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WHCMA – World Headmasters Council of Martial Arts is an international governing council dedicated to the recognition, preservation, and certification of traditional martial arts leadership outside of Japan.
We serve as a structured body that honors authentic lineage, verified transmission, and recognized Headmaster / Head Family authority within classical and traditional martial systems. Our mission is to uphold integrity, protect heritage, and provide formal acknowledgment to distinguished martial arts leaders who carry generational responsibility for their systems. Through ethical standards, historical respect, and professional evaluation, WHCMA supports the continuity of legitimate martial traditions on a global level. |
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1. International Recognition
Formal acknowledgment from a respected global council dedicated to traditional martial arts leadership outside of Japan. 2. Institutional Legitimacy Structured certification that reinforces documented lineage, succession, and recognized Headmaster authority. 3. Preservation of Heritage Support in safeguarding classical traditions, historical identity, and generational continuity. 4. Professional Credibility Enhanced standing within the international martial arts community through affiliation with a recognized governing body. 5. Council Fellowship Inclusion within a network of distinguished Headmasters and senior leaders committed to ethical standards and mutual respect. 6. Formal Documentation Official certification and archival recognition are suitable for institutional, ceremonial, and historical records. 7. Protection of Title & Status Structured validation that helps prevent misrepresentation and protects authentic leadership designations. |
TODAY, ONLY THE MINAMOTO-AIZU CLAN REMAINS INTACT, GOING BACK IN A DOCUMENTED LINEAGE TO EMPEROR SEIWA TENNO IN 850 A.D. WHCMA IS THE ONLY ONE FOLLOWING TRADITIONAL SUCCESSOR-SHIP PROTOCOL OF BLOODLINE SUCCESSOR-SHIP IS THE SHIRO SAIGO LINE. THE LINE OF GUNSHI WILLIAMS ( DECEASED ) TRANSFERRED AUTHORITY TO O-SENSEI ALEXEY KUNIN HAS DOCUMENTED TITLE BASED ON AUTHENTIC AND TRADITIONAL LINEAGE OF JAPANESE SUCCESSOR-SHIP TO THE POSITION OF O-SENSEI THROUGH LETTERS OF SUCCESSOR-SHIP ALLOWING FOR LEGITIMATE SPONSORSHIP OF SOKESHIP INTO THE MARTIAL ARTS OF THE MINAMOTO / AIZU CLANS. PLEASE VIEW OUR LINEAGE No modern Soke board outside of Japan has the legitimate authority to award Sokeship to anyone unless they can prove documentation of unbroken lineage to either the Fujiwara, Minamoto, Aizu, Taira, Kamikura, or Ashikawa Clans. |
THE WHCMA - WORLD HEADMASTERS COUNCIL OF MARTIAL ARTS IS SPONSORED BY GUNSHI WILLIAMS ( DECEASED ) - TRANSFERRED AUTHORITY TO O-SENSEI ALEXEY KUNIN, WHO HAS SUCCESSION AUTHORITY THROUGH THE LINEAGE OF TANOMO SAIGO TO AWARD SOKESHIPS TO ANYONE DEEMED QUALIFIED.
A first-generation founder of a modern (gendai) Martial Arts System, even if sponsored legitimately. Has no authority to recognize or license another first-generation founder. Even a band or group of first-generation founders has no such authority. None of these Shodai Sokes has been authorized to issue or recognize other Shodai Sokes. Nor would they ever be, since they are not qualified under traditional protocol. Only a Legitimate O-Sensei Alexey Kunin 35th Soke Generation Headmaster / Head Family of Daito Ryu Aikibudo with lineage going back to one of the four Japanese Shogunates has the Authority to Sponsor a Shodai Soke. Since this WHCMA Sponsorship Body is the only one in existence that involved the exact same standards and procedures used in Japan prior to the Meiji Restoration Period, circa 1887. Legitimized under the Shogunate of the Minamoto, Aizu and Takeda Clans. Each Shodai Soke will be required to formally present/demonstrate the core of their new system before the Dai Yokoyori Consulate ( the WHCMA B.O.D. ) as it was in feudal times, and if possible, personally before the O-Sensei. Upon which they will be presented with four basic traditional katas and their own personal "kamon" or family emblem / crest that must be added to their new system. Thus assuring they are indeed a legitimate branch of this 1200-year old Shogunated Military Art known as Saigo Ha Daito Ryu Rengokai. |
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It reflects not only strategic organization for battlefield effectiveness but also a deep commitment to respect, discipline, and ritualized interaction among ranks. At its core lies a dual emphasis on operational command and ceremonial observance—ensuring that military efficiency is balanced with cultural propriety and ethical conduct.
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Emerging from the military systems of feudal Japan, these arts were shaped by the disciplined order of the samurai class. Their practice extends beyond physical combat techniques to include strict etiquette, rank hierarchy, and codified forms of interaction that mirror historical military organization.
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The structured protocols reinforce loyalty, humility, and self-control, while ceremonial practices preserve lineage and tradition. Thus, the Great Eastern military traditional protocol structure serves a dual purpose: sustaining strategic command systems and fostering moral and spiritual development, ensuring that martial discipline unites mind, body, and character.
