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International
Taiho Jutsu Federation Statutes
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| Background,
Name, Logos |
| Article
1 |
In
2001, it became apparent that it was time to codify and
unify a core discipline designed primarily for military
and police actions. As a result of deliberations among
our leadership it was decided that the proper place for
our organization was to be an independent one. One reason
for this was that other entities were issuing rank in
the art without consultation with our organization and,
in many cases, without the appropriate higher Dan grades
to make appropriate decisions as to the suitability of
candidates.
It
became apparent that we needed an independent organization
with a well-defined, ethical, and recognized martial arts
disciple. This permits the role of Taiho Jutsu and police
tactics to be defined by a technical group with the requisite
experience. A number of organizations engage in training
focused on improving the capability and efficiency of
the law enforcement and military units that do not have
the combined expertise found in our organization. With
a wide range of experience and practitioners who have
had actual training in the arts of Taiho Jutsu plus others
adding techniques from other arts, the organization reached
a level of maturity and a choice point for a clear demarcation
from other organizations stating similar purposes. Although
a number of arts inevitably share certain common elements
and techniques with slight variations, many of them have
a focus on form and/or competition using a set of rules
to avoid injury to participants. Although one can profitably
utilize many of these techniques in self-defense or police/military
situations, the need exists for specialized techniques
designed to apprehend, control and/or inflict injury on
a perpetrator or enemy. Hence, an organization devoted
to this unique purpose was founded.
The
logo of the International Taiho Jutsu Federation has been
crafted to show the joint influence of various national
contributions, which has added versatility and diversity
to the set of techniques available for our members to
utilize. The International Taiho Jutsu Federation has
its own logo to indicate its inclusive and distinctive
character. This is important as different nations and
cultures have standards which permit or restrict techniques
which might be part of a complete curriculum. Hence, there
is a sensitivity for a recognition of cultural differences
in applicability of techniques.
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| Chapter
1 |
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Mission and Essence, Head Offices |
| Article
1 |
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The mission of the International Taiho Jutsu Federation
is to bring under one umbrella organization the many practitioners
of Taiho Jutsu who are working or have worked in this jutsu.
As a jutsu, we practice an art (Gei), science and series
of techniques rooted in a tradition. It is only after long
years of practice, training and study that one becomes adept
in Taiho Jutsu since it requires a mastery of a combination
of techniques taken from disciplines both ancient and modern.
Different national practitioners will be bound to observe
convention of both law and practice specific to their military
or police organizations. The core elements have been developed
from the Japanese and modified, where necessary, to meet
the realities of each country. |
| Article
2 |
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Taiho Jutsu differs from its cognate disciplines in that
it is designed primarily for specific, pragmatic military
and police applications. Although its practitioners often
come from traditional martial arts disciples that have stressed
kata or competition, their objective in Taiho Jutsu is much
more specifically focused on a tactical objective using
a wide variety of techniques and weapons (both traditional
and improvised). |
| Article
3 |
Head
Offices |
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The ITJF leadership will choose the official location of
the ITJF. |
| Article
4 |
Language |
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The
official language of the ITJF is English, but our members
possess a variety of linguistic skills and may utilize
other languages or dialects depending upon the setting
and purpose of the application. The Constitution of the
National Organizations, which apply for membership, must
be in harmony with the Statutes of the ITJF.
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| Chapter
2: |
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Membership,
Conditions, and Fees |
| Article
5 |
Membership |
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Any
National Organization (also used interchangeably with Federation)
of Taiho Jutsu can apply for membership to the ITJF. However
for each country only one National Organization can become
a member of the ITJF. In the case of two or more organizations
existing in the same country, the ITJF will examine the
history, practices, and national sport authority guidance
before making a determination on which organization will
be selected as a national affiliate. After being selected
as a national organization in the ITJF, the senior leadership
may determine that it is in the best interests of the ITJF
to terminate such organization after examining its practices
or charges that may have been brought against the leadership.
