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Who We Are

The International Kenshido Federation (IKF) is the official international governing body dedicated to the development, regulation, and global promotion of Kenshido as a modern martial art and combat sport.

IKF operates with a strong commitment to safety, education, ethics, and international standards, ensuring that Kenshido is practiced responsibly across all age categories and competitive levels.

What is Kenshido?

Kenshido is a hybrid martial arts system that integrates:

  • Striking techniques (controlled and regulated)
  • Grappling and projections inspired by judo and wrestling
  • Ground control and submissions (age-appropriate)
  • Non-competitive self-defense for real-life situations

Kenshido was designed to be effective, structured, and adaptable, serving children, youth, adults, and professional athletes within a single coherent system.

Our Philosophy

Kenshido is built on the belief that true martial strength lies in control, intelligence, and respect.

The discipline promotes:

  • Physical development
  • Psychological balance
  • Discipline and self-control
  • Respect for opponents and rules
  • Social responsibility

IKF firmly rejects unnecessary violence and places education and human development at the center of its mission.

Governance & Integrity

IKF is governed by:

  • An Executive Board
  • A Technical Committee
  • A Medical Committee
  • A Disciplinary Committee
  • International representatives

All activities are conducted with transparency, accountability, and respect for national and international regulations.

Founder & Leadership

The International Kenshido Federation was founded by
Dr. Ellouzi Sabeur, PhD, an internationally recognized martial arts expert, coach, referee, and educator.

With decades of experience across traditional and modern combat systems, Dr. Ellouzi Sabeur developed Kenshido to address the limitations of single-style martial arts and to create a balanced, safe, and scientifically informed combat system.

Protection of Children & Youth

IKF applies strict child and youth protection policies, including:

  • Prohibition of head contact for minors
  • Progressive and controlled techniques only
  • Mandatory protective equipment
  • Psychological monitoring and referee intervention
  • Parental authorization and medical clearance

The safety and well-being of young practitioners are non-negotiable priorities.

Competition & Education

IKF oversees:

  • Amateur, intermediate, and professional competitions
  • Divisions A, B, and C
  • Events on tatami, ring, and cage
  • Certified referees, judges, and medical staff

At the same time, IKF strongly supports non-competitive education, self-defense training, and personal development through Kenshido.

Our Global Mission

The mission of IKF is to:

  • Develop Kenshido worldwide
  • Support national federations and clubs
  • Train and certify coaches, referees, and judges
  • Promote safe and ethical combat sports
  • Build international cooperation through sport

IKF Vision

To make Kenshido a global reference for safe, intelligent, and educational martial arts—where tradition meets modern effectiveness.

History & Philosophy

Kenshido was conceived as a response to the historical evolution of martial arts and modern combat sports. Throughout history, combat systems were created to meet the real needs of warriors, soldiers, and protectors of society. Among them, the Samurai represented the highest level of martial mastery, discipline, and responsibility.
The Samurai was not limited to a single weapon or technique. He mastered:
• Sword combat (Ken)
• Hand-to-hand combat
• Kicking and striking
• Grappling and projections
• Tactical movement and strategy
• Mental discipline and emotional control

Scientific, Educational, and Martial Foundations

Kenshido is built on a scientific and educational foundation, integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines:
Scientific Foundations

• Psychology of performance and stress
• Motor learning and coordination
• Neuro-muscular adaptation
• Biological growth and physical development
• Injury prevention and recovery

The system recognizes that combat efficiency depends as much on the mind as on the body.
Educational Foundations
Kenshido is not designed only to create fighters, but to educate individuals. Training programs are structured to:

• Develop discipline and respect
• Improve self-confidence and emotional stability
• Encourage social integration and teamwork
• Build responsibility and ethical awareness

Special attention is given to youth education, ensuring training is compatible with psychological maturity and physical growth.
Martial Foundations
Kenshido draws from:

• Traditional martial arts (Bushido spirit, discipline, respect)
• Modern combat sports (MMA, grappling, wrestling)
• Practical self-defense systems

This combination ensures realistic effectiveness without abandoning ethical values.

