WADO-KAI Overseas Regulations

---Table of Contents---
1.Purpose
2.General Rules
3.Organization and Structure
4.Enrollment Procedure
5.Resignation Procedure
6.Rights and Compliance of Overseas Members
7.Criteria for Establishment of Branches
8.Overseas Criteria for Domestic Operation
9.Responsibilities of Each Branch
10.Powers of Each Branch
11.Criteria for acquiring Dan grades, Titles and Qualifications
12.Examination Procedures for Dan Grades and Instructor Qualifications
13.Registration and Renewal Obligation
14.Power of Instructors, Referees and Examiners
15.Prohibition of Unauthorized Exercise of Power
16.Exclusion Provision
17.Retroactive Application
18.Handling of Existing Related Regulations, etc.
19.Interpretation of the Regulations and Measures for Questions
20.Revision of the Regulations
Supplementary Provisions

Purpose
Article 1

In accordance with Article 6.3 of Wado-Kai rules, the regulations stipulate the criteria for status and qualification of members residing in countries other than Japan ("Overseas Member(s)"), as well as matters necessary for the establishment of branches. The purpose of the regulations is to establish an international organization system and to contribute to the spread and development of Wado Karate.

General Rules
Article 2

Overseas members shall be governed by the regulations, except as otherwise provided.

Organization and Structure
Article 3

3.1

The organization shall be based on branches established in accordance with Article 7.

3.2

The branch in the preceding paragraph shall be an affiliated organization of Wado-Kai Headquarters ("the Headquarters"), and shall be supervised by the Headquarters.

Enrollment Procedure
Article 4

4.1

A person who wishes to become an Overseas Member shall apply to the Headquarters through his/her branch representative or an accredited branch representative, by submitting an application form for membership registration together with the amount of money specified in the attached table.

4.2

Upon completion of the registration procedure, an overseas membership certificate shall be issued by the Headquarters.

4.3

If there is no already accredited branch in the country, the applicant must apply directly to the Headquarters.

Resignation Procedure
Article 5

5.1

Those who wish to withdraw from Wado-Kai shall submit a notice of withdrawal to the Headquarters through their affiliated branch.

5.2

Those who withdraw shall lose their overseas membership status.

Privileges and obligations of members
Article 6

6.1

Overseas Members may exercise and enjoy the following rights.

(1) To participate in competitions, various tournaments, workshops, training camps and other events organized by Wado-Kai or by persons related to Wado-Kai (including other countries or districts, etc.; the same shall apply hereinafter).

(2) To acquire a Dan grade, title, instructor certification, referee certification or other qualifications approved by Wado-Kai. The procedures and fees for acquiring such qualifications are set forth in the attached table.

(3) To receive priority distribution of newsletters, publications, instructional videos, and other items produced by Wado-Kai.

6.2

Overseas Members shall be subject to the rules and discipline of Wado-Kai.

Criteria for Establishment of Branches
Article 7

7.1

If Overseas Members wish to establish a branch, they must meet the conditions set forth in the following items.

(1) In principle, there must be at least 10 Overseas Members, including a Wado-Kai registered Dan grade holder.

(2) Secure or have a place for regular practice.

(3) Not be a duplicate member of any other style, school, or organization other than Wado-Kai.

7.2

When establishing a branch based on the criteria in the preceding paragraph, an application for registration shall be submitted to the Headquarters through an already accredited branch on the prescribed form. However, if an already accredited branch is not yet established, the application shall be made directly to the Headquarters.

7.3

A branch certification will be issued to the branch that has been certified.

7.4

The name of the branch shall not bear the name of the country concerned.

7.5

Regulations regarding the organization and operation of the branch shall be determined by each branch.

Overseas Criteria for Domestic Operation
Article 8

If there are two or more branches in one country, they shall operate according to equal and democratic rules based on the consensus of the domestic branches, to the extent not contrary to the provisions of Wado-Kai rules, the regulations, etc.

Responsibilities of Each Branch
Article 9

9.1

Each branch must fulfill the following responsibilities.

(1) Each overseas branch must pay the annual membership fee specified in the attached table to the Headquarters by the designated date. If payment is not made for two years, the branch will be deemed to have withdrawn and the branch's registration will be cancelled.

(2) To participate in the competition on a branch basis.

(3) The branch representative must be registered with the Headquarters as a branch leader.

