Statutes
International Iaido Organization
Outline
The International Iaido Organization and Hogyokukai’s raison d’etre is to contribute to the promotion of Bushido through the teaching and dissemination of Iaido, a traditional Japanese culture.
In order to fulfill this raison d’etre, the International Iaido Organization shall open its doors to all regardless of race, nationality, religion, ideology, or creed, and regardless of various martial arts schools, and by enjoying the benefits of international exchange, aims to promote world peace and amity.
Chapter 1 Name
The name of the Organization shall be “International Iaido Organization”. The “International Iaido Organization” and the “Hogyokukai” are inextricably linked for the purpose of teaching and promoting Iaido.
Chapter 2 From the Founder to the Representatives
Article 2: Ken-ryu: The Hogyokukai’s Ken-ryu is Mugai-ryu.
Article 3 Founder: The founder of the school is Tsuji Getsudan Sukemochi (1648-1727).
Article 4 Representative; The representative of Hogyokukai shall also serve as the president of the Organization.
Article 5 Representative; The President of Hogyokukai shall be Takeda Hogyoku.
Chapter 3 General Headquarters
Article 6. The headquarters of the Organization shall be located in Tokyo, Japan.
Chapter 4 Hogyokukai
Article 7. International Iaido Organization and the Hogyokukai’s raison d’etre shall be to contribute to the promotion of Bushido through the teaching and dissemination of Iaido, the traditional culture of Japan.
Chapter 5 Business
Article 8. In order to achieve the objectives stated in the preceding article, International Iaido Organization shall carry out the following activities.
(1) Operation of various classes
(2) Planning, holding, operating, and managing various conventions and other events, seminars, etc.
(3) various consulting services
(4) Planning, manufacturing, sales, and import/export of various products
(5) Antique business and antique auction brokerage business based on the Antique Dealers Act
(6) mail-order sales business
(7) Management of restaurants, and sale and export of food and beverage products (8) Other businesses incidental to each of the preceding items
(8) all businesses incidental to the preceding items.
Chapter 6 Organization
Article 9. Internationao Iaido Organization and Hogyokukai be organized by those who agree with the purpose of Organization.
Article 10. The management of the Organization shall be conducted by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President of the Organization, who is in charge, and the directors. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the achievement of the Organization’s raison d’etre and for the development of the organization.
Article 11. The technical guidance of the Organization shall be supervised by the Technical Guidance Committee. The Technical Advisory Committee shall consist of the President of the Organization who is in charge, the Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee, and the members of the Technical Advisory Committee. The Technical Guidance Committee is responsible for the improvement of the skills of the Organization as a whole.
Article 12. He/she is responsible for the development of his/her dojo.
Branch Director: A Branch Director is a person who supervises several dojos and dojo leaders within the same prefecture. He/she is responsible for the development of his/her branch.
Block Chief; A person who supervises several branch chiefs is designated as the block chief of an area. Responsible for the development of the area in charge.
Personnel Authority The President has the personnel authority for Block Director, Branch Director, and Place Director; however, for prefectures that already have a Block Director and Branch Director, the decision shall be made upon the recommendation of their superiors, which shall be approved by the President.
Article 13. Technical Advisory Committee: The Chapter Director shall serve as the Technical Advisory Committee member. He/she shall be responsible for the technical improvement of his/her Chapter.
The Technical Advisory Committee Chairperson is responsible for the technical guidance of the Technical Advisory Committee members. The position of the Technical Advisory Committee Chairperson is in line with that of the Block Chairperson.
The President shall have the authority to appoint the Technical Guidance Committee Chairperson and the Technical Guidance Committee members.
Article 14. The Director of the International Iaido Federation shall be the Block Chief of the Hogyokukai, or a person who holds the position in line with the Block Chief, or a person who has run for the position shall serve as the Director of the International Iaido Organization with a proven record.
Chapter 7 Administration
Article 15. Branch chief shall be trained by the Place Director and may be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors through the Block Director.
