Membership Rules

Membership Rules

Toushinkai Taijutsu (General Incorporated Association)

Contents

• Chapter 1　General Provisions (Articles 1–3)
• Chapter 2　Members (Articles 4–12)
• Chapter 3　Training and Advancement (Articles 13–14)
• Chapter 4　Costs (Article 15)
• Chapter 5　Special Provisions by Membership Type (Articles 16–18)
• Chapter 6　Obligations and Liability of Members (Articles 19–23)
• Chapter 7　Branches (Articles 24–28)
• Chapter 8　Instructors (Articles 29–32)
• Chapter 9　Seminars and Revenue (Articles 33–35)
• Chapter 10　Miscellaneous (Articles 36–37)

Chapter 1　General Provisions

Article 1　Name

1　The name of the Association shall be Toushinkai Taijutsu (General Incorporated Association).

2　In these Rules, “the Association” means the headquarters of the Association and does not include any branch.

Article 2　Administration and Management

The administration and management of the Association shall be conducted principally by the Representative Director.

Article 3　Precepts

One: Temper body and mind, and devote yourself to daily practice.

One: Respect others, and hold courtesy in high regard.

One: Restrain yourself, and refrain from violent conduct.

One: Honour life, and cultivate a sense of righteousness.

One: Keep the principles of the art confidential, and preserve what has been taught.

Chapter 2　Members

Article 4　Eligibility and Disqualification

1　Admission shall be granted only to persons who agree to these Rules and are approved by the Association. However, the following persons may not be admitted:

• Persons prohibited from physical exercise by a physician
• Persons whom the Association determines are unable to practise safely for health reasons
• Persons suffering from a communicable disease or any other illness that may be transmitted to third parties
• Persons whom the Association determines are unable to practise in accordance with the instructions of the Association
• Persons who belong to anti-social forces, or who are deemed equivalent thereto
• Persons engaged in conduct that violates any law or regulation
• Persons unable to present identification documents

2　In making the determination under the preceding paragraph, the Association may, where necessary, require the submission of a medical certificate.

Article 5　Trial Sessions

1　A person wishing to attend a trial session shall notify the Association at its official email address (info@toushinkai-taijutsu.jp), complete the application form provided, and submit an application. A trial session shall be permitted only where the Association accepts the application.

2　Trial sessions are limited to one per person.

3　Trial sessions are free of charge. However, where a facility fee is required, it shall be borne by the person attending the trial session.

4　A person wishing to attend a trial session shall submit the consent form prescribed by the Association, and Articles 19, 20 and 22 shall apply mutatis mutandis. For this purpose, “upon admission” in Article 19, paragraph 1 shall be read as “upon application”. Article 19, paragraph 2 shall apply as if it provided that, in the event of injury or illness during the trial session, the Association shall administer first aid and, as a rule, liability shall be borne by the participant.

5　Where a person wishing to attend a trial session is under 18 years of age, the consent of a person with parental authority is required.

Article 6　Membership Categories

1　The membership categories and monthly fees of the Association shall be as follows. The monthly fees of members belonging to a branch shall be governed by Article 27.

2　Unused sessions under the Regular Member (Four Sessions per Month) category may not be carried over to the following month.

3　A member wishing to change membership category shall notify the Association by the fifteenth day of the month preceding the month in which the change is desired. The change shall take effect on the first day of the following month. As a rule, changes of membership category are limited to twice in the same year. Where an Online Member transfers to a Regular Member category, the member shall pay the difference in the admission fee set out in Article 15, paragraph 1.

Article 7　Student and Family Discounts

1　A person enrolled at a junior high school, high school, college of technology, vocational school or university may be enrolled as a Regular Member (Full-time) at a monthly fee of JPY 9,000 (incl. tax). A student identification card must be presented upon admission and in each subsequent year.