9.2

The branch representative must comply with the regulations and Wado-Kai rules, supervise its Overseas Members, and strive to provide technical guidance and training.

Powers of Each Branch
Article 10

10.1

Each branch shall have the following powers.

(1) The power to conduct the practical Dan grading examination up to 5 Dan, and the right to apply for the recommended Dan up to 8 Dan, the examiner, and title.

(2) The power to conduct the Kyu grade examination up to the first Kyu, and certify the Kyu grades to such Overseas Members.

(3) The power to conduct the 3 Kyu instructor examination.

(4) The power to conduct the 2 Kyu Kata referee examination.

(5) The power to hold technical seminars, referee seminars and competitions.

10.2

In the event that each branch holds an examination meeting for rank or qualification or a seminar for renewal of qualifications, it shall notify and obtain approval from the General Headquarters in advance, and shall report to the General Headquarters after the completion of the event. If it is not approved or reported, it will not be recognized as a course record for the relevant rank, qualification, and renewal of qualification.

Criteria for acquiring Dan grades, Titles and Qualifications
Article 11

Overseas Members who wish to acquire Dan grade, title, or instructor qualification, etc., must meet the following prerequisites in order to be examined or recommended, or to apply for such qualification. However, no more than two consecutive recommended Dan grades are allowed.

1. Dan Grades

Practical Dan	Prerequisite
Shodan (1 Dan)	1 Kyu
Nidan (2 Dan)	Practical Shodan (1 Dan) for 1 year or more
Sandan (3 Dan)	Practical Nidan (2 Dan) for 1 year or more and 19 years old or above
Yondan (4 dan)	Practical Sandan (3 Dan) for 1 year or more and 25 years old or above
Godan (5 dan)	Practical Yondan (4 Dan) for 2 years or more and 30 years old or above
Rokudan (6 Dan)	Practical Godan (5 Dan) for 3 years or more and 35 years old or above
Nanadan (7 Dan)	Practical Rokudan (6 Dan) for 5 years or more and 40 years old or above
Hachidan (8 Dan)	Practical Nanadan (7 Dan) for 7 years or more and 50 years old or above

Recommended Dan	Prerequisite
Shodan (1 Dan)	Trained Karate 3 years or more
Nidan (2 Dan)	Shodan (1 Dan) for 3 years or more
Sandan (3 Dan)	Practical Nidan (2 Dan) for 3 years or more
Yondan (4 Dan)	Practical Sandan (3 Dan) for 4 years or more
Godan (5 Dan)	Practical Yondan (4 Dan) for 5 years or more
Rokudan (6 Dan)	Practical Godan (5 Dan) for 5 years or more and 45 years old or above
Nanadan (7 Dan)	Practical Rokudan (6 Dan) for 5 years or more and 50 years old or above
Hachidan (8 Dan)	Practical Nanadan (7 Dan) for 10 years or more and 60 years old or above

2. Title

Title	Prerequisite
Renshi	4 Dan for 2 years or more and 35 years old or above
Kyoshi	Renshi for 5 years or more, 6 Dan or above and 45 years old or above
Hanshi	Kyoshi for 10 years or more, 8 Dan or above and 55 years old or above

3. Instructor

Qualification	Prerequisite
1 Kyu Instructor	Practical 6 Dan or above, 2 years or more after acquiring 2 Kyu instructor qualification, and 45 years old or above
2 Kyu Instructor	Practical 4 Dan or above, 1 year or more after acquiring 3 Kyu instructor certification, and 30 years old or above. Or, practical 6 Dan or above.
3 Kyu Instructor	Practical 3 Dan or above, and 25 years old or above

4. Referee

Qualification		Prerequisite
1 Kyu Referee	Kata	Practical 6 Dan or above and 40 years old or above, and 2 Kyu Kata referee
1 Kyu Referee	Kumite	Practical 4 Dan or above and 30 years old or above, and 2 Kyu Kumite referee
2 kyu Referee	Kata	Practical 4 Dan or above and 30 years old or above
2 kyu Referee	Kumite	Practical 3 Dan or above and 25 years old or above

5. Examiner

Qualification	Prerequisite
1 Kyu Examiner	Practical 7 Dan or above (required）, 50 years old or above, and has 1 or more qualifications as 1 Kyu instructor or 1 Kyu Kata referee, or those specifically approved by the technical committee
2 Kyu Examiner	Practical 5 Dan or above (required), 40 years old or above, and has 1 or more qualifications as 2 Kyu instructor or 2 Kyu or above Kata or Kumite referee
3 Kyu Examiner	Practical 4 Dan or above (required), 30 years old or above, and has 1 or more qualifications as 3 Kyu instructor or 2 Kyu or above Kata or Kumite referee