Article 16. The appointment of branch chiefs shall be a full-time matter for the President, but he/she may consult with the Board of Directors.
Article 17. Appointed location directors and branch chiefs, who are responsible to the association and the president and not by perpetual right, shall be reviewed for renewal annually and may be replaced if deemed unfit by the Board of Directors and the president.
Article 18. The Board of Directors shall review the eligibility of a Chapter President if he or she fails to attend the Chapter President’s meeting at the end of each year, either in person or online, or if he or she fails to give advance notice thereof.
Article 19. Intra-branch and joint chapter judging sessions, practice sessions, seminars, and online instruction shall be held with the approval of the Board of Directors and the President, and shall be subject to a fee for the use of the Federation and Association name and logo, which shall be determined separately.
Article 20. The Organization and the Association shall bear the fees for the use of the name and logo of the Organization and the Association, which shall be separately stipulated.
Article 21. Invitations from the General Headquarters to the President, block presidents, and winners of tournaments held within the past year shall be made with the approval of the Board of Directors and the President, and the daily allowance and travel and lodging expenses shall be borne by the Branch and each Dojo as separately determined.
Article 22. When creating a webpage for a branch or dojo, the wording and image data must be reviewed before publication, and the Board of Directors shall conduct the review.
Article 23. When publishing the websites of the branches and dojos, the fees for the use of the names and logos of the federation and the association, which are separately stipulated, shall be borne by the members.
Article 24. When participating in practice sessions, the members shall exercise caution and follow the instructions, but shall be responsible for any injuries that may occur.
Article 25. Participants in practice must have sports insurance, etc. in advance.
Chapter 8 Membership and Withdrawal from the International Iaido Organization
Article 26. Any organization wishing to become a member of the Organization (hereinafter referred to as a “member of the Organization”) shall fill in the necessary items on the prescribed affiliation form, pay the prescribed fees, and obtain membership of the Organization upon approval by the President of the International Iaido Organization.
Article 27. Members of the Organization who wish to withdraw from the Organization shall submit a written request to the federation secretariat by the 20th of the month prior to the month of withdrawal, and shall pay the membership fee up to the month of withdrawal and one month’s membership fee as a withdrawal procedure fee. In addition, the Organization shall elect a member of the Board of Directors who has failed to pay the membership fee for two months or more, or who has damaged the honor of the Organization or brought disadvantage to the Organization, and shall expel the member or take any other measures upon a resolution of the Board of Directors.
Article 28. The Organization is an Organization for the promotion of Budo, and its character and attitude are clear. Solicitation to religious Organizations, missionary activities, political organizations, etc., which are not related to the federation, is strictly prohibited within the Organization. If the Federation’s Board of Directors determines that this is the case, the member shall be immediately expelled from the Organization.
Chapter 9 Membership and Withdrawal from Hogyokukai
Article 29. Those who wish to become a member of the Hogyokukai (hereinafter referred to as “members”) shall fill out the prescribed membership form, pay the prescribed fees including the annual membership fee for the current year, and upon approval by the Hogyokukai President, become a member of Hogyokkukai.
Article 30. A member who wishes to withdraw from Hogyokukai shall submit a written request to Hogyokukai Secretariat by the 20th of the month prior to the month of withdrawal, and shall pay the membership fee up to the month of withdrawal and one month’s membership fee for the withdrawal procedure. Upon withdrawal from Hogyokukai, the kyu or dan ranks and qualifications will be forfeited. In addition, Hogyokukai will expel or otherwise punish any member who violates his or her obligations to Hogyokukai and fails to pay the membership fee for more than two months, or any Hogyokukai member who has damaged the reputation of the Hogyokukai or caused disadvantages to Hogyokukai, by a decision of the Board of Directors’ Inquiry Committee.
