FAQ

Q: The Zen Nihon Budo Renmei, Nippon Seibukan, and All Japan Budo Federation are all names I have
heard to describe your organization, which is correct?

A: As is stated on our history page, the Nippon Seibukan Dojo was founded by Suzuki Masafumi Hanshi in 1952.
Later, in 1969, Suzuki Hanshi founded the Zen Nihon Budo Renmei (ZNBR), or "All Japan Budo Federation", with the Nippon Seibukan as its Hombu Dojo (headquarters). The ZNBR is the organization, while the Nippon Seibukan is our Hombu Dojo.

Q: How can one tell the authenticity of menjo (certificates) issued by the ZNBR?

A: The ZNBR leadership would like to bring to the public's attention the following rank certificates being issued by
various individuals who do not represent the Zen Nihon Budo Renmei / Nippon Seibukan Dojo Hombu or Kawano
Yasuo Kancho in any way and are not valid. Various sections have been altered for privacy purposes. Many of
these menjo are actually Kyu grade certificates being used to issue Yudansha ranks. Please contact us for further
information or clarification on this very unfortunate matter.

Authentic international menjo issued by the ZNBR / Nippon Seibukan Dojo bear the signature and seal (hanko) of
Kawano Yasuo Kancho and the seals of the western Shibucho and country Shidoin.

Q: Is the Zen Nihon Budo Renmei / Nippon Seibukan Dojo the same organization as the "Dai Nippon
Seibukan Budo/Bugei Kai"?

A: No. The ZNBR / Nippon Seibukan Dojo has no connection to the "Dai Nippon Seibukan Budo/Bugei Kai" operated by George Parulski. Further, there has never been a connection between our federation and this organization or any other organization using the very common name "Seibukan" as part of their name, especially in Europe and the US. Kawano Kancho and the International Directors want to make this point very clear.

Q: Does the ZNBR have any affiliation with either the "International Ju-Jitsu Federation" (IJJF) or the
"European JuJitsu/Jujutsu Union" (EJJU)?

A: In the late 1960's, Suzuki Masafumi sensei, founder of the Nippon Seibukan Dojo and Zen Nihon Budo Renmei
helped establish the IJJF for a senior student in Europe. This student later established the EJJU with other individuals. Neither organization has any current connection or affiliation with the ZNBR or current Nippon Seibukan Dojo under Kawano Yasuo Kancho, and any previous agreements (verbal or otherwise) are no longer valid. Any current member of the IJJF interested in re-joining the ZNBR/Nippon Seibukan should contact their respective country's representative (shidoin) to initiate the process.

Q: Are individual menjo previously awarded by Suzuki Masafumi Hanshi still good?

A: Yes, all menjo awarded directly by Suzuki Masafumi Hanshi are still good. One's federation membership may have lapsed/expired, but this does not make menjo previously awarded by Suzuki Masafumi Hanshi invalid. If one wishes to re-join the ZNBR / Nippon Seibukan Dojo, now both under the leadership of Kawano Hanshi, please contact your respective country representative.

Q: Does the ZNBR have any connection to the late Robert Trias or his USKA?

A: Robert Trias formed a relationship with Suzuki Masafumi Hanshi at one time. It's not possible to fully determine the depth of that association today, but it is a part of the Seibukan Academy's history. However, the ZNBR / Nippon
Seibukan Dojo of today, under the leadership of Kawano Yasuo Hanshi, has no relationship with the organization
founded by Mr. Trias.