By-Laws

Below is a revised version of the Sekkinsen Goshin-Jitsu Karate Federation (SGJKF) bylaws, updated to reflect that SGJKF is not a nonprofit organization and that all operations are funded solely by the founder, Clyde Surrett. The revisions remove references to nonprofit status, 501(c)(3) compliance, and external funding, and clarify that SGJKF is a private organization fully funded by the founder. I’ve also streamlined the bylaws for clarity while preserving their core structure and intent. Key changes are noted at the end for reference.

Sekkinsen Goshin-Jitsu Karate Federation By-laws
Adopted: May 30, 2025

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1.1: Name
The name of this organization is the Sekkinsen Goshin-Jitsu Karate Federation (hereinafter referred to as “SGJKF” or the “Federation”). The Federation may establish acronyms, abbreviations, logos, service marks, or trademarks to further its purposes, mission, recognition, and goals. All certificates, logos, and service marks are owned by the Federation, with usage rights managed by the Founder, Clyde Surrett, or their designated appointee. Unauthorized use of SGJKF intellectual property is prohibited without written permission from the Founder or their appointee.

Section 1.2: Purpose
SGJKF is a private organization dedicated to promoting and fostering the study, practice, and appreciation of martial arts, emphasizing discipline, self-defense, self-confidence, physical fitness, mental conditioning, stress management, and self-discipline. SGJKF encourages members to:

  • Seek truth and practice it.
  • Promote the highest moral character through martial arts training.
  • Respect others, even in disagreement.
  • Contribute positively to their community and country.
  • Develop confidence, humility, and intellectual growth.
  • Sacrifice for what is right and uphold martial arts values.
  • Foster professional training standards and physical and mental health.

Section 1.3: Principal Office
The principal office of SGJKF shall be located in Leicester, Buncombe County, North Carolina. The Founder may change the location of the principal office as necessary. The Federation may establish additional offices as the Founder deems necessary.

Section 1.4: Organizational Status and Funding
SGJKF is a private organization, not a nonprofit entity. All operations, activities, and expenses of SGJKF are fully funded by its Founder, Clyde Surrett. SGJKF does not solicit, accept, or receive external funding, donations, or contributions from any individuals, organizations, or entities.

Article II: Governance

Section 2.1: Founder and President
The Founder and President of SGJKF is Clyde Surrett, Shihan, who holds ultimate authority over the Federation’s operations, including but not limited to membership approvals, rank advancements, school charters, and intellectual property management. The Founder may appoint an individual to act on their behalf, with such authority subject to the Founder’s oversight. Contact: soke1989@gmail.com.

Section 2.2: Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than two (2) and no more than four (4) members, each of whom must be a ranking black belt within SGJKF, except that one member may be a community representative with or without martial arts experience. The current Board members are:

  • Clyde Surrett, Sensei, Founder (30+ years of experience)
  • Bryan Franklin, Sensei, (30+ years of experience)
  • John Enger, Hanshi (40+ years of experience)
  • Cody Surrett (15+ years of experience, designated successor to the Founder)

Section 2.3: Board Terms and Vacancies
Board members serve indefinite terms until they resign, retire, or are removed by the Founder. Vacancies shall be filled by a ranking black belt within SGJKF, appointed by the Founder. If the Board is inactive, the Founder or their appointee shall assume all governance responsibilities.

Section 2.4: Board Powers and Duties
The Board shall advise the Founder and assist with the Federation’s operations, including policy development, membership approvals, and rank certifications, subject to the Founder’s final authority. The Board may establish committees and appoint regional directors as needed to further the Federation’s mission. In the event of a disagreement on rank or membership, the Founder retains the authority to overrule the Board.

Section 2.5: Meetings
The Board shall meet at least annually, with additional meetings as needed. Meetings may be held in person, by telephone, or by electronic means, provided all directors can simultaneously hear each other. Notice of meetings shall be provided at least seven (7) days in advance, unless waived by all directors. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board members.

Section 2.6: Removal of Board Members
The Founder may remove any Board member at their discretion. Additionally, Board members may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Board for cause, including violation of the Federation’s code of ethics.