Examination Procedures for Dan Grades and Instructor Qualifications
Article 12

When exercising the rights under Article 10.1(1) through (3), regardless of whether it is practical or recommended, the following items shall be examined and decided by the examination. In such case, the "Dan Examination System Detailed Regulations" and "Instructor System Detailed Regulations" issued by Wado-Kai shall apply mutatis mutandis to the examination procedure and criteria for Dan grading or instructor certification. In addition, certification of titles and examiners shall be conducted by the Headquarters and the technical committee.

1. Dan Grading Examination

Dan Grade	Dan Grading Examination Board Composition Criteria
Shodan (1 Dan)	Three or more 3 Kyu examiners
Nidan (2 Dan)	At least one 2 Kyu examiner and two or more 3 Kyu examiners
Sandan (3 Dan)	At least one 2 Kyu examiner and three or more 3 Kyu examiners
Yondan, Godan (4 and 5 Dan)	At least one 1 Kyu examiner three or more 2 Kyu examiner

*This does not apply if the President and the Technical Committee Chairperson approve the dispatch of examiners from the General Headquarters.

2. 3 Kyu Instructor, 2 Kyu Kata Referee and 2 Kyu Kumite Referee Examination

Qualification	Examination Board Composition Criteria
3 Kyu Instructor	At least four people in total: Two or more 1 Kyu examiner with practical 8 Dan or 1 Kyu instructor, and two or more 2 Kyu examiner (practical 6 Dan or above and 2 Kyu instructor)
2 Kyu Kata Referee	Four or more 1 Kyu examiners with practical 8 Dan or 1 Kyu Kata referee
2 Kyu Kumite Referee	Four or more 1 Kyu examiners with 1 Kyu Kumite referee

*This does not apply if the President and the Technical Committee Chairperson approve the dispatch of examiners from the General Headquarters.

3. Application Criteria for Examiner

(3) Qualification Examiner Examination

Qualification examiners shall be certified by the Technical Committee of the General Headquarters and the Standing Board of Directors. The necessary provisions of the application must be filled in and submitted to the Technical Committee of the General Headquarters by the deadline, along with the examination fee. In addition, the Dan shall be the practical Dan of Wado-Kai (required), and the qualification shall mean the qualification of the instructor, the qualification of the referee, and the title of Wado-Kai. In addition, the applicant who has the qualification of a kumite referee of the WKF or his/her own country may apply in place of the qualification of a second-class kumite referee of Wado-Kai, but a copy of such document must be submitted to the General Headquarters together with the application for qualification examiner and approved by the Technical Committee.

Registration and Renewal Obligation
Article 13

13.1

When the applicants have passed the examination specified in each item of the preceding article, the applicants must promptly complete the registration procedures at the Headquarters and obtain certification. If the applicants do not register, their Dan and qualification will not be recognized by Wado-Kai.

13.2

A examiner certification is valid for a period of three years, and shall be invalid after the validity period has expired. However, this shall not apply in cases where the renewal application procedure has been completed by the respective branch and approved by the Headquarters. In addition, when applying for renewal, the applicant must attend at least two mandatory workshops as indicated below for each qualification rank within the three years prior to the expiration date. However, the number of courses that can be applied for in the renewal process is limited to once per year.

1 Kyu examiner: Attend “A” workshop at least two times. However, one of the workshop must be taken in Japan, unless the Technical Committee recognizes special reasons.
2 Kyu examiner: Total of two times or more, including one or more “A” workshop and 1 or more B workshop.
3 Kyu examiner: 2 or more B workshops

13.3

The mandatory workshops that can be held abroad are the A and B workshops listed below. The organizers of the workshops must obtain prior approval from the headquarters and report after the completion of the session. Workshops that fail to follow these procedures will not be recognized as mandatory workshops.
The following workshops must not have any restrictions on participation (including concurrent exams). Such a course shall not be recognized as a mandatory course for the renewal of certification.

The report of the workshop must be submitted to the headquarters within four weeks.
When submitting the report, a list of the persons renewing the qualification who participated and their enrollment fees must be submitted.

