Privacy Policy — Kobukan Kobudo Renmei Online University
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use Kobukan Kobudo Renmei Online University (the “Services”). If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the Services.
1) Who We Are
“Kobukan,” “we,” “us,” or “our” means, collectively, Kobukan Kobudo Renmei, Kobukan USA Shibu, Top Defense LLC, and James Wright, together with their officers, contractors, volunteers, and service providers.
Contact (privacy): [email protected]
2) Scope
This policy covers personal information we process when you visit our sites, create an account, purchase courses, participate in classes or communities, or communicate with us. It does not cover third-party websites or services that have their own policies.
3) Information We Collect
- Account & Profile: name, email, password, avatar, location/country, time zone, role (student/instructor), preferences.
- Training & Course Data: enrollments, progress, quiz submissions, certifications, forum posts, messages, uploaded assignments.
- Transactions: purchase history, currency, tax/VAT data; payment method details are handled by our processors (e.g., Stripe/PayPal) and not stored by us in full.
- Support & Communications: emails, chat messages, feedback, testimonials (if you provide them).
- Device & Usage: IP address, device/browser type, pages viewed, referral/UTM, approximate location, cookies and similar technologies.
- Audio/Video & Media: recordings of live classes, events, or community sessions where you appear (voice, image, name); screenshots for moderation or support.
- Social/Third-Party Logins: if used, limited profile data provided by that service.
4) How We Collect It
We collect information directly from you (registration, checkout, posts), automatically through cookies/analytics, and from third parties such as payment processors, email/CRM tools, learning platform providers, and video-conferencing services you use to access the Services.
5) How We Use Your Information
- Provide & improve the Services (courses, communities, certification, personalization, troubleshooting).
- Process payments and manage subscriptions, renewals, and fraud prevention.
- Communicate about your account, purchases, updates, service changes, and support.
- Safety & integrity: enforce Terms, protect IP, detect abuse or security incidents.
- Analytics & performance: understand usage, improve content and experience.
- Marketing (lawfully): send optional newsletters, offers, or event info (you can opt out anytime).
- Compliance: tax, accounting, legal requests, and dispute resolution.
6) Legal Bases (where applicable)
We rely on one or more of the following legal bases: contract (to deliver the Services), legitimate interests (e.g., security, analytics, limited direct marketing), consent (e.g., optional marketing; certain cookies), and legal obligations (e.g., tax, law enforcement requests).
9) Recordings, Classes & Communities
Live sessions and community areas may be recorded. By participating, you understand you may appear (voice, image, name) in recordings that may be used for instructional, archival, moderation, and promotional purposes, consistent with our Terms of Use. If you need a reasonable accommodation, contact us before participating.
10) Marketing Communications
You can opt out of marketing emails at any time via the unsubscribe link or by contacting us. We may still send transactional or service-related messages (e.g., password resets, purchase receipts, critical notices).
11) Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide the Services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods vary by data type (e.g., tax records generally 7 years).
12) Security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the nature of the data. No online service can guarantee absolute security. Please use a strong, unique password and keep it confidential.
13) International Data Transfers
Your data may be processed in countries other than your own (e.g., the United States). Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect cross-border transfers.
14) Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or port your data; to object to or restrict certain processing; and to withdraw consent. To exercise rights, contact [email protected]. We will verify your request and respond as required by law.
California (CPRA): You have the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of certain sharing. We do not sell personal information. To exercise rights, email us. You may designate an authorized agent. We will not discriminate for exercising CCPA/CPRA rights.
EEA/UK (GDPR): You may lodge a complaint with your supervisory authority. Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time without affecting prior lawful processing.
15) Children’s Privacy
The Services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child under 13 provided personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
Users ages 13–17 must have a parent/guardian register and consent as set out in our Terms of Use.
16) “Do Not Track” & Preference Signals
Some browsers send “Do Not Track” signals. Our Services do not currently respond to DNT signals. Where required by law, we honor recognized opt-out preference signals for cross-context behavioral advertising.
17) Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page, and your continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.
18) Contact Us
Privacy questions or requests: [email protected]