Organization
Regulations

General Provisions

1. This document regulates general issues of membership in the Bujin Shinkudoryu Association (hereinafter referred to as the Organization), the organizational, hierarchical, and functional structures of the Organization, the procedure for their formation, and other matters of the Organization's governance.
2. This document is based on the principles of openness and transparency within the Organization.
3. Certain terms used in this documentation:

• Organization – the Bujin Shinkudoryu Association;
• Honbu (Bujinkai) – the Organization's headquarters;
• Kancho – the head of the Organization, the custodian of the school's traditions.
• Branch – a division of the Organization uniting clubs, gyms, and individuals practicing Shinkudoryu, based on territorial or other principles;
• Dojo – a gym or martial arts club where Shinkudoryu is practiced.

Membership in the Organization

1. The Bujin Shinkudoryu Association recognizes "open membership": concurrent membership in other organizations is permitted, provided this does not conflict with current legislation.
2. The Organization is open to all who are willing to share the Path aimed at the traditional education and development of the Individual, Citizen, and Human Being.
3. The Organization does not accept prohibitions or restrictions on communication with representatives of other martial arts or on participation in the events of other organizations, including competitions and other activities. Members of the Organization must be open to communication and friendly towards all forms of martial arts and all sports organizations representing martial arts. This provision does not apply to cases that conflict with current legislation.
4. Members of the Organization are individuals who fully embrace the goals, values, and traditions of the Organization and practice Shikudoryu on a regular basis.
4.1. Membership entitles one to attend and/or participate in all events held by the Organization;
4.2. Membership grants the right to use the official symbols and attributes of the Organization in the manner determined by the Organization;
4.3. Membership grants the right to participate in the management of the Organization, either personally or indirectly through authorized representatives, in the manner determined by these Regulations;
4.4. Membership, upon reaching a certain level, grants the right to conduct accredited Shinkudoryu teaching in the manner determined by the Organization, including the organization of individual dojos;
4.5. Membership grants the right to systematically participate in Kyu/Dan grading in the manner determined by the relevant regulations.
5. All members of the Organization may have their own dojo names, teaching systems, and programs. However, at general seminars, events, tournaments, etc., held by the Organization, the equipment stipulated by the Shinkudoryu Rules must be used.
6. Members of the Organization may adhere to their own teaching system and curriculum. This approach allows for the development of ideas, tactics, and strategies while maintaining the realism and reality of martial arts and Budo. At the same time, special attention must be paid to maintaining traditions, goals, and compliance with Shinkudoryu requirements, as well as the quality of technique execution, throughout the training process. During joint events, seminars, training camps, and other activities, members of the Organization exchange information on their methods and systems.

Organizational and hierarchical structure of the Organization

1. The organizational structure of Bujin Shinkudoryu is a multi-level hierarchy, including the international organization (Honbu), national federations, branches (Branches), clubs (Dojo), and individual members (Individual Members) of the Organization, advancing through the belt system (Kyu and Dan) depending on their level of skill.
2. The International Bujin Shinkudoryu Association (hereinafter referred to as Honbu) is the dominant organization, created by the founder, and is governed by the President of the Organization (Kancho).
3. A National Federation is an official legal entity operating within the territory of a particular state—where necessary in accordance with applicable national legislation—recognized by the relevant sports authority.
4. A Branch (hereinafter referred to as a Branch) is a structure uniting clubs and other divisions of the Organization, as well as individual members.
4.1. A Branch may be organized on a regional or interregional basis, i.e. Carry out their activities in a single region or several regions.
4.2. If several Branches operate within the territory of a single state, they may be united by region into a National Federation to secure their legal status in accordance with national legislation.
4.3. If a single Branch operates within the territory of a single state, it may be legally registered as a National Federation.
4.4. Branch management is carried out by the Branch Chief, who is responsible for the Dojo Operators, Instructors, and Individual Members under his or her supervision.
5. The Club (hereinafter referred to as the Dojo) is the primary organizational and hierarchical structure where training and education take place.
5.1. Each Club may have separate branches managed by Instructors.
5.2. Club management is carried out by the Dojo Operator, who is responsible for the relevant Instructors.
6. An individual member carries out independent activities, while adhering to the traditions and principles of the Organization and fulfilling certain Honbu guidelines.
6.1. An individual member pays membership fees according to the hierarchy.
6.2. In the absence of an Instructor, Dojo Operator, or Branch Chief in a given territory, an individual member of the Organization, by decision of the leadership, may act as a representative of the Honbu in that territory.
7. Instructors, Dojo Operators, and Branch Chiefs cooperate with each other on a contractual basis.
8. The actions of all levels of the hierarchy must be coordinated and aimed at implementing the unified policy of the Organization.
8.1. Any actions of any unit of the organizational hierarchical structure must not conflict with the interests of higher-level hierarchical structures or the Organization as a whole. This provision is not limited to activities carried out within the framework of the Organization's functioning and applies to all life situations.
8.2. Each member of the Organization undertakes to comply with the current legislation of the host country.
8.3. Each member of the Organization bears personal responsibility for actions or inactions that may cause harm to the Organization.