(1) "A" workshop refers to the following workshops organized or co-sponsored by the Headquarters. However, the co-sponsored application for "A" workshop is limited to once a year.

Technical workshops held at World Cups or international competitions.
Qualification renewal seminars, national technical seminars or instructor training sessions (including seminars) held in Japan by the technical committee.
Technical workshops on each region conducted by 1Kyu Examiners who hold 1Kyu Instructor qualifications, with pre-approved by the Technical Committee.
Each region means Europe, North America, Central and South America, Asia, Middle East, and Oceania.

(2) "B" workshop refers to the following technical workshops on each region.

Technical workshop held in the continent where 1 Kyu examiner (practical skill 7 Dan or above) resides.
Technical workshops held by 1 Kyu or 2 Kyu examiner in his/her own country.
Technical workshops conducted by lecturers specially approved by the technical committee.

Power of Instructors, Referees and Examiners
Article 14

14.1

The power, etc. of instructors, referees, and examiners shall be as specified in the following columns. The period of validity of each qualification shall be 3 years after acquisition, and may be renewed continuously by attending the training course stipulated in Article 13.2.

Classification	Power
2 Kyu Instructor	Domestic instructor
3 Kyu Instructor	Branch instructor
2 Kyu Referee	Domestic referee
1 Kyu Examiner	The power to certify 5 Dan or below The power to certify 1 and 2Kyu instructor (by 1Kyu instructor qualification holder) The power to certify 1Kyu Kata referee (by 1Kyu Kata referee qualification holder)
2 Kyu Examiner	The power to certify 5 Dan or below The power to certify 3 Kyu instructor (by 2 Kyu instructor qualification holder with practical 6 Dan or above)
3 Kyu Examiner	The power to certify 3 Dan or below

14.2

The powers of the Qualification Examiner shall be valid in the region (North America, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Oceania) where his/her affiliated branch is registered.

Prohibition of Unauthorized Exercise of Power
Article 15

15.1

Each branch shall not exercise any power such as the power of examination other than the authority specified in each item of Article 10.1.

15.2

When acquiring qualifications that do not belong to the authority of each branch, the applicant must undergo an examination conducted by the technical committee.

Exclusion Provision
Article 16

16.1

The "Rules for Election of Executive Directors, Senior Directors, and Delegates," "Criteria for Establishment of Branches and District (Prefectural) Headquarters," and "Membership Registration Guidelines" established by WADOKAI shall not apply to Overseas Members to whom the regulations apply.

Retroactive Application
Article 17

Qualifications such as Dan, titles, and instructor qualifications that members have already acquired at the time of the enforcement of the regulations shall be deemed to have been acquired in accordance with the regulations. However, 1 Kyu, 2 Kyu, and 3 Kyu examiner will be certified separately by the technical committee.

Handling of Existing Related Regulations, etc.
Article 18

The followings are abolished.

"Regulations regarding Overseas Certified Technical Instructor Certification and Application for Dan Promotion" (enacted October 1, 1973)
"Wado-Kai Authorized Instructor and Referee Qualification Criteria" (enacted August 26, 1994)
"Criteria for Establishing Wado-Kai Overseas Branches and Regional Headquarters'' (enacted August 26, 1994)

Interpretation of the Regulations and Measures for Questions
Article 19

19.1

Matters not stipulated in the regulations, or any questions regarding the interpretation of each article, shall be decided by the Headquarters.

19.2

In the event of any discrepancy in interpretation between the Japanese and English version of the regulations, the Japanese version shall prevail.

Revision of the Regulations
Article 20

20.1

The regulations shall be revised by a majority vote of the Delegates General Assembly of the Headquarters. If approved by the Board of Directors, the revised rules shall be reported at the most recent General Delegates' Assembly. In the event that Wado-Kai rules, technical regulations, and related bylaws are changed, the regulations shall be amended accordingly.

20.2

In principle, the regulations shall be reviewed every two years. However, when necessary, it may be conducted from time to time with the approval of the Board of Directors.

Supplementary Provisions

Enacted on August 26, 1999
Enacted on July 27, 2002
Partially amended on April 1, 2013
Partially amended on June 22, 2013
Partially amended on October 30, 2021
Partially amended on June 24, 2023
Partially amended on June 22, 2024
Partially amended on June 28, 2025

The new regulations shall come into effect as of the date of approval by the General Assembly of Delegates or the Board of Directors.