In addition, certain geopolitical considerations may change
the desirability of inclusion is rare instances. Nevertheless,
a national organization may apply for reinstatement and
its case will be considered if the circumstances, which
caused the breach to occur, have changed. |
| Article
6 |
Conditions
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The
National Organization or the Associated Organization, which
intends to become a member of the ITJF must apply to the
President of the ITJF with the documents deemed necessary
to ensure that the technical and organization capability
exists for the level of membership requested. |
| Article
7 |
Fees
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The fee structure of the ITJF will be determined annually
by the senior leadership and may take into account the countryŐs
economic condition as well as the number of potential and
actual members. |
| Article
8 |
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If fees are not rendered on the date specified, the senior
leadership will make a determination whether the membership
has any extenuating circumstances, which need to be taken
into account. If no such circumstances are presented, participation
in activities may be suspended until the fees are paid.
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| Article
9 |
Training |
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ITJF
and ITJF will host official training seminars, which will
be of three types:
| (1)
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Specific
seminars to continue member development in learning
a diverse set of techniques.
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| (2) |
Specific, focused training for police and military
organizations. |
| (3) |
Training
for martial artists in other disciplines to broaden
their range of knowledge and technical skills. |
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| Chapter
3 |
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The
Governing Bodies:
Senior Leadership, Technical Advisers, National Representatives |
| Article
10 |
The
Governing Bodies |
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The
Governing Bodies in the ITJF are
| (1)
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The
Senior Leadership
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| (2) |
The Technical Advisers |
| (3) |
The National Representatives |
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| Article
11 |
General
Assembly |
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The
General Assembly meets normally every year; it is composed
of:
| (1)
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The
Senior Leadership
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| (2) |
The Technical Advisers |
| (3) |
The National Representatives— Each member can
be represented at the General Assembly by him- or
herself or a proxy approved by the Senior Leadership.
The General Assembly will determine any special circumstances,
which might allow other members or potential members
to attend. This will be done on a case-by -case basis. |
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| Article
12 |
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The General Assembly will be presided over by the President
of ITJF or, in his absence, by a Vice President or other
designee if the Vice President is unavailable for any reason.
The President of the General Assembly is helped by the General
Secretary or, in his or her absence, by the Vice President
or a suitable designee. Decisions made will only be valid
in the presence of at least one third of the Assembly membership. |
| Article
13 |
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Voting procedures will be sent to the General Assembly delegates
prior to the meetings or their review and comment. |
| Article
14 |
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Meetings
will be decided a year in advance at the General Assembly
convocation. Obviously, the President in consultation with
his leadership will choose the first year. The General Assembly
elects the Members of the Senior Leadership, approves the
Statutes and Regulations modifying them, if necessary, and
rules, as a last resort, upon any matters connected with
Taiho Jutsu. The need for ratification, application for
affiliation and similar matters are also under the purview
of the General Assembly. |
| Article
15 |
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The General Assembly meeting is called by notification sent
at least one month in advance of the scheduled date and
the notification should contain all relevant material to
be under consideration. The date and place of the meeting
will also be stipulated. |
| Article
16 |
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The Senior Leadership is composed of the President, Vice
President, Technical Representatives and National Leaders.
The term of the Senior Leadership is four years. In case
of resignations, the members who have resigned will be replaced.
Only two resignations will be accepted in any one year.
Former members may reapply for a position in subsequent
years. |
| Article
17 |
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The
majority of votes in the General Assembly elect the President.
He or she directs the ITJF and represents it before other
parties. In the case of the PresidentŐs resignation, incapacitation,
or demise, the Vice President for the balance of the year
in which the event occurs will subsume his function. After
that, the membership will hold an election for a new President.
In the event of a tie vote during meetings of the General
Assembly, the President casts the tie-breaking vote. The
Treasurer is responsible for the funds of the ITJF and must
keep a regular account. The President must authorize any
relevant expenses. |
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| Chapter
4 |
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Operating
Structure —
Task Forces, Unions and Accounting Committee |
| Article
18 |
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With the anticipated growth of Taiho Jutsu as an international
federation, it will be necessary at some point in the future
to institute a mechanism for effective and efficient management
to coordinate and utilize the expertise of national leaders.
When the organization reaches this level of maturity it
is anticipated that some sort of Union structure will be
developed under the guidance and control of the Senior Leadership.
