International Combat Aikijujutsu Federation

Kaiso Council

Recognition & Endorsement of Systems by the
International Combat Aikijujutsu Federation (ICAJF)

The International Combat Aikijujutsu Federation (ICAJF) recognizes, sanctions, and endorses legitimate systems of:
  • 合気柔術 (Aikijūjutsu)
  • 合気武術 (Aikibujutsu)
  • 合気武道 (Aikibudō)
  • 柔術 (Jūjutsu)
  • 護身術 (Goshinjutsu)
The 宗家 (Soke) is recognized as the 正統継承者 (Seito Keishosha – legitimate inheritor) of a martial system through documented succession. The 開祖 (Kaiso) is recognized as the official Founder of a new, original martial discipline. Both titles are subject to verification through a formal review process before induction into the ICAJF Headmaster & Kaiso Council (宗家・開祖評議会).

The ICAJF ensures a transparent, non-political, and merit-based pathway for system recognition and leadership within the global martial arts community.

Requirements for System Recognition:

  1. The candidate must be recognized either as:
    • 宗家 (Soke) – A bona fide inheritor of an established martial system, with documented lineage and succession (正統継承 / Seito Keisho), or
    • 開祖 (Kaiso) – The Founder of a unique and fully developed martial system or discipline (創始者 / Soshisha)
  2. The Sōke or Kaiso must submit verifiable documentation demonstrating the following:
    • A minimum of 五段 (Go-dan / 5th Degree Black Belt) in a recognized and sanctioned system of:
      • 合気柔術 (Aikijūjutsu)
      • 合気道 (Aikidō)
      • 合気武道 (Aikibudō)
      • 護身術 (Goshinjutsu)
      • 柔術 (Jūjutsu)
    • At least two (2) additional 段位 (Dan grades) in two separate, sanctioned 武道流派 (Budō Ryūha – martial systems/styles)
    • At least one (1) 教師 / 師範資格 (Kyoshi / Shihan Shikaku – certified teaching credential at instructor or master level)
    • A comprehensive written submission detailing the 歴史と理念 (Rekishi to Rinen – history and philosophy) of the system proposed for sanctioning
NOTE: The system must be demonstrably “独自” (Dokujisei – unique) and “創造的” (Sozoteki – original)
    • A full 修行歴 (Shugyo-reki – training and grading history) of the Sōke or Kaiso, including:
      • Training dates
      • Instructor names and titles (e.g., 師範 / Shihan)
      • Verifiable contact information
    • A complete 稽古課程および昇段審査表 (Keiko Katei oyobi Shōdan Shinsa-hyo – training curriculum and grading requirements) up to and including 三段 (Sandan / 3rd Degree Black Belt)
    • Three (3) 推薦状 (Suisenjo – Letters of Recommendation) from qualified martial artists who:
      • Are familiar with the candidate and their system
      • Are not related by blood or marriage (親族・婚姻関係不可)
    • A performance video (映像資料 / Eizo Shiryo) showing the candidate demonstrating the core techniques of the system up to and including 三段 (Sandan / 3rd Degree Black Belt)

Evaluation & Formal Induction

Following a detailed review by the ICAJF 宗家・開祖評議会 (Soke & Kaiso Council), the candidate will be notified of the decision. If favorable, the system will receive full recognition and the candidate will be formally inducted into the Council.
Recognized systems will receive:
  • A signed and sealed 認定書 (Ninteisho – Letter/Proclamation of Recognition) from the ICAJF
  • Public listing among ICAJF-sanctioned arts
The inducted 宗家 (Soke) or 開祖 (Kaiso) will also be awarded a 段位認定 (Dan’i Nintei – formal rank recognition) appropriate to their demonstrated 技術 (Gijutsu – skill) and 年齢・経験 (Nenrei / Keiken – age and experience).

NOTE: The International Combat Aikijujutsu Federation  WILL NOT  issue and/or bestow ranks of 8th – 10th Dan upon any individual who does not meet the Minimum Age and Time–In–Grade requirements.