Affiliation Rules

IKD-Australia follows International Karate Daigaku (IKD), Australian Karate Federation (AKF), and state organisation guidelines to ensure safe, structured, and internationally recognised karate training.

Why Affiliate with IKD Australia?

IKD Australia provides a pathway for instructors and dojo operators to be part of an internationally recognised traditional Shotokan karate organisation.

Affiliated dojos benefit from:

• International recognition through International Karate Daigaku (IKD)
• Recognition of grades and qualifications
• Access to technical seminars and instructor development
• Support for gradings and examiner certification
• Opportunities to participate in national and international events
• Connection to a network of like-minded traditional karate practitioners
• Guidance for dojo growth, administration, and development

Our goal is to support the growth of traditional Shotokan karate throughout Australia while maintaining high technical and ethical standards.

Affiliation Overview

All IKD-Australia members are part of a structured martial arts system connected to national and international governing bodies.

Affiliation ensures:

- Recognition of grades and rankings
- Access to official seminars and gradings
- Insurance coverage during training
- Compliance with IKD and AKF standards
- Safe and regulated training environment

Dojo Affiliation Process

All members must complete and maintain valid registration with the Australian Karate Federation (AKF).

AKF Registration:

https://www.karateaustralia.org.au/rego/

Requirements:

- Select NEW MEMBER or RETURNING MEMBER
- Search club: International Karate Daigaku Association Australia Inc.
- Complete registration annually
- Maintain active membership for grading eligibility
- Follow IKD-Australia dojo policies at all times

Important:

Failure to maintain affiliation may affect grading eligibility and insurance coverage.

IKD Australia International Duties & Responsibilities

Organise the annual technical seminar and annual dan grading examination.
Maintain database of registered IKD black belts in Australia which will form the IKD Dan register.
Submit registration/renewal fees to IKD headquarters.
Send out the certificates/IDs that are issued from IKD headquarters.
Maintain a register of certified instructors and examiners.
Invite our Chief Instructor to do a technical course.
Maintain a register of certified referees and judges (both IKD and AKF qualifications).
Pre-approve new dojo/region registration prior to the Chief Instructor's approval.
Where possible organise IKD National Championships.

Dojo Affiliation Requirements

Each dojo will be registered as an independent dojo.
Each dojo is responsible for their own insurance requirements.
Each dojo is responsible for registering their dojo with the AKF, and their respective state body.
All students will represent the IKD brand when competing or attending to any events.
All dojo heads must be a registered IKD instructor and a certified examiner (kyu grade examiner as a minimum).
Submit a list of all black belts to IKD-Australia. Further, each black belt registration/renewal fee must be paid and be up to date.
Instructors must attend the annual technical seminar, specifically the dojo head.
Kyu grading: Each dojo is responsible for providing kyu certificates and books, and for grading the students. Certificates and grading books can be obtained from IKD-Australia. There is a small charge per student per grading report submitted to IKD-Australia. This will cover the issuance of certificates, grading books and administration costs for updating the kyu grade register.
Grading curriculum
The dojo owner must follow the grading curriculum set by International Karate Daigaku headquarters. More importantly, dan grading requirements are not negotiable and must follow the curriculum set by IKD Australia or International Karate Daigaku (IKD).
Support IKD events where possible.

Interested in Starting an Affiliated Dojo?

IKD Australia welcomes enquiries from instructors and dojo operators who share our commitment to traditional Shotokan karate.

If you are interested in establishing an affiliated dojo or transferring an existing dojo into the IKD Australia network, please contact us to discuss the affiliation process and requirements.