British Kendo Association

Summary:  There were no problems with foreign gradings or Renshi-shogo or other matters that I am aware of, prior to the publication of the outgoing President’s report of discussions/decisions at the EKF and FIK meetings in Sao Paolo. The latter gives rise to concerns over terminology and I shall debate this with the EKF.

Full text of message:

Dear Members,

Some of you have raised concerns following the publication of the report of the outgoing President detailing discussions/decisions at the EKF and FIK meetings in Sao Paolo. (see here).

The report suggests that because we do not have a post of ‘President’ our Association will not be able to conduct normal business with the EKF/FIK, such as approving refereeing panels, foreign gradings, Renshi-shogo applications, be eligible for selection to the EKF Board of Directors etc. In view of these concerns, I shall be writing to the EKF to clarify matters.

To date the facts are as follows:

• We wrote to the EKF/FIK about the changes in our constitution and structure. This was the proper thing to do.
• The EKF & FIK acknowledged these changes with no issues arising.
• The EKF and IKF have been corresponding with the new Chairman (as the equivalent of the President) and with the new Director of International Affairs (DIA) covering the international liaison role of the President and changed their emails, titles etc.
• The EKF has accepted our arrangements for grading Certificates of Eligilibility (for the Malta seminar) via the Membership Secretary, and the FIK seems to have accepted the DIA’s approval of Renshi grading applications etc. We have been conducting normal business with the EKF and FIK as Chairman and Director of International Affairs.

There were no problems with foreign gradings or Renshi-shogo or other matters that I am aware of, prior to the publication of the outgoing President’s report of discussions/decisions at the EKF and FIK meetings in Sao Paolo. The latter gives rise to concerns over terminology and I shall debate this with the EKF.

I will update you if the facts change.

The post of “Chairman” is consistent with our tradition of democratic accountability etc, but less common in mainland Europe. However, if after discussion it is necessary to “re-title” ourselves e.g. “President of International Affairs” etc we shall do so – with no change to our internal structure. This would be in keeping with the concept of “mushin”, which is a necessary characteristic if we are to benefit from our arts.

Thank you,

Errol Blake, Chairman,
British Kendo Association,
21 September 2009

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