Article 31. A member who wishes to take a self-suspension shall submit a written request to Hogyokukai Secretariat by the 20th of the month preceding the month of self-suspension, and shall pay the membership fee up to the month of self-suspension and a one-month membership fee for the self-suspension procedure. The self-suspension shall be renewed on an annual basis, and the self-suspension fee for the following year shall be paid in December of each year to qualify for the self-suspension membership for the following year. The self-suspension fee shall be treated as a self-suspension fee from the time of the self-suspension until the end of the fiscal year, even if the self-suspension is made in the middle of the fiscal year.
Article 32. Members who wish to be reinstated after a self-suspension shall pay the membership fee from the relevant month. In the case of a recess to reinstatement, if the membership fee of a new member has been changed, the old membership fee and annual fee continuation privileges shall be forfeited and the membership fee and annual fee of the new member at the time of reinstatement shall be updated to the membership fee and annual fee of the new member. For annual dues, those who have taken a leave of absence shall be renewed from the annual dues for the month of the leave of absence and onward.
Article 33. A member who wishes to be reinstated from membership after withdrawal shall pay a recess fee for the relevant year in order to reinstate the period of withdrawal as a recess. The kyu and dan ranks shall be restored to their former status.
Article 34. Hogyokukai is an organization for the promotion of Budo, and its character and stance are clear. Soliciting members to join religious organizations, missionary activities, political groups, etc. that have nothing to do with Hogyokukai is strictly prohibited within the association. If the Board of Directors determines that this is the case, the member shall be immediately expelled from the Association.
Chapter 10 Governance
Article 35. The members shall faithfully observe the provisions of these Rules and Regulations, follow the instructions of their superiors as established by customary rules and the organization, maintain order and cooperation within the association, respect each other’s character, value their responsibilities, and devote themselves to their duties, and strive for the development of the association.
Article 36. The members shall respect their duties, devote themselves to their respective duties, help their colleagues, and respect each other’s courtesy. In addition, superiors shall respect the character of their members, kindly instruct them, and endeavor to foster their development.
Article 37. The members shall observe the following rules of service.
Regulations Concerning Management of Risk of Loss
1) Respect the honor and credit of the Society and individuals within the Society.
2) Not to divulge or attempt to divulge confidential or personal information of the Society.
3) Refrain from words and actions that are detrimental to the Society.
4) To refrain from any wrongful or dishonest act and to refrain from any confrontation with the Society.
5) Refrain from abusing their authority or overstepping their authority.
6) Not to accept improper money or goods from business partners, etc. in connection with their duties.
7) Do not make unreasonable demands for money or goods from business partners, etc. in connection with their duties.
8) Not to consume undue money or goods in connection with one’s duties.
9) Not to mislead the Society in connection with their duties.
10) Not to neglect or falsify the procedures stipulated in the various rules and regulations.
11) Obey the instructional and professional orders of superiors.
12) Not to refuse any personnel orders by the Chairman without legitimate reasons.
13) To conform to laws, regulations, and the Articles of Incorporation.
13) Not to embezzle money or goods of the Society.
14) Not to use information obtained in the course of duties or in the Society for personal gain.
15) Not to commit assault, injury, threats, abusive language, or similar acts within the Society.
16) Not to hold any meetings, events, or activities other than the regular practice without the Society’s permission.
17) Not to distribute or post any documents without the Society’s permission.
18) Not to deface or destroy the buildings, facilities, or articles of the society.
19) Not to violate the penal laws of the state.
20) Not to slander or defame the Society outside the Society.
21) Not to neglect the management and supervision of the members practicing, and to give them guidance and necessary instructions in their practice.
22) Refrain from any unwanted sexual behavior that may deteriorate the environment of the Society.
23) Not to coerce other members of the association into relationships or sexual relations that the other member does not wish to have, either inside or outside the association.
24) Not to disrupt the social order due to problems caused by sexual behavior or conduct, or to engage in any conduct that may lead to such disruptions.
