Joining the Shōtōkan Budōkai a Dojo

1. Dojos may apply for affiliation to the Shōtōkan Budōkai by contacting the Shōtōkan Budōkai Administration Office or by completing the Online Affiliation Form.

2. The minimum grade for a regular Shōtōkan Budōkai Instructor is 1st Dan. This is in order to maintain a high technical standard. In certain cases, an exception can be made to this rule, on application to the Technical Committee, via the Affiliation Officer.

3. In the case of a club transferring from another Shotokan organisation, all members will be allowed to retain their present grade but must re-grade within 12 months of the transfer and be assessed for their Shōtōkan Budōkai standard. They will be awarded an appropriate grade, which could be the same grade, a lower grade, or the next grade up. They will then continue grading with the Shōtōkan Budōkai within the usual time scales.

4. In the case of a club transferring from another style organisation, members may retain their grade for a maximum of twelve months but must take advice from a senior Shōtōkan Budōkai instructor or a grading examiner before taking a Shōtōkan Budōkai grading.

5. Karateka of 3rd Dan and above who wish to transfer to the Shōtōkan Budōkai will be advised by the Technical Committee regarding their integration into the Shōtōkan Budōkai grading system.

6. Payments made online are processed through PayPal servers. Having a PayPal™ account is optional, and your credit/debit card details are not transmitted to the Shōtōkan Budōkai.

7. Manual (hand-written) Form: While a manual form is available from the Shōtōkan Budōkai Affiliation Officer, to be completed by hand and posted back with your payment, the above online form is the preferred method as it ensures the information we receive about you and your club is more accurate and thorough. Consequently, visitors to the Shōtōkan Budōkai website looking for Shotokan Karate dojos in your area will be much better informed about your club.