Q: Is Meibukan Houkonkai a not for profit based association?
A: Meibukan Houkonkai runs itself as an “unregistered” not for profit volunteer association. Funds remain within the association for the benefit of its membership and the operations of the association. From time to time, it also sponsors select projects to help the Meibukan Hombu Dojo and athlete/student skill development.
Q: Is Meibukan Houkonkai a Canadian association?
A: No. Canada already has its own separate association. Although headquartered in Canada, Meibukan Houkonkai has no boundaries outside of Japan and anyone can join for the purpose of training, demonstrating, or competing. It is the first association acknowledged by the Meibukan Hombu under Master YAGI Meitetsu with a multinational reach.
Q: Can I join Meibukan Houkonkai and be a part of another association?
A: Yes. The Okinawa Karate community is too small to be overly restrictive. As long as there is no conflict of interest, you are free to be a part of as many associations as you can manage effectively.
Q: What are the grading requirements for the Meibukan Houkonkai?
A: None. Houkonkai does not grade. Those wishing to grade may do so directly with its Kaichou, Sean Wong. Those who pass gradings with Kaichou are granted an audience with Master Yagi Meitetsu of the Meibukan Hombu Dojo for Okinawan rank status. Click Here For Kaichou’s Grading Information
Q: How does one join Meibukan Houkonkai?
A: There are two levels of membership with Meibukan Houkonkai. Dojo and Individual. Dojo fees for 2012 are $200 and $50/Brown or Black Belt. Individuals not belonging to a registered Meibukan Houkonkai dojo pays $100. Fees will change from time to time and are in Canadian Funds.
Q: What is included in the membership fee?
A: Dojos get exclusivity of hosting Meibukan Houkonkai events. Houkonkai pays dojos an honorarium of up to $200 per workshop. (Contact us for details). Dojo Kanchou participates FREE in every association’s skill development workshops. Brown/Black belts of member dojo get 1 FREE workshop and training DVDs with each workshop. Individual members are entitled to 2 FREE skill development workshops and reference DVDs. (Because this is our first year, this model is expected to be improved upon as the year progresses. Please stay tuned for details.)
Q: What is considered a dojo? Does it have to be public?
A: A dojo membership applicants must have at least 5 members including its Kanchou. Private or public dojos are welcome.
Q: Must every Brown and Black Belt of a registered dojo join?
A: No. If they participate in a Meibukan Houkonkai skill development workshop however, their membership is really free.
Q: Must you be a Meibukan Houkonkai member to participate in skill development workshops?
A: For 2012, participation for non-members is limited to only one development workshop per year. The exception is when we have open functions like the Meibukan Congress, which is open to everyone.
Q: If anybody can join, how does Meibukan Houkonkai maintain high moral and ethical standards?
A: All members must abide by Meibukan Houkonkai’s Code of Conduct.
Q: Why do people join Meibukan Houkonkai?
A: Anyone wanting support in Okinawa Karate will get it from Meibukan Houkonkai. We are willing to work together in a mutually beneficial relationship that is fair for all parties involved. If you are willing to train we are willing to support you.
Q: What is the biggest hurdle to join Meibukan Houkonkai?
A: To be a full members Meibukan Houkonkai requires an initial face to face meeting. This requires travel of some kind. Whether you sponsor a seminar for one of Houkonkai’s mentors or visit us at one of our keiko (training) sessions, at some point we need to meet in person. In the meantime, prospective members can keep in touch with us on Facebook, Skype, phone, email, post, or any other kind communication methods.
Q: What is so unique about Meibukan Houkonkai?
A: There are 3 main reasons to join Meibukan Houkonkai.
- We are a participation based group. All members get their first skill development FREE. In other groups, membership fee only gets you in the door.
- We have a train more….talk less approach. It certainly doesn’t mean that we are not social, but it does mean that we have a focus of training and with less politics.
- Direct lineage to Okinawa Karate. Meibukan Houkonkai follows the Meibukan Hombu Dojo with Master YAGI Meitetsu, 10th Dan Hanshi.
Q: I want to join. What do I do?
A: Whether you meet us at any of our workshops, call Sean Wong at (905) 462-5425, or fill out one of our online forms, either way is easy to make the first step. Kaichou Wong and the members of the association are happy to help you in any way they can.