Section 2.7: Succession
Cody Surrett is designated as the successor to the Founder. Upon assuming the role of Soke (head of the system), Cody Surrett shall inherit the same authority as the Founder, including the power to approve memberships, ranks, and school charters, and to remove Board members.

Article III: Membership

Section 3.1: Categories of Membership
SGJKF recognizes the following membership categories:

  • Life Members: Individuals who register as life members and pay a one-time fee for membership certification. Life memberships may be terminated for cause, as outlined in Section 3.4, with no refunds.
  • Affiliated Members: Individuals from other martial arts organizations or systems who share SGJKF’s values and are approved by the Board or Founder to foster mutual knowledge exchange.
  • Supporting Members: Individuals of any age who register to support the Federation’s purposes, programs, and objectives.

Section 3.2: Membership Application
To become a member, instructors or black belts must submit an application to the Board or Founder. Students of approved instructors may join as individual members. All color belt students at blue belt or above must join SGJKF to be eligible for Dan (black belt) rank certification.

Section 3.3: Voting Rights
Each member instructor in good standing shall have one vote in matters related to policy, rules, regulations, and organizational structure. Voting may occur during general elections or as determined by the Board or Founder.

Section 3.4: Termination of Membership
Membership may be terminated by the Founder or a two-thirds vote of the Board for reasons including but not limited to:

  • Conviction of a felony in a court of law.
  • Slander of SGJKF members or the Federation.
  • Sexual misconduct or physical/verbal abuse.
  • Violation of SGJKF’s code of ethics, including courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
    Terminated members are not entitled to refunds, as outlined in Section 3.1.

Section 3.5: Non-Partisan Status
SGJKF shall remain a non-partisan organization and shall not interfere with the operations of any member’s school, academy, or club.

Article IV: Rank Structure and Certification

Section 4.1: Kyu Ranks
SGJKF recognizes the following Kyu (color belt) ranks, with progression typically requiring 4–6 months of training between ranks:

  • White
  • Orange
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Purple
  • Brown

Section 4.2: Dan Ranks and Titles
SGJKF issues black belt ranks without numerical designation (e.g., Shodan, Nidan). Instead, titles are awarded based on experience and contribution:

  • Dai-Sempai: Typically, a 1st Kyu brown belt or junior black belt, equivalent to a “big brother” of the class.
  • Sempai: 1st–2nd Dan, equivalent to an associate degree, indicating a senior student or assistant instructor.
  • Sensei: 3rd–4th Dan, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, indicating a fully capable teacher.
  • Shihan: 5th–8th Dan, equivalent to a master’s degree, indicating a senior instructor.
  • Hanshi: 9th–10th Dan, equivalent to a doctorate, indicating a master of masters.
  • Soke: The absolute head of the style, held by Clyde Surrett.
  • Kaiso: The Founder of the style, held by Clyde Surrett.

Section 4.3: Rank Advancement

  • Kyu Ranks: Certified instructors may test their students for Kyu ranks and issue certificates in their own name. Official SGJKF Kyu certificates are available upon request.
  • Dan Ranks (1st–4th): Advancement requires a formal test and instructor recommendation, conducted by the Board or Founder in person or via video submission. Testing fees shall cover certificates, belts, and related expenses, as determined by the Founder.
  • Dan Ranks (5th and Above): Advancement is administrative, based on contributions to martial arts, and requires a recommendation from the student’s instructor and approval by the Founder.
  • Founder’s Authority: The Founder may promote any individual to any Kyu or Dan rank (honorary, homologation, or verified) at their discretion.

Section 4.4: Types of Rank

  • Honorary: Awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to SGJKF’s development.
  • Homologation: Recognition of rank from another system, verified by a rank card or certificate and approved by the Board or Founder.
  • Verified: Rank earned through testing before the Board or Founder’s appointee.

Section 4.5: Instructor Certification
Qualified black belts may be certified as instructors based on their ability and/or recommendation from their instructor. Certified instructors may develop their own curriculum, test students up to one rank below their own, and set their own testing fees, which are retained by the instructor.