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• O-Sensei (Great Teacher, Spiritual Leader)
Founder · Spiritual Head · Moral Authority The ultimate authority and spiritual guide, O-Sensei, embodies both martial mastery and moral wisdom. Often revered as the founder of a school or style, their guidance shapes not only technical instruction but the ethical and philosophical principles of the martial art. • Shogun (Governor of a Province) Supreme Military Governor · Strategic Sovereign Historically, the Shogun held supreme military power in Japan, governing provinces and commanding armies. The Shogunate system ended in 1867 when the Emperor of Japan restored central authority. In martial arts traditions, this rank symbolizes overarching military governance and strategic command. |
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• Gunshi (Military Commander)
Chief Commander · Operational Authority Directly responsible for the operations and discipline of the forces under their command, Gunshi coordinated strategies and ensured the enforcement of orders. • Dai Yokoyori (Senior Military Adviser) Senior Strategic Adviser A key advisor to commanders, providing strategic insights and counsel on critical military decisions. • Yokoyori (Military Advisers) Military Advisers · Tactical Development Supporting the senior adviser, Yokoyori helped develop tactics, assess threats, and maintain organizational efficiency. • Iemoto (Senior Soke, Major General) Grand Headmaster · Organizational Overseer The Iemoto oversees the broader organizational structure of the martial school or clan, ensuring that various branches operate in harmony under unified principles • Soke (Head of Clans, Generals of Different Branches) Clan Heads · Generals of Branch Traditions Leaders of individual clans or specialized military branches, Soke are entrusted with executing strategies, managing personnel, and preserving the traditions of their lineages. |
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• Hanshi (Headmasters, Head Officers)
Headmaster · Guardian of Tradition Senior instructors with the authority to guide and evaluate other instructors. They maintain the integrity of the teaching tradition and supervise major branches. • Shihan (Master Instructors, Officers) Master Instructor · Senior Officer Experienced teachers are responsible for training advanced students and overseeing day-to-day instruction in their respective branches. • Kyoshi (Senior Instructors, Officers) Senior Instructor · Leadership Mentor These instructors mentor intermediate students and provide leadership within the dojo or military unit. • Renshi (Licensed Instructors, Officers) Licensed Instructor · Technical Authority Certified teachers who assist in instruction and ensure the proper transmission of techniques and philosophy. |
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• Sensei (Teachers, Officers)
Teacher · Discipline Keeper Responsible for guiding students, maintaining discipline, and imparting knowledge both in martial techniques and ethical conduct. • Sempai (Senior Students, Soldiers) Senior Student · Unit Leader Experienced students who mentor beginners, act as intermediaries between instructors and novices, and demonstrate leadership qualities in training and combat. • Kohai (Beginner Students, Soldiers) Junior Student · Foundational Apprentice The novices or newest members of the martial school or military unit. They learn fundamental techniques, respect hierarchical protocols, and develop discipline under the guidance of senior members. |
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This hierarchy emphasizes the balance of spiritual, educational, and military authority in Japanese martial arts.
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Every rank, from O-Sensei to Kohai, plays a role in maintaining the integrity, tradition, and operational efficiency of the system. It reflects a society where discipline, respect, and knowledge are passed down meticulously through generations.
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礼は秩序を生み 秩序は和を守る 技は身を鍛え 徳は心を導く |
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SUPREME MILITARY COMMANDER
GUNSHI DR. JOHN J. WILLIAMS / Deceased - Canada AJJIF Senior Adviser, World Technical Grandmaster, GUNSHI - Saigo Ha Daito Ryu Aiki Bujutsu, Menkyo Kaiden Shinto Ryu Aiki Budo, 34th Generation Headmaster / Head Family Daito Ryu, President of the Zen Kokusei Saigo Ha Daito Ryu ( Takeda Ryu ) Aiki Bujutsu Rengokai. Sponsoring Head Family - World Headmasters Council of Martial Arts ( WHCMA ), Member of Katabami Ju-Jitsu Clan |
SUPREME MILITARY COMMANDER - SPIRITUAL LEADER
O-SENSEI ALEXEY KUNIN - USA Founder and Head President of AJJIF GLOBAL - World Ju-Jitsu Governing Body, 10 Dan Ju-Jitsu. 35th Soke Generation Headmaster / Head Family of Daito Ryu Aikibudo. Headmaster / Head Family of Katabami Ju-Jitsu Clan. Vice President of WTFSKF - Okinawa Karate - World Karate Governing Body |
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For information about acceptance in to the WHCMA and how to receive Recognition and Registration of your Martial Art Style, and
your personal Recognition and Registration as a Founder, Shodai Soke, Headmaster / Head Family. Please contact Dai Yokoyori Gunshi O-Sensei Alexey Kunin |
Only Dai Yokoyori Gunshi O-Sensei Alexey Kunin ( Supreme Military Adviser ) has been authorized to recommend candidates to
Gunshi ( Supreme Military Commander of the Great Eastern Military ) for acceptance in WHCMA. |
