IMAF = in Japanese, Kokusai Budo Renmei). Martial arts organization based in Tokyo, Japan covering most modern and traditional arts which confers ranks on members worldwide. Members include Gozo SHIODA, and Yoshio SUGINO. This organization has provided an alternate source of ranking outside of martial art-specific organizations for many Japanese and foreign martial artists. The IMAF ranking criteria are quite liberal. In 1987 a split occurred in the organization led by Minoru MOCHIZUKI, a former member.