2　Where a person ceases to be a student, the preceding paragraph shall cease to apply from the following month.

3　A person belonging to the same household as a Regular Member (Full-time) may be enrolled as a Regular Member (Full-time) at a monthly fee of JPY 13,000 (incl. tax). This applies both upon admission and upon a change of membership category.

4　The discounts under this Article may not be combined. Where both discounts apply, the lower fee shall apply. These discounts do not apply to Online Members or Private Members.

Article 8　Admission Procedure and Payment

1　An applicant shall notify the Association at its official email address, complete the application form provided, and submit an application upon agreeing to these Rules. Where required, the applicant shall present the identification documents designated by the Association. A person seeking to join a branch shall be governed by Article 28, paragraph 1.

2　An applicant who is admitted shall complete the admission procedure by paying, before the first training session, the admission fee, the first month’s monthly fee (pro-rated according to the number of sessions) and the sports accident insurance premium.

3　Thereafter, the monthly fee for the following month shall be paid by the last day of each month.

4　Notwithstanding the preceding two paragraphs, the fees payable by Online Members and the method of payment thereof shall be governed by Article 16, paragraph 2.

5　The annual fee shall be paid each November and shall cover the period through October of the following year.

6　A member in the second year of membership shall, in the month containing the anniversary of the admission date, pay a pro-rated annual fee covering the period through the following October. Thereafter, the preceding paragraph shall apply.

7　Monthly fees and membership fees shall be paid by the method designated by the Association.

8　Where a member is in arrears for two months or more in the payment of fees without justifiable reason, the Association may take measures under Article 11.

9　Where an applicant is under 18 years of age, the consent of a person with parental authority is required.

Article 9　Leave of Absence

1　Where circumstances arise that prevent a member from attending training for three months or more, the member may take a leave of absence by submitting a notice of leave to the Association. The period of leave shall be one year.

2　No monthly fee shall be payable during a leave of absence. However, the obligation to pay the annual fee and the sports accident insurance premium shall not be waived.

3　Where no intention to return or withdraw is expressed before the period of leave expires, the period of leave shall continue for a further year. However, where the annual fee or the sports accident insurance premium has not been paid, the Association may deem the member to have withdrawn.

4　A member on leave of absence may return at any time by notifying the Association. The monthly fee for the month of return shall be pro-rated according to the number of sessions.

Article 10　Withdrawal

1　A member wishing to withdraw from the Association shall notify the Association by the fifteenth day of the month preceding the desired month of withdrawal.

2　Monthly fees, annual fees, admission fees and any other fees already paid shall not be refunded.

Article 11　Expulsion and Hamon

Where a member is found to have violated these Rules, engaged in conduct or speech contrary to the honour or interests of the Association, or otherwise engaged in conduct unbecoming of a member of the Association, that member shall be expelled. However, where the member has engaged in conduct seriously contrary to the Precepts set out in Article 3, the member shall be subject to Hamon (formal expulsion from the school).

(Examples)

• Conduct that violates any law or regulation
• Dissemination or leakage of information detrimental to the Association
• Admission for purposes other than training
• Arrears of monthly fees, annual fees or other fees
• Failure to observe proper etiquette
• Violent conduct
• Misrepresentation of identity

Article 12　Loss of Membership

1　Membership of the Association shall be lost upon withdrawal, expulsion or Hamon.

2　After loss of membership, the person may not represent themselves as a member or instructor of the Association, or as holding any equivalent status.

Chapter 3　Training and Advancement

Article 13　Training

1　Except during the year-end and New Year period and in other special circumstances, the Association shall, as a rule, hold regular training at least eight times per month at venues designated by the Association, at the following times:

• Tuesday　19:00–22:00
• Friday　19:00–22:00
• Sunday　12:30–15:30

2　Members shall, as a rule, be required to participate in training or lessons in one form or another.

3　The number and scope of training sessions in which a member may participate shall be governed by the membership categories set out in Article 6.

