Welcome to Kodō Butoku Renmei (Old Ways Martial Virtues Federation)

We are a traditional martial arts organisation for the traditional/classical martial arts. We do not offer insurance, licence books, or get involved in your class/parent group politics. Our purpose is to unite traditional/classical martial artists and help to build new friends by many events, courses and seminars.

We set standards that others simply ‘hope’ to attain. Standards that are the old ways of Japan – but for the modern world we live in. There are over 30 countries (in four continents) involved in the federation

In 1994 our President was asked to form a multi-art traditional martial art organisation to umbrella the many friends he had around the world who had become somewhat despondent with the politics of the groups they belonged to. He began to think how we could form a modern thinking group based on the traditional values of Japan and Okinawa’s past. It took him until 2002 before we were ready to announce the group and move forward.

The President Meijin Stephen Grayson 10th Dan was appointed as permanent life-time President in 2007 and the Shihankai (Board of Masters)  assumed the management function for the federation, with each country running their own affairs without hindrance from the honbu (headquarters). Each country is also financially independent.

You cannot simply apply to join Kodō Butoku Renmei, you have to be asked to join by a member in good standing. After this, you need the approval of the Shibuchō (Branch Director) in your area or the Buchō for that country will make the decision. Membership is free, we ask no yearly membership payment, and we are a non profit-making organisation.