Management structure of the Organization

1. The Organization is governed by Kancho, the President of the Organization (hereinafter referred to as the President), who is the highest governing body.
2. The Vice Presidents manage the Organization in the absence of the President, overseeing the development of individual areas of activity, as well as individual Branches and their groups, including those based on territorial jurisdiction.
3. The Secretary General (Executive Director) has the status of Vice President and directs and coordinates the activities of the Presidium (Executive Committee), as well as individual Branch Chiefs. Exercises certain powers in the activities of the Organization.
4. The Presidium (Executive Committee) consists of the President, the Vice Presidents of the Organization, and individual Branch Chiefs certain by Kancho.
5. The primary responsibilities of the Presidium are to formulate a unified policy for the Organization, define goals, plans, and objectives, and make decisions on them, as well as interact with the Branch Chiefs.
5.1. The Presidium coordinates the organization and conduct of seminars and training camps for the judging corps, the improvement of competition rules and certification requirements, and considers matters related to certification for apprentice and master's degrees.
5.2. The Presidium coordinates the organization and conduct of training camps for coaches and instructors on educational and methodological topics and specialized training, as well as the development of methods and teaching aids.
5.3. The Presidium considers matters related to the accreditation of coaches and instructors and coordinates the conduct of training camps for athletes.
5.4. The Presidium coordinates interaction with the media and the Organization's partners to popularize and develop Shinkudoryu worldwide. They implement a unified information policy for the promotion of Shinkudoryu, including on the internet, social media, and in the media.
5.5. The Presidium exercises control and audit functions, reviews controversial and disciplinary matters, and implements decisions to resolve them.
6. Decisions made by the Presidium are binding on all members of the Organization.
7. Working groups may be created by decision of the President or the Presidium on a temporary or permanent basis to address emerging issues or implement specific activities.

General Meeting of Branch Chiefs

1. The General Meeting of Branch Chiefs (hereinafter referred to as the Meeting) is held annually.
2. All National Representatives and Branch Chiefs are required to attend the Meeting. If in-person attendance is not possible, participation is via videoconference.
3. An extraordinary Meeting may be convened by decision of the President.
4. The Meeting is held for the purpose of implementing the current activities of the organization, as well as making operational decisions to support these activities. Topics for discussion at the Meeting may include:
4.1. Discussion of the affairs of the Organization;
4.2. Discussion of the development and improvement of methodological materials, competition rules, the qualification standards program, and other issues related to the educational, training, and competitive process;
4.3. Discussion of the planning of Organization events;
4.4. Discussion of the relationships between Branch Chiefs;
4.5. Exchange of experience;
4.6. Informing Branch Chiefs on various matters related to the organization's activities;
4.7. Consideration of other issues.
5. The meeting is primarily for informational purposes.