25) Not to engage in political activities or similar activities against all members of the association during practice time or at practice sites, using their position as a place head, instructor, or the like.
26) To cooperate with the Society’s investigations on matters necessary for the administration of the Society.
27) Accidents and injuries in the activities of the Society must not be concealed, but must be immediately reported to the head of the Center and follow the instructions of the head of the Center.
28) Injuries incurred in the activities of the SPRUC are the responsibility of the participants, and they are required to take out sports insurance.
29) In the event of damage to the Society’s equipment or facilities, report it immediately to your supervisor, and either replace it with an equivalent item or assume responsibility for reimbursement.
30) Not to divulge any personal information obtained or accessed within the society.
31) Not to divulge, lose, or scatter any personal information under his/her control within the society.
32) Not to enter without permission into any place that the Society has prohibited entry.
33) Not to smoke except in areas specifically designated by the Society.
34) Not to engage in gambling, fighting, gossiping, graffiti, or any other acts that disturb public morals and order in the Society.
35) Not to drink alcoholic beverages in the permanent dojo, except when specifically permitted by the Society.
36) Not to intentionally obstruct or attempt to obstruct the work of the Society.
37) Not to enter or leave dojos that teach similar martial arts (such as MUGAI-ryu) other than those of the Society without notifying the Society. However, this does not apply to martial arts that are different from those taught by the Academy (e.g. karate, judo, aikido, kendo, etc.).
38) Instructors must not teach any martial arts or techniques other than those taught by the Society without notifying the Society.
39) Instructors are not to make contact with other martial arts organizations of the same kind without notifying the Society.
40) Not to form separate groups within the Society without notifying the Society.
41) Not to hold events that incur expenses or charge membership fees without notifying the Society.
42) Not to fail to pay the monthly and annual dues of the Society.
Article 38. The Society may discipline members for the purpose of maintaining order and normal operation.
Article 39. The Society shall, in the event of expulsion, consult with the Secretariat and the Board of Inquiry at its meeting. If the conduct of a person subject to expulsion does or may fall under the freedom from expulsion of disciplinary action, he/she may be given an opportunity to explain himself/herself in advance.
Article 40. When any of the organizations of the organization or any member of the organization commits any act in violation of Article 37, disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with the following classifications.
1) Reprimand: The head of a location shall reprimand a general member, and the head of a block or the president shall reprimand an administrative director or the head of a branch or location, and warn the member of the future consequences of his/her actions.
2) Suspension from the dojo and from attending official events for a certain period of time.
3) Suspension: Suspension from the dojo for a certain period of time.
4) Demotion to a lower rank, with a written warning against future conduct and a reduction in rank.
5) Recommendation for resignation: Even in cases where there are grounds for expulsion, if the member is found to be remorseful, the member shall be recommended to submit a request for resignation. All previous titles, qualifications, dan and kyu ranks, etc. may be revoked. However, if the recommendation is not followed, the member shall be expelled.
6) Excommunication: All previous titles, qualifications, dan and kyu ranks are revoked and the member is excommunicated from the organization. Notification of this will be made to the various schools and schools concerned, as well as within and outside the Association. Any member of the organization who subsequently communicates with a person who has been excommunicated may be in violation of Article 40.
7) Expulsion All previous titles, qualifications, dan and kyu ranks shall be revoked and expelled. Notification will be made to the relevant schools and schools, as well as within and outside of the Association. Reinstatement is not permitted, and any member of the organization who subsequently communicates with the expelled person may be in violation of Article 40.
Article 41. In cases where there are extenuating circumstances or where the member is clearly contrite, the disciplinary action may be mitigated or waived. However, if a person who has received a disciplinary action under Article 28 commits a further disciplinary action within one year thereafter, or commits two or more disciplinary actions at the same time, the disciplinary action shall be aggravated.