4　Where a member residing outside Japan attends the regular training of the Association, a participation fee of JPY 3,000 (incl. tax) per session shall be payable in addition to the monthly fee. In such case, the member may take out sports accident insurance. Where the member does not take out such insurance, Article 19, paragraph 2 shall apply as if it provided that, in the event of injury or illness during training, the Association shall administer first aid and, as a rule, liability shall be borne by the member.

5　Training dates and times may be changed due to venue availability or other circumstances.

6　Members shall wear the designated training uniform during training. This requirement does not apply to members who have only recently been admitted. Online Members and Private Members shall be governed by Article 16, paragraph 4 and Article 18, paragraph 6, respectively.

7　Persons holding the rank of Kaiden and Senior Instructors shall wear hakama over the training uniform at seminars and on other occasions as appropriate.

Article 14　Advancement

1　For three years from the date of admission, a member shall hold the rank of Shoden. Thereafter, advancement shall be determined at the discretion of the Association.

• Shoden (white belt)
• Chuden (white belt)
• Naiden (brown belt)
• Okuden (black belt)
• Kaiden (black belt)

2　Online Members shall not advance beyond Chuden. However, this restriction shall not apply where an Online Member has received direct instruction from a person designated by the Association.

Chapter 4　Costs

Article 15　Admission Fee and Other Costs

1　The admission fee and other costs shall be as follows:

2　A facility fee may be required depending on the venue.

Chapter 5　Special Provisions by Membership Type

Article 16　Online Members

1　Online Members may participate in online training conducted by the Association. Except where there are special circumstances, online training shall be held four times per month, in Japanese and English.

2　The fees payable by Online Members shall be as follows:

The monthly fee shall be paid in advance in September, December, March and June, each payment covering the relevant three-month period. A member admitted during a quarter shall pay the fee for the remaining part of that quarter on a pro-rata basis. However, a member may elect to pay one year’s monthly fees in advance in a single payment.

3　Where an Online Member attends regular training of the Association, a participation fee of JPY 3,000 (incl. tax) per session shall be payable in addition to the monthly fee. In such case, the member shall take out sports accident insurance. Members residing outside Japan shall be governed by Article 13, paragraph 4.

4　Online Members are not required to wear a training uniform. However, when attending regular training or a seminar, they shall wear the official T-shirt designated by the Association.

5　The dates and times of online training shall be determined by the Association and may be changed as circumstances require.

6　An Online Member may invite an instructor of the Association or of a branch and organise a seminar. In such case, Article 33 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

Article 17　Study Groups

1　Online Members may form a study group by recruiting other Online Members or members residing in an area where no branch exists. The geographical scope of the area shall be confirmed with the Association.

2　A study group shall practise independently and shall not constitute a branch.

3　A study group shall appoint one administrator responsible for registration and management. The administrator must be an Online Member.

4　Persons forming a study group shall notify the Association in advance. The Association shall record the name and location of the study group and the name of its administrator. Where a study group intends to communicate information publicly through social media or other media under the name of the study group, it shall notify the Association in advance. Where the Association considers such communication inconsistent with its policies or intentions, the study group shall comply with any request by the Association for its correction or removal.

5　A study group shall use the name “Toushinkai Taijutsu Study Group” followed by a place name. The official logo may be used solely for the purpose of recruiting members to the study group. In such case, Article 26, paragraphs 1 to 3 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

6　A study group may not engage in any revenue-generating activity.

7　A member belonging to a study group who does not participate in the training or lessons referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 shall either attend a seminar to which an instructor designated by the Association has been invited, or attend an online seminar conducted by an instructor designated by the Association twice each year. The member may choose from several alternative dates for the online seminar. The dates and fees shall be determined by the Association.

8　Where an Online Member belonging to a study group is certified as an Instructor, the study group shall become a branch under Article 24. In such case, its name shall be governed by Article 25.

Article 18　Private Lessons and Private Members

1　Upon application, the Association shall provide private instruction by an instructor of the Association (“Private Lessons”).