Section 4.6: Materials
SGJKF provides Dan certificates, school charters, patches, and belts at reasonable cost, plus shipping, as determined by the Founder.

Article V: Regional Divisions

Section 5.1: Establishment of Regions
The Founder may divide the United States into geographic regions to promote SGJKF’s mission. Regions shall operate in accordance with these bylaws and may be restructured no more than once every four (4) years.

Section 5.2: Regional Directors
The Founder may appoint regional directors to foster relationships with members and the public. Regional directors may recommend member removal for cause but lack authority to terminate memberships. Recommendations must include evidence of violations, such as those listed in Section 3.4.

Article VI: Associated Organizations

SGJKF and its Founder, Clyde Surrett, are associated with the following organizations:

  • Shinja Martial Arts University
  • Shinja Martial Arts University Board of Advisors
  • Brotherhood of Martial Artists
  • The Order of Martial Arts Elders
  • Black Dragon Fighting Society
  • International Fighting Arts Association
    These affiliations support SGJKF’s mission to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in martial arts.

Article VII: Fiscal Management

Section 7.1: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of SGJKF shall be the calendar year, unless otherwise determined by the Founder.

Section 7.2: Financial Records
SGJKF shall maintain accurate financial records, available for inspection by the Founder or their appointee. All fees, including membership, testing, and material costs, are determined by the Founder and used to support SGJKF’s operations, with all funding provided solely by the Founder, Clyde Surrett.

Section 7.3: Funding
SGJKF is fully funded by its Founder, Clyde Surrett. No external funding, donations, or contributions are accepted. All financial decisions, including the allocation of fees and expenses, are made at the discretion of the Founder.

Article VIII: Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by the Founder or by a two-thirds vote of the Board with final approval by the Founder. Members shall be notified of proposed amendments at least thirty (30) days in advance.

Article IX: Dissolution

Upon dissolution, SGJKF’s assets shall be distributed at the discretion of the Founder, Clyde Surrett, or their designated successor, in alignment with the Federation’s mission and values.

Certification

These bylaws were adopted and approved by the Founder, Clyde Surrett, on May 30, 2025.
Signed:CDS
Clyde Surrett, Kaiso/Soke, Founder and President

[Additional Board Member Signatures, if applicable]

Key Changes Made

  1. Removed Nonprofit Status:
    • Removed all references to SGJKF being a nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3) status, and compliance with the North Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 55A).
    • Replaced with language clarifying SGJKF as a private organization (Article I, Section 1.4).
    • Removed nonprofit-specific dissolution clause (Article IX) and replaced it with a clause allowing the Founder to distribute assets at their discretion.
    • Removed references to nonprofit financial restrictions (e.g., net earnings in Article VII, Section 7.3).
  2. Clarified Funding Structure:
    • Added explicit statements that SGJKF is fully funded by Clyde Surrett and does not accept external funding, donations, or contributions (Article I, Section 1.4; Article VII, Section 7.3).
    • Updated financial records section to reflect that fees support operations but are ultimately managed by the Founder (Article VII, Section 7.2).
  3. Simplified Governance:
    • Removed references to North Carolina nonprofit statutes to align with private organization status.
    • Streamlined Board and amendment processes to emphasize the Founder’s authority, as nonprofit compliance is no longer relevant.
  4. Preserved Core Structure:
    • Retained the original intent of the bylaws regarding purpose, membership, rank structure, and governance, ensuring continuity with SGJKF’s mission and operations.
    • Kept the Founder’s authority and succession plan intact, as these were not affected by the nonprofit status change.
  5. Legal Status Note:
    • The bylaws now describe SGJKF as a “private organization” rather than specifying a legal entity type (e.g., unincorporated association, sole proprietorship). If SGJKF has a specific legal structure, you should consult a lawyer to ensure the bylaws align with that structure and any applicable state laws.

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*Disclaimer: All legal information provided is for general knowledge and informational purposes only,
and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a legal professional for advice regarding your specific situation.*