Branch Chiefs and Dojo Operators

1. The Branch Chief is the Organization's fundamental structural unit, its official representative, and holds a personal branch certificate with a unique number obtained from the Honbu.
2. The creation of branches and the assignment of Branch Chiefs to them is the prerogative of the Kancho.
3. The Branch Chief enjoys all rights and fulfills all duties defined by the Organization's Charter.
4. The Branch Chief is a member of the Assembly.
5. The Branch Chief is appointed from among the most qualified members of the Organization, holding leadership positions in the region of operation and holding a rank of at least 1st dan.
6. The Branch Chief must be a model citizen and instill the best human qualities in their students. The Branch Chief is responsible for the correctness and quality of Shinkudoryu instruction in their Branch and is personally responsible for the development of Shinkudoryu in their assigned territory. The Branch Chief must strive to develop the Organization, develop strong and worthy fighters, educate the younger generation, promote Shinkudoryu among various segments of the population, and increase the number of students.
7. Only the Branch Chief is authorized to organize Belt promotion test for student ranks within the territory of their assigned Branch.
7.1. The Branch Chief may delegate the administration of Kyu tests to a subordinate Dojo Operator.
7.2. If authority to administer Kyu tests is delegated, the Branch Chief personally reviews the results of the assessment, including photo and video recordings, and decides whether to approve the results for the participants.
7.3. The Branch Chief is not authorized to administer Belt promotion for students of another Branch without the consent of the Branch Chief of that territory and the President.
7.4. The Branch Chief who has administered the examination is required to submit a corresponding report to the Honbu within 10 days.
7.5. The Branch Chief is responsible for ensuring that the students they have assessed meet the requirements of Shinkudoryu.
8. In certain cases, with the approval of the Kancho, members of the Presidium may accept and approve the results of qualifying examinations.
8.1. Members of the Presidium are authorized, with the approval of the Kancho, to conduct training, and certification events on the territory of any Branch.
8.2. If a Presidium member is present on the territory of a Branch and, with the approval of the Honbu, participates in administering the qualifying examinations, the Branch Chief is responsible for organizing the events, and the Presidium member approves the examination results.
8.3. By a separate decision of the Kancho, members of the Presidium may be delegated the right to conduct certification events within the Dan test. In this case, a member of the Presidium administers the examination, analyzes the results, and submits their findings and recommendations to the Honbu for approval. The final decision on granting the Master's Belt promotion is made by the Kancho.
9. A Branch Chief performs their functions only within the territory assigned to them by the Kancho and specified in the Branch Certificate. In other cases, a decision by the Organization's leadership is required.
10. Several Branch Chiefs may operate within a single territory.
11. If there is no Branch Chief in a territory, or the existing Branch Chief is unable to perform their duties, the Kancho appoints a new Branch Chief (or Candidate) responsible for that territory.
12. If several Branches operate within the territory of a single state, a National Representative is appointed from among the most experienced Branch Chiefs to represent that state in the Honbu.
13. A Branch Chief, with the approval of the Kancho, may hold training and qualification camps on the territory of their Branch, in which all members of the Organization may participate (subject to notification of their Branch Chief).
14. A Branch Chief, with the approval of the Honbu, may hold training and qualification camps in other countries.
15. A Branch Chief is obligated to regularly hold events in their branch aimed at promoting Shinkudoryu, including tournaments of various levels. Open tournaments inviting representatives of other martial arts are not excluded.
16. The Branch Chief, whenever possible, must actively participate in international tournaments at various levels.
17. The Branch Chief, as part of the Organization's information policy, is obligated to publicize the activities of their assigned Branch in the media, online, on social media, and at in-person events. In doing so, they must adhere to the rules and restrictions imposed by the current legislation of the host country.
18. The Branch Chief must regularly submit information to the Honbu on events occurring in their branch. At the end of the year, the Branch Chief is obligated to submit a full annual report to the Honbu in the prescribed format.
19. The Branch Chief is responsible for collecting annual membership and other dues from all clubs and organizations within the territory of their assigned Branch, managing them, and submitting a financial report to the Honbu in accordance with the established procedure. 20. The Branch Chief is obligated to independently resolve all disputes and conflicts without violating the rules and traditions of the Organization, as well as the current legislation of the host country. If a resolution is impossible, the Branch Chief must appeal to the Honbu, whose decision is considered final.
21. The Branch Chief must make every possible effort to ensure attendance at significant Organization events, including competitions.
22. The Branch Chief is obligated to organize the participation of Branch representatives on the judging panels at all Organization tournaments attended.
23. The Dojo Operator is the junior management unit of the Organization and holds a personal Dojo Operator certificate with an individual number received from the Honbu.
24. The Dojo Operator must have at least one club.
25. The Dojo Operator carries out activities to develop Shinkudoryu in the assigned territory, including the implementation of the training process.
26. The Dojo Operator is appointed by either the Kancho or the Branch Chief.
26.1. The Branch Chief, if authorized by the Honbu, may appoint Dojo Operators within their branch's territory.
26.2. The Branch Chief is fully responsible for the activities of the Dojo Operators appointed by them.
26.3. When appointing a Dojo Operator, the Branch Chief must notify the Kancho, obtain his approval, and receive an official Dojo Operator Certificate.
27. As part of the development of Shinkudoryu within their assigned territory, the Dojo Operator may be delegated certain powers of the Branch Chief, should there be no Branch Chief in the designated territory.
28. A Dojo Operator may be granted the status of Branch Chief Candidate (hereinafter referred to as the Candidate) and the associated powers during a probationary period.
29. The appointment of a Branch Chief is carried out in the following manner:
29.1. A Member of the Organization who has expressed a desire to become a Branch Chief submits an application to the Honbu with recommendations from their Branch Chief.
29.2. The Kancho reviews the applicant's information and makes a decision.
29.3. A Member of the Organization who has been a Dojo Operator for at least one year is, by decision of the Kancho, granted the status of Branch Chief Candidate and a probationary period of six months.
29.4. During the probationary period, the Candidate must perform the duties of a Branch Chief, including conducting assessments with their supervising Branch Chief.
29.5. Upon completion of the probationary period, the Candidate reports on the work performed.
29.6. Honbu makes the final decision, and Kancho appoints the Candidate to the position of Branch Chief, concluding a Branch Contract with them.
30. A Branch Chief who, without good reason, fails to register new members of the Organization, fails to conduct Kyu-tests, fails to improve their technical level, fails to participate in Organization events, and fails to submit annual reports within a year, may no longer be considered a qualified Branch Chief and must relinquish their position to another candidate (at Kancho's discretion).
30.1. In the event of failure to fulfill their duties, Kancho recognizes the Branch Chief as a Candidate for deprivation of their Branch Chief status.
30.2. If recognized as a Candidate for deprivation of their status, the Branch Chief is given a probationary period of 1 (one) year, and a Branch Chief is appointed as the curator of that branch.
30.3. If a Branch Chief fails to perform or fails to fulfill their duties during the probationary period, Kancho will decide to remove them from Branch Chief status and terminate their contract. This information will be communicated to the Organization members.
30.4. If a Branch Chief candidate performs their duties during the probationary period, Kancho will reinstate them as Branch Chief.