2　Private Lessons may be taken by members and non-members alike. For a person who is not a member of the Association, the content of the lesson shall be limited to the level of Chuden, and the official T-shirt need not be worn. In such case, Articles 19 to 23 shall apply mutatis mutandis. For this purpose, “upon admission” in Article 19, paragraph 1 shall be read as “upon application”. Article 19, paragraph 2 shall apply as if it provided that, in the event of injury or illness during the Private Lesson, the Association shall administer first aid and, as a rule, liability shall be borne by the participant.

3　The fee shall be JPY 30,000 (incl. tax) for a two-hour session. Costs of venue hire are not included in this fee.

4　Whether a Private Lesson is held, the instructor in charge, and the date and time shall be determined by the Association. Applications shall be made to the official email address of the Association.

5　A person whose sole purpose is to take Private Lessons may be admitted as a Private Member.

6　The following provisions shall apply to Private Members:

• No monthly fee is payable. The admission fee, annual fee and sports accident insurance premium shall be the amounts set out in Article 15, paragraph 1.
• Private Members may not attend regular training or online training.
• Private Members are not eligible for advancement under Article 14.
• Private Members are not required to wear a training uniform. However, for Private Lessons and seminars, they shall wear the official T-shirt designated by the Association.

7　Except where there are special circumstances, a Private Member shall take at least one Private Lesson each month.

8　Where a Private Member has taken no Private Lesson for three consecutive months, the Association may deem that member to have withdrawn. However, this shall not apply where the member has notified the Association in advance of circumstances preventing attendance, for a period not exceeding one year.

Chapter 6　Obligations and Liability of Members

Article 19　Injury and Liability

1　Any pre-existing medical condition or injury requiring special caution (particularly any condition relating to the heart), or any other special circumstance, must be declared upon admission.

2　In the event of injury or illness during training, the Association shall administer first aid and provide compensation within the scope of the sports accident insurance. Liability beyond that scope shall, as a rule, be borne by the member.

3　Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, this limitation shall not apply where the injury or illness results from the wilful misconduct or gross negligence of the Association.

4　Injury or illness occurring during online training shall fall outside the scope of the sports accident insurance, and liability shall be borne by the member.

Article 20　Handling of Personal Information

All information concerning members obtained by the Association shall, as a rule, be used only to the extent necessary and shall not be provided or disclosed to any third party except where disclosure is required by law or other applicable rules.

Article 21　Use of Photographs and Videos

1　Members consent to the Association using photographs and videos of members taken by the Association for public-relations purposes, and to the provision of such photographs and videos to third parties within the scope of those purposes.

2　Where there is a justifiable reason, a member may withdraw all or part of the consent under the preceding paragraph by written notice. In such case, the Association shall, within a reasonable scope, promptly cease using the photographs and videos concerned. This shall not apply to printed materials or other items already distributed.

Article 22　Filming and Recording

1　Members shall not film, photograph, video-record or make audio recordings during training, online training or seminars without the permission of the Association.

2　Any recordings made under the preceding paragraph shall not be provided to third parties or made public.

3　This Article is based on the Precepts set out in Article 3 and shall remain in effect after withdrawal or loss of membership.

Article 23　Rights in Teaching Materials

1　All rights in the teaching materials, videos, documents and other materials produced by the Association shall belong to the Association.

2　Members shall not provide such materials to third parties or make them public.

3　This Article shall remain in effect after withdrawal or loss of membership.

Chapter 7　Branches

Article 24　Branches

1　A branch shall be deemed to exist where at least one Instructor certified by the Association is enrolled. The number of members enrolled in the branch is immaterial.

2　The location of a branch shall be the place in which the Instructor concerned is active.

3　Each branch shall have one branch representative. The Association shall designate the branch representative, in consultation with the person concerned, from among the Instructors or Senior Instructors enrolled in that branch.

Article 25　Branch Names

1　The official name of a branch within Japan shall be 「刀心會体術」 followed by a place name.

2　The official name of a branch outside Japan shall be “Toushinkai Taijutsu” followed by the country name and city name. Outside Japan, the romanised form shall be the official form.

