries and backgrounds, promoting a global budo community in which the values ​​of peace and mutual respect are fundamental.

Thanks to Kokusai Budoin, traditional Japanese martial arts have gained greater visibility and respect worldwide. The organization has played an essential role in preserving techniques, values ​​and ethical principles that are a fundamental part of budo history. In addition to its impact on martial arts, Kokusai Budoin has helped create an international community of people committed to respect and peace, making Japanese budo a symbol of global unity and harmony.

Kokusai Budoin teaches budo not just as a series of techniques, but as a path to personal development. Through the practice of martial arts, students learn values ​​such as humility, perseverance, self-control and empathy. These principles are applicable to all aspects of life and contribute to the formation of strong and balanced individuals who promote peace and respect in their communities.

Kokusai Budoin (IMAF Japan) has been a fundamental pillar in the preservation and dissemination of traditional Japanese martial arts throughout the world. With a focus that goes beyond technique, promoting the spirit and ethical values ​​of budo, this organization has managed to bring the legacy of Japanese martial arts to a global audience, connecting cultures and promoting respect and peace. For students and practitioners seeking authentic training and a path of personal growth, Kokusai Budoin represents a reference institution and an example of how budo can serve as a bridge of understanding between East and West.