Become a partner with a globally recognized Machida Karate Community.
The Machida Karate Association is a globally recognized community with a proven, organized approach rooted in Machida Karate HQ. Our mission is to spread the practice of karate for self-defense and to cultivate a vibrant network of Machida Karate practitioners of all ages and backgrounds.
Our values: respect, discipline, resilience, sense of community and lifelong learning.
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- Territory verification (minimum distance of 10 miles).
- Participation in the Instructor Certification Program (ICP).
- Completion of the Affiliation Form.
- Background checks (owner and employees).
- Proof of Business Insurance..
- Proof of Operating License..
- Execution of the License Agreement.
- Payment of the first monthly membership fee ($150).
Everything you need to know about the Machida Karate Affiliation Program.
To be eligible, you must hold a brown or black belt in traditional Japanese Karate — or a Machida Karate blue belt (with an approved evaluation if coming from a non-traditional background). You also need to complete the Instructor Certification Program (ICP) and meet all documentation requirements.
Yes. To protect the quality and exclusivity of each affiliate’s territory, a minimum distance of 10 miles between schools is required. Territory verification is one of the first steps in the application process.
Yes. To protect the quality and exclusivity of each affiliate’s territory, a minimum distance of 10 miles between schools is required. Territory verification is one of the first steps in the application process.
The ICP is a program that trains instructors in the Machida Karate methodology, curriculum, teaching and communication styles, and the Machida Self-Defense Mindset. Completing the ICP is required before applying for affiliation — but participation alone does not guarantee certification or affiliate status.
There are five levels:
Level D — Assistant instructor (1x ICP attended). 1-year probationary period.
Level C — Lead instructor for Adult Fundamentals + Kids (2x ICP). Eligible to apply for affiliation.
Level B — Lead for all adult and kids programs including Advanced (3x ICP).
Level A — Teach all programs, facilitate belt tests up to brown belt, and Machida seminars (4x+ ICP, Machida black belt).
Level A+ — Full authority: all programs, belt tests up to black belt, and seminars (10+ years as Machida instructor).
You become eligible to apply for Machida Association affiliation starting at Level C, which requires attending the ICP at least twice, holding a black belt in traditional Karate, and having trained in the Machida Karate system for a minimum of one year (or holding a brown belt in Machida Karate).
As an affiliate, you will have access to teach the following programs:
Adult Fundamental — Ages 16+, no experience required
Adult Advanced — Ages 16+, orange belt or higher (or approved black belt)
Little Dragon — Ages 4–6
Youth Samurai — Ages 7–11
Youth Samurai Advanced — Ages 7–11, blue-white belt and up
Teen Tigers — Ages 12–15
Not necessarily. The kids programs (Little Dragon, Youth Samurai, Teen Tigers) are part of the Machida Karate curriculum that you learn through the ICP and the Virtual Dojo. During your probationary year, you will submit teaching videos for feedback to ensure your classes meet Headquarters’ standards before teaching independently.
The process has four main stages:
The monthly membership fee is $150. The first payment is made upon signing the License Agreement. This fee covers your active affiliation with the Machida Karate Association and ongoing access to HQ support and resources.
During your first year as an affiliate, you will:
Access the Virtual Dojo to study and learn all class content
Submit teaching videos every two months for feedback from Headquarters
Complete virtual belt examinations with HQ to ensure curriculum quality
This period is designed to support your development and maintain the standards of the Machida Karate brand.
No. Submitting the affiliation application form does not constitute an agreement by either party and involves no obligations of any kind. Similarly, participating in the ICP does not guarantee certification or Machida Association affiliate status. All applications go through a review process.
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Fill in the details below to guarantee pre-registration.
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