3　Where more than one branch exists in the same area, a district name shall be added after the city name following consultation with the Association.

Article 26　Use of the Logo

1　A branch may use only logos supplied by the Association. The Association shall supply several versions, including colour, monochrome, calligraphic and other forms.

2　A supplied logo may not be altered in shape, proportion or colour. Partial use, combination with other figures, and the creation by a branch of its own logo or emblem are not permitted.

3　Use of the name and logo shall be free of charge. However, all rights in the name and logo shall belong to the Association.

4　Where branch status is lost, the right to use the name and logo shall terminate at the same time.

Article 27　Fees of Branch Members

1　The monthly fees of members belonging to a branch shall be determined by the branch representative under Article 24, paragraph 3, and shall constitute the income of that branch.

2　The admission fee and annual fee of members belonging to a branch shall be governed by Article 15, paragraph 1 and shall be paid to the Association through the branch. As to the timing of payment, Article 8, paragraphs 2, 5 and 6 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

3　The participation fee payable where an Online Member attends training at a branch shall be determined by that branch.

4　Branches and members residing outside Japan shall pay fees through the electronic payment service designated by the Association. Transaction fees and exchange-rate differences shall be borne by the payer.

Article 28　Obligations of Branches

1　A branch shall be responsible for the admission procedures and administration of persons joining that branch. In such case, the branch shall also carry out the identity verification under Article 8, paragraph 1 and obtain the consent of a person with parental authority under Article 8, paragraph 9. Whenever a new member is admitted or a member withdraws, the branch shall update its membership list and notify the Association.

2　Once each year, a branch shall invite a person designated by the Association and hold a seminar. In such case, Article 33 shall apply.

3　Members belonging to a branch shall, except where there are special circumstances, attend the seminar under the preceding paragraph. A member unable to attend may satisfy this requirement by travelling to Japan, attending an online seminar conducted by an instructor designated by the Association twice each year, attending a seminar to which another branch has invited an instructor, or by another method accepted by the Association.

4　A branch shall ensure that the members belonging to it comply with these Rules.

5　Where a branch uses a social media account or any other means of communication, it shall notify the Association in advance. Where the Association considers such account or means of communication inconsistent with its policies or intentions, the branch shall comply with any request by the Association for its removal.

Chapter 8　Instructors

Article 29　Instructors and Senior Instructors

1　The Association shall certify persons who provide instruction as Instructors or Senior Instructors.

2　A Senior Instructor may conduct the skills examination for certification as an Instructor in respect of persons belonging to that Senior Instructor’s own branch. In such case, the Senior Instructor shall report the examination result to the Association, and the Association shall grant certification.

3　Certification under this Article is a system separate from the advancement set out in Article 14.

4　During the period of certification, Instructors and Senior Instructors shall not provide instruction at any other martial arts organisation without the permission of the Association.

Article 30　Application and Examination

1　A person holding the rank of Naiden may apply for certification as an Instructor.

2　A person holding the rank of Kaiden may apply for certification as a Senior Instructor.

3　A person seeking certification as an Instructor or Senior Instructor must apply to the Association. Attaining the relevant rank alone shall not constitute certification.

4　The Association shall conduct a skills examination based on the separately prescribed Toushinkai Taijutsu Mokuroku and shall grant certification to persons who pass the examination. The skills examination includes an examination conducted by a Senior Instructor under Article 29, paragraph 2.

5　Certification is subject to the approval of the Association, and neither the submission of an application nor the result of the examination guarantees certification.

Article 31　Certification Fees

1　The certification fees shall be as follows:

2　The certification fee shall be payable separately from the annual membership fee.

Article 32　Renewal and Lapse of Certification

1　An Instructor shall receive direct instruction once each year from a person designated by the Association.

2　A Senior Instructor shall receive the instruction under the preceding paragraph once every two years.

3　The instruction under the preceding two paragraphs shall be received by attending the seminar under Article 28, paragraph 2. Where such instruction is received during a visit to Japan, the requirement shall also be deemed satisfied.