The need for and actual structure of these unions will be
determined by the General Assembly at future meetings when
the time is considered to be propitious. Task Forces |
| Article
19 |
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In
order to provide the necessary support and guidance in matters
both organizational and technical, the ITJF will constitute
Task Forces consisting of committees, working groups and
similar organizational forms as deemed necessary for the
efficient operation of the ITJF. These bodies will be comprised
of members with the particular expertise necessary to achieve
their objectives and will operate only as long as necessary
to accomplish the goals set out by the Senior Leadership.
The Accounting Committee, due to its fiduciary responsibilities,
will be a standing committee and function throughout the
life of the organization. Its members will be appointed
and will have access to proper financial guidance from a
certified professional. |
| Article
20 |
Accounting
Committee |
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The Accounting Committee will serve for a term of one year
after each General Assembly meeting. Its members may stand
for reelection as interest and expertise in financial matters
is limited to a subset of the total membership. Its members
may not serve as a part of the Senior Leadership. The Accounting
Committee will make regular financial reports to the membership
and the proper authorities as appropriate. |
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| Chapter
5 |
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Accounting
and Allowances |
| Article
21 |
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As
a nonprofit organization, the Senior Leadership gives
their time free of charge and on an honorary basis.
The President may have his or her travel and accommodation
expenses paid by the Federation along with any other
members deemed necessary to carry out a seminar or
training function. Travel and accommodation expenses
will be provided for technical counselors as needed.
These principles apply to national organizations as
well unless specifically waived due to unusual circumstances
such as state sponsorship or similar facts.
The
Accounting Committee will render an accounting of routine
expenses and budgetary amounts annually to the Senior
Leadership at the time of the General Assembly. The Senior
Leadership or the President should previously authorize
extraordinary expenses anticipated. Of course, in cases
of national emergency and other exceptional circumstances,
discretion must lie with the Senior Leadership to make
expenditures, which are deemed absolutely necessary.
The
Treasurer will submit a report in conjunction with the
Accounting Committee each year to the General Assembly.
The usual accounting documents, a Profit and Loss Statement
and a Balance Sheet are the minimum requirement. The Treasurer
will also at the time of the Annual Meeting present an
up to date budget for the year in progress and the year
to follow.
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| Article
22 |
Task
Forces |
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For
accounting purposes our fiscal year will be from January
1 through December 31. Our initial operating year will,
of necessity, begin upon implementation of the legal
documents authorizing our existence as a nonprofit organization
under American law. |
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| Chapter
6 |
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Special
Dispositions Regarding Modification and Dissolution |
| Article
23 |
Modifications
to the Statutes |
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These
statutes will be in force from the date they are approved
by the Senior Leadership for the initial operating period.
Subsequently, they will be subject to modification based
on voting membership of the General Assembly by majority
vote. Modifications proposed should be presented to the
President at least one month in advance of the annual
meeting.
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| Article
24 |
Dissolution |
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Upon
dissolution, the ITJF properties will be shared among the
Senior Leadership and any others for whom it is appropriate
(such as members who have donated specific items or particular
sums of money for the purpose of furthering the organization
or its mission) at the time such decision is rendered. |
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| National
Delegate |
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A Delegate will formally represent his/her National
Organization in the General Assembly and other formal
ITJF meetings where deemed appropriate by the Senior
Leadership. The President of his/her National Organization
must designate the Delegate. |
| Technical
Representative |
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A
technical representative is a person who formally represents
his/her National Organization in Technical meetings
where matters related to Technical programs, training,
practice, seminars, and similar matters are discussed.
As in the case of the National Delegate, the President
of their respective National Organization must designate
the Technical Representative. |
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Honorary Fellow Members |
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It
is customary for organizations to recognize retiring
officials who have rendered
outstanding services to an organization with a title
of Honorary President or Honorary Member. The ITJF General
Assembly may grant this recognition. An individual so
honored may attend the annual meetings of the General
Assembly and speak on issues, but will not have a vote.
The Honorary Members may be asked by the President to
offer their specific experience and expertise on issues
vital to the operation of the ITJF. |
| Task
Forces |
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Task
forces will be established by the General Assembly at
their first meeting. |
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