[1] The organization, founded in 1951, has headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and is a member of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

[2] Among other objectives of IMAF are the expansion of interest in Japanese martial arts, the establishment of communication, friendship, understanding and harmony among member chapters, the development of the minds and bodies of members, and the promotion of global understanding and personal growth.

[2] The International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) was founded in 1951 by a group of some of Japan's most prominent martial arts practitioners, including:[2] The first President (chairman) was Prince Kaya Tsunenori (uncle of Emperor Hirohito, former lieutenant general in the Imperial Army) from 1952 to 1965, and was followed Prince Higashikuni (the first post World War II Prime Minister, the only member of the Japanese Imperial Family to have held this post).

The International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) use the shōgō system where the levels are renshi (錬士), kyōshi (教士), and hanshi (範士).

The issue was raised to the Japanese courts which in 1987, ruled against Mochizuki and separation---IMAF Europe is not affiliated with Japan.

[15][16] IMAF members demonstrated Nihon Kendo Kata at Kameido Katori Jinja on April 29, 2009.

[18] A YouTube clip exists showing IMAF members demonstrating Nihon Kendo Kata.