Article 42. If a member of the Society instigates, incites, or aids another person to commit an act in violation of Article 24, the member shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the act. (Caution) With regard to power harassment and sexual harassment issues, the Board of Inquiry shall not unilaterally take disciplinary action after hearing the story of only one party. It will always call both parties separately, listen to both sides’ arguments thoroughly, and make a ruling after investigating the matter.
Chapter 11 Dealing with Antisocial Forces
Article 42. In order to fulfill its social responsibility as a martial arts educational organization and to ensure the safe and sound activities of its members, the International Iaido Organization Hogyokukai shall establish and thoroughly implement the following policies in an effort to sever ties with and eliminate anti-social forces such as organized crime groups.
Policy 1: Organizational Response
Hogyokukai officers, branch chiefs instructors, and members shall take a firm stand against antisocial forces that threaten the order and safety of civil society.
Policy 2 Cutting off relations
Antisocial forces shall be denied access to all venues where Peng Jade Kai members are active, including tournament venues, training halls, support groups, and victory celebrations. We also refuse to eat, drink, play golf, or engage in any other social activities with antisocial forces.
Policy 3: Civil and Criminal Legal Responses in Case of Emergency
In the unlikely event of an unreasonable demand from antisocial forces, we will take legal action on both civil and criminal grounds, and will not hesitate to take all possible civil legal countermeasures, as well as actively file a damage report and make it a criminal case. The entire organization shall take resolute legal action and shall strive to ensure the safety of the responding officers and employees, as well as branch managers, instructors, and members.
Policy 4: Cooperation with external professional organizations
In order to prevent damage caused by antisocial forces, we shall establish a system of close cooperation with the police, the National Center for the Elimination of Boryokudan, lawyers, and other outside specialists in the normal course of business.
Policy 5: Prohibition of backroom deals and provision of funds
Even if unjust demands by antisocial forces are based on misconduct in business activities or misconduct of employees, the company shall never engage in backroom deals, transactions such as leasing of money or goods, provision of personal information of the organization or its members, provision of funds, or intermediation thereof, in order to cover up the matter.
Chapter 12 Handling of Personal Information
Article 44. The Federation shall place the highest priority on the accurate and safe handling of information concerning its members, and all officers and executives shall comply with the Personal Information Protection Policy in accordance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information and related guidelines.
Article 45. Basic information to be handled shall include name, address, telephone number, date of birth, telephone number, e-mail address, and name of guardian, as well as information on activities such as training, demonstrations, competitions, and training camps, and photographs, videos, and productions of various activities.
Article 46 Personal information shall be used for general management purposes, including member newsletters, daily communications, notices, and the creation of rosters. Portraits (photos, videos, etc.) and works (manuscripts, etc.) may be used as PR media in printed materials such as the Peng Yue Yi Ai Yearbook and pamphlets, which are records of member activities, as well as on the website, SNS, blogs, etc.
Article 47 Personal information of members shall not be provided or disclosed to third parties without the consent of the individual, except in the following cases: (1) when required by law; or (2) when urgently necessary to protect the life, body, or property of an individual. In addition, the company to which personal information is entrusted shall take all possible measures, such as selecting a company that is committed to protecting personal information and contractually obligating the company to manage information.
Article 48. If a member inquires about his/her own personal information, if there is a change in his/her personal information, or if he/she does not want the management provided by the Association, the Association will disclose, correct, update, or stop using his/her personal information. Requests can be made by e-mail, telephone, or mail. In such cases, the Society may confirm whether the request is made by the member him/herself.
Article 49: The Company shall review and continuously improve its personal information protection practices on a regular or as-needed basis. In addition, the personal information protection policy shall be disseminated to all branch managers through education and training on the protection of personal information.
Article 50. Even in the provisional introductory stage, any injury or damage to equipment during training shall be borne at one’s own risk.
Supplementary Provisions The Rules and Regulations of the Federation and the Society shall come into effect on March 5, 2019.
Click here to inquire about joining the International Iaido Organization
of Groups and Organizations>>