STATUTES OF THE WORLD ASHIHARA FEDERATION (WAF)
Founder: Super Grandmaster MUOID
Article 1 – Name
The name of the organization shall be the World Ashihara Federation (WAF).
Article 2 – Nature
The World Ashihara Federation is an international, non-profit, non-political, and non-discriminatory organization dedicated to the promotion, development, and preservation of Ashihara Karate throughout the world.
Article 3 – Headquarters
- The headquarters shall be established by the Executive Board.
- Regional offices may be established when necessary.
Article 4 – Objectives
The objectives of the Federation are to:
- Promote authentic Ashihara Karate worldwide.
- Preserve the philosophy and technical standards of Ashihara Karate.
- Organize international championships, seminars, instructor courses, and examinations.
- Develop youth and educational programs.
- Promote friendship, respect, and cooperation among member nations.
- Establish standardized grading, referee, and coaching systems.
- Cooperate with national and international sports organizations.
Article 5 – Principles
The Federation shall uphold:
- Respect
- Discipline
- Integrity
- Fair Play
- Equality
- Transparency
- Mutual Respect among all members
Article 6 – Membership
Membership shall consist of:
- National Federations
- Associate Members
- Provisional Members
- Honorary Members
Only one recognized national federation may represent each country.
Article 7 – Admission
Applications shall include:
- Legal registration documents.
- Technical history.
- List of instructors.
- Membership information.
- Agreement to follow the WAF Statutes.
Admission requires approval by the Executive Board and ratification by the General Assembly.
Article 8 – Rights of Members
Members have the right to:
- Vote (Full Members only).
- Participate in championships.
- Attend seminars and congresses.
- Submit proposals.
- Receive official recognition.
Article 9 – Obligations
Members shall:
- Follow these Statutes.
- Respect WAF technical standards.
- Pay annual membership fees.
- Submit annual reports.
- Maintain ethical conduct.
Article 10 – General Assembly
The General Assembly is the supreme authority.
It shall:
- Elect officers.
- Approve budgets.
- Amend statutes.
- Admit or expel members.
- Approve strategic plans.
Meetings shall be held every two years.
Extraordinary meetings may be called by:
- The President
- Executive Board
- One-third of Full Members
Article 11 – Executive Board
The Executive Board shall consist of:
- President
- Senior Vice President
- Vice Presidents
- Secretary General
- Treasurer
- Technical Director
- Referee Director
- Development Director
- Women’s Committee Chair
- Athletes’ Representative
The Board shall serve four-year terms.
Article 12 – Duties of Officers
President
- Represents the Federation.
- Presides over meetings.
- Oversees international relations.
Secretary General
- Manages administration.
- Keeps official records.
- Coordinates communications.
Treasurer
- Manages finances.
- Presents annual financial reports.
Technical Director
- Develops technical standards.
- Supervises grading.
- Oversees instructor certification.
Referee Director
- Develops referee rules.
- Conducts referee education.
Article 13 – Technical Committee
The Technical Committee shall:
- Maintain curriculum.
- Recommend Dan promotions.
- Approve examination standards.
- Standardize kata and competition rules.
Article 14 – Referee Commission
Responsible for:
- International referee licensing.
- Competition regulations.
- Appeals concerning officiating.
Article 15 – Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee shall investigate:
- Misconduct
- Conflicts of interest
- Harassment
- Discrimination
- Match manipulation
- Violations of the Code of Ethics
Article 16 – Disciplinary Measures
Sanctions may include:
- Warning
- Suspension
- Fine
- Removal from office
- Expulsion
Members shall have the right to be heard before disciplinary action.
Article 17 – Elections
Officers shall be elected by secret ballot.
A simple majority shall elect officers unless otherwise specified.
Article 18 – Finance
Income may include:
- Membership fees
- Event fees
- Sponsorship
- Donations
- Grants
- Merchandise
The Treasurer shall prepare annual audited accounts.
Article 19 – Championships
The Federation shall sanction:
- World Championships
- Continental Championships
- International Cups
- Youth Championships
- Referee Courses
- Instructor Seminars
Competition rules shall be adopted by the Executive Board.
Article 20 – Dan Recognition
The Federation shall recognize Dan grades awarded by affiliated national organizations according to WAF technical regulations.
International Dan promotions shall require approval by the Technical Committee.
Article 21 – Anti-Doping
The Federation supports clean sport.
All members shall comply with applicable anti-doping rules adopted by the Federation.
Article 22 – Child Protection
The Federation shall maintain safeguarding policies protecting children and vulnerable persons participating in all WAF activities.
Article 23 – Code of Ethics
All members shall:
- Respect opponents.
- Respect officials.
- Reject discrimination.
- Avoid corruption.
- Maintain honesty and professionalism.
Article 24 – Amendments
Statutes may be amended by a two-thirds majority of votes cast by the General Assembly.
Written proposals shall be submitted at least sixty (60) days before the meeting.
Article 25 – Dissolution
The Federation may be dissolved only by a three-fourths majority of the General Assembly.
Remaining assets shall be transferred to another non-profit organization with similar objectives.
Article 26 – Official Language
The official language of the Federation shall be English.
Translations may be produced for convenience, but the English version shall prevail in case of any conflict.
Article 27 – Entry into Force
These Statutes shall enter into force immediately upon their adoption by the Founding General Assembly of the World Ashihara Federation.
Annexes
The following documents form part of the governance framework of the World Ashihara Federation:
- Competition Rules
- Technical Regulations
- Dan Grading Regulations
- Referee Regulations
- Instructor Certification Regulations
- Code of Ethics
- Safeguarding Policy
- Anti-Doping Policy
- Financial Regulations
- Election Procedures