4　Certification shall be renewed only where the instruction under the preceding paragraphs (including a case falling under the following paragraph) has been received and the certification fee has been paid. The certification fee shall be payable every year, whether or not instruction is required in that year.

5　Where, for unavoidable reasons, a branch is unable to invite a person under Article 28, paragraph 2, the branch shall notify the Association. In such case, the Association may accept, in lieu thereof, a visit to Japan, attendance twice each year at an online seminar conducted by an instructor designated by the Association, attendance at a seminar to which another branch has invited an instructor, or another method. The dates and fees for online seminars shall be determined by the Association.

6　Where certification is not renewed, it shall lapse. In such case, where no other Instructor or Senior Instructor is enrolled in the branch in which the person concerned is enrolled, that branch shall cease to be a branch, and the right to use the name and logo shall terminate.

7　Where a branch ceases to be a branch, the members who belonged to it shall become directly affiliated with the Association. The Association shall determine their affiliation after confirming their wishes.

8　A person whose certification has lapsed may not represent themselves as an Instructor or Senior Instructor of the Association, or as holding any equivalent status.

Chapter 9　Seminars and Revenue

Article 33　Seminars Held by the Association

1　The Association shall hold the following seminars. Seminars under this Article are seminars taught by a person designated by the Association.

2　Participation fees shall be determined by the Association for each seminar. As a rule, all participation fees shall constitute income of the Association.

3　The party inviting the instructor shall cover the expenses required for the invitation, namely a return air ticket, accommodation during the stay, local transportation and meals. Where the inviting party is unable to cover those expenses, the participation fees may, following consultation with the Association, be applied to all or part of them.

4　The holding of a seminar requires the approval of the Association. The date, venue, participation fee and number of participants shall be determined in advance through consultation with the Association.

Article 34　Seminars Held by Instructors

1　Instructors and Senior Instructors may, with the permission of the Association, hold seminars of their own.

2　Revenue arising from a seminar under the preceding paragraph shall belong to the organiser. Article 35, paragraph 2 shall not apply.

3　A Senior Instructor may, on the same conditions as those set out in the preceding two paragraphs, hold an international seminar in a country other than the country in which that Senior Instructor’s own branch is located.

4　In the case of the preceding paragraph, where a branch already exists in that country, prior consultation shall be held with the Association and that branch.

5　Instructors and Senior Instructors may, with the permission of the Association, conduct online lessons of their own. In such case, attendance shall be limited to persons who reside either in the country in which the Instructor is active or in the country of which the Instructor is a national. The fee shall be determined by that Instructor.

6　Revenue arising from online lessons under the preceding paragraph shall belong to the organiser. Article 35, paragraph 2 shall not apply.

Article 35　Revenue-Generating Use

1　The manufacture or sale of goods using the name or logo, the distribution or streaming of videos or other content, and any other revenue-generating activity shall require the prior approval of the Association.

2　A branch shall pay to the Association 20% of the revenue arising from the activities under the preceding paragraph.

Chapter 10　Miscellaneous

Article 36　Supplementary Rules and Amendments

1　Matters not provided for in these Rules and detailed rules necessary for the operation of the Association shall be determined by the Association.

2　The Association may amend these Rules as necessary. Where an amendment is made, the Association shall notify members in advance of the content of the amendment and its effective date.

3　Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, where the amount of any fee is amended, members shall be notified at least one month before the effective date.

Article 37　Governing Law and Jurisdiction

1　These Rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan.

2　The Tokyo District Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction as the court of first instance over any dispute arising in connection with these Rules.

The Japanese text of these Rules is the official version. In the event of any discrepancy between the Japanese text and this English translation, the Japanese text shall prevail.

Established 1 January 2024
Amended 5 September 2026