Brief introduction to Budo: Martial Arts and I.U.M.A. The origin of today's martial arts (BUDO in Japanese) can be traced to the Shaolin Temple (AD 504) in China, where the famous Zen Buddhism and martial art called Shaolin Kung Fu or Temple Boxing started. Zen Buddhism was transmitted from Shaolin Temple to Japan in Kamakura period (1185-1333), which was also a period of transmission of non-armed martial art to Japan, however non- armed martial arts were not so important in Samurai period (1185-1868), because all Samurai wear swords. During this long period, the main Budo was Ken-jutsu (arts of sword). This tradition still continues in Japan and about 20 % of Budo people practice Ken-jutsu and Kendo (modern sports). Very few in the West practices this sword fighting, but it is a real Japanese sport, and practisers are very respected people in Japan. When Samurai domination finished (1868) and the Meiji Emperor and his government prohibited the carrying of swords, non-armed Budo like Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Aiki Jutsu, Aikido and Kung Fu became very popular in Japan. It took almost 1000 years for non-armed Budo to be recognized widely in Japan, but during the last 30 years Budo has become very popular throughout the world. People practice Budo as sports, as art, as religion etc. For some people Budo is a lifestyle and it is an obligated knowledge or skill for police officers and security people all over the world. Budo is not merely a fighting sport, there is much more to than that. The budo population is more than 30 mil. Spread through many national and international Budo organizations. Budo started in China as a health exercise, as a family tradition or a religion. In Japan, Budo was part of the academic education system. What a difference that made. The Japanese education system is easy for Wester of all kinds or religion and culture to learn and understand Budo. This is why Budo became so popular in the world. We are very delighted to invite you to the I.U.M.A. World I.U.M.A. does not stand for any particular style of Art, its purpose and main goal is to establish and provide not only Budo education but also education in culture and history. Our worldwide presence is giving you the opportunity to join international events and seminars to produce a peaceful communication and exchange of “culture” between countries and continents, it is not easy for many Budokas to go to Japan, China, etc, for such education. Today I.U.M.A. has created warm relations with other major Budo organization and being supported by its Leaders and Masters which is giving I.U.M.A. the advantage to bring word wide known Professors and Masters to the local students. Some of them are as well I.U.M.A. representatives. The I.U.M.A. instructors give usually free lessons when they are invited to a seminar. You can enter the I.U.M.A. world for a very low price. We made it so that each country or individual is able to join us and that they can have the same conditions as everyone. In I.U.M.A. we work together and not against each other. I.U.M.A. will be the name for friendship and cooperation in a great Budo spirit in the whole world. I.U.M.A. Curriculum 1. Budo training or instructions seminar once a year in each district (country). 2. Seminar for Japanese culture and arts. Sado (Tea ceremony). Ikebana (Flowers), Shodo (Calligraphy), etc. 3. Seminar on medical first aid. 4. Seminar on sports injury. 5. Seminar on Shiatsu and Universal Energy Healing. 6. Seminar on Zen and philosophy. 7. Seminar for instructors. THE THREE MAJOR ASPECTS OF BUDO 1. Physical education: Some practice Budo as sport, some does as an art like ballet or dance. Others learn how to fight or how to defend themselves. A professional sportsman knows that for the best results, body and mind must be in good balance 2. Mental education: In order to achieve good results in sport, mental training and guidance are essential. The teaching of Budo techniques alone may simply produce fighting monsters. In Budo Zen philosophy, Taoism and Christianity are used. Mental education has to be based on human love, courage, mercy and respect. 3. Medical education: Injury in budo training is not as frequent as in football or handball, but it is not a soft sport. It is therefore very important for club leaders and instructors to have some knowledge for at least First aid education. It is a tradition in China and Japan for most high skilled masters to be medical doctors or chiropractor. With Budo skills, people can be disarmed, controlled, helped and cured. In this aspect of Budo, meridian energy healing techniques or acupuncture techniques are used. True Budo is to help people in need and to share Budo skills with them. Budo is not a fighting art but an art to stop or prevent fighting. I.U.M.A. TITLES KOHAI Junior Student SEMPAI Assistant Instructor SENSEI Instructor / Teacher SHIHAN Licensed Teacher KYOSHI Master Instructor HANSHI Great Master Instructor Ranks associated with these titles: KOHAI up to 2 Dan SEMPAI at least 2 Dan or higher SENSEI 3 Dan or higher SHIHAN at least 5 Dan or higher RENSHI 6 Dan or higher (optional title) KYOSHI 7 Dan or higher HANSHI at least 8 Dan or higher These titles are not automatically issued upon receiving these ranks, they are always given for exceptional achievements and outstanding character. You can only use these titles when you receive the I.U.M.A. title certificate, signed by the President and Country Director. The title SOKE can only be given by a Sokeship Board. They alone can award this title. President I.U.M.A. Soke Hanshi VANSIMPSEN Johnny 1960 started with JU-JITSU in Belgium 1970 started HAKKO RYU 1974 member of World Ju Jitsu Federation 1979 Became coordinator of W.J.J.F. Belgium. He brought many countries together such as Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Bratislava, Finland, Russia, Poland, Austria, France. He was 4 years a police trainer in Belgium. He gave many years Bodyguard technics in several countries Started at I.U.M.A., under Founder Chairman and president Soke Prof. L. Thiersmann and vice-president Soke Prof. J.K. Yamaue. 1993 started with the I.U.M.A. v.z.w. Belgium - Europe. He teachs for the moment Ju-Jitsu, Tai-Jitsu, Bo-Jitsu, Body-Garding and Police technics. 1996 became member and Soke of the World Head of Family. It is a great pleasure for me to introduce our worldwide organization I.U.M.A. and I hope that we will work together. Sportif Greetings, Soke Hanshi Vansimpsen Johnny