Why Kenshido is Unique

Hybrid System Concept (Striking, Grappling, Projections, Self-Defense)**
Kenshido is a hybrid martial art, designed to cover all ranges of combat:

Striking (Hands & Legs)

• Punches, elbows, knees, kicks
• Distance management
• Timing and precision
• Controlled impact according to age and level

Grappling & Projections

• Judo-based throws
• Wrestling takedowns
• Balance breaking and control
• Ground positioning

Ground Control & Submissions

• Positional dominance
• Controlled submissions
• Safety-focused application

Self-Defense

• Real-life scenarios
• Stress response management
• Defense against grabs and aggression
• Escape and protection strategies

This hybrid structure reflects the ancient Samurai’s versatility, adapted to modern rules, safety, and society.

Youth Protection and Psychological Development Philosophy A central pillar of Kenshido is the protection and development of children and youth

Kenshido recognizes that:

• Children are not miniature adults
• Psychological development is as important as physical training
• Excessive violence damages long-term growth

Therefore, Kenshido applies:

• Progressive learning stages
• Strict control of contact and techniques
• Age-specific rules and prohibited techniques
• Psychological monitoring and pedagogical guidance

Training is designed to build confidence, emotional control, and resilience, not fear or aggression.
Kenshido
The Soul of the Samurai in the Modern World
Kenshido represents the soul of the Samurai reborn in modern times.
The Samurai was:

• A master of multiple combat skills
• A strategist and protector
• A disciplined and ethical warrior

Today, Dr. Ellouzi Sabeur, PhD, follows this path by translating the Samurai’s philosophy into a modern, scientific, and regulated martial system.
Kenshido unites:

• The tradition and soul of ancient martial wisdom
• The efficiency and realism of modern combat techniques
• The scientific understanding of psychology and human performance

Kenshido for All: Universal Martial System
Kenshido is designed for:

• Kids – education, safety, coordination
• Youth – controlled combat, discipline, development
• Adults – complete martial and self-defense system
• Professionals – high-level competition and performance

Each category follows specific rules, techniques, and training objectives, all adapted to:

• Psychological maturity
• Social responsibility
• Physical and biological development

Benefits of Kenshido Practice
Physical Benefits

• Strength and endurance
• Coordination and balance
• Flexibility and mobility
• Cardiovascular health

Psychological Benefits

• Stress control
• Emotional stability
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Mental resilience

Social & Educational Benefits

• Respect for others
• Discipline and responsibility
• Team spirit and leadership
• Positive social integration

Phd Ellouzi sabeur : the founder and the President
Conclusion
Kenshido is not merely a sport or a martial art. It is a complete system of physical, mental, and ethical development, inspired by the Samurai spirit, guided by scientific knowledge, and structured for modern society under the authority of the International Kenshido Federation (IKF).

Non-profit & educational purpose

Legal & Non-Profit Compliance

The International Kenshido Federation (IKF) operates in full compliance with applicable national and international laws governing non-profit, educational, and sports organizations.

IKF is structured and managed in accordance with recognized principles of:

  • Transparency and accountability
  • Good governance
  • Ethical sports administration
  • Child protection and athlete safety

All IKF activities comply with:

  • Sports and youth protection regulations
  • Medical and safety standards aligned with international guidelines
  • Non-profit operational requirements
  • Anti-discrimination and equal opportunity principles

The Federation maintains official governing documents, including:

  • A Charter and Statutes
  • Official Rules & Regulations
  • Disciplinary and medical policies
  • Certification and licensing frameworks

IKF does not engage in activities for private profit. Any financial resources are exclusively used to support its educational mission, athlete development programs, safety initiatives, and international cooperation.

The International Kenshido Federation commits to continuous compliance review and cooperation with public authorities to ensure full legal and institutional integrity.

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