[ZonaPutaX]

This is a sensitive subject, and while I am all for some kind of union between Kendo and Kumdo in the US - the terms under which the AUSKF are considering the merger are unsettling.

Particularly, the concept that a Kumdo Federation would exist as a seperate Federation - regardless of region - within the AUSKF. This would allow, for example, a Kumdo dojo in Washington to exist outside of the PNKF and yet still hold gradings, participate in taikais etc. The difficulties with this arrangement seem large.

[wrewsTear]

I haven't heard anything about this, but if they would in essence make up their own "boundary-less" region, still hold their own gradings, etc. ... then what would be the purpose of the merger?

Thoughts?

[911_993_911]

It's mentioned in the last AUSKF newsletter, and the report from the last AUSKF board meeting was that the issue has not made much progress since then. However, as I understand it the proposal is exactly that, a boundary-less region within AUSKF.

The concern is that we could have a situation where we have dojo within a given Kendo federation region that are not part of that federation, not contributing to it is as an equal partner and possibly even competing for membership. It leads to fears of what happened to TKD - a McDojo in every strip mall not answerable to the region for it's standards or conduct.

I support the idea of including Kumdo in AUSKF, but it needs to be part of the existing framework and not as some kind of separate organization operating under the AUSKF umbrella.

[Xodvbooj]

However, as I understand it the proposal is exactly that, a boundary-less region within AUSKF.

This is already the status quo on a smaller scale within AUSKF, e.g. SCKO and SCKF in California, and EUSKF, AEUSKF and GNEUSKF on the east coast.

The concern is that we could have a situation where we have dojo within a given Kendo federation region that are not part of that federation, not contributing to it is as an equal partner and possibly even competing for membership. It leads to fears of what happened to TKD - a McDojo in every strip mall not answerable to the region for it's standards or conduct.

Actually, I think it would have the opposite effect -- there will no longer be a place for a McDojo to hide, so to speak, if they don't belong to AUSKF. As for competing for membership, the reality is that membership currently is already split to a large degree by ethnicity anyway.

I support the idea of including Kumdo in AUSKF, but it needs to be part of the existing framework and not as some kind of separate organization operating under the AUSKF umbrella.

Negotiations always require compromise. Better to have a big tent and then gradually compromise rather than perpetuate Balkanization because one is unwilling to bend. Besides, the overarching governing body of standards is FIK anyway.

[soryalomop]

I should make a disclaimer here, as I'm hardly an unbiased party to the discussion. I represent Obukan Kendo Club on the PNKF board of directors.

That being stated, I'm not in favor of USKU membership that reduces or limits the existing regional federations. If USKU wants to join AUSKF in the PNKF, they should become PNKF members and join the team for the common good. The AUSKF was set up as a collection of regional federations for very good reasons, and the changes that fragment those regions are bad, IMHO.

[QysnZWB4]

This is already the status quo on a smaller scale within AUSKF, e.g. SCKO and SCKF in California, and EUSKF, AEUSKF and GNEUSKF on the east coast.

As for the east coast, I remember the time when there was the EUSKO.

I personally think there should be one Federation here, not three, so we don't really need a fourth.

I would suggest that the majority of experienced kendo players feel the same.

[pedFlicle]

I personally think there should be one Federation here, not three, so we don't really need a fourth.

Indeed. Alas, kendo politics.

[ticfarentibia]

Indeed. Alas, kendo politics.

Politics? Surely, you jest...

[gariharlj]

This is a sensitive subject, and while I am all for some kind of union between Kendo and Kumdo in the US - the terms under which the AUSKF are considering the merger are unsettling.

Particularly, the concept that a Kumdo Federation would exist as a seperate Federation - regardless of region - within the AUSKF. This would allow, for example, a Kumdo dojo in Washington to exist outside of the PNKF and yet still hold gradings, participate in taikais etc. The difficulties with this arrangement seem large.

The current terms "on the table" are actually they would have to give up their KKA charter and join strictly AUSKF and be bound by those rules and regulations. In that event, it would be just like any other federation within the AUSKF; which might I add to not have any mcdojo's and participate financially and voluntarily.

Again, this are currently just at the discussion level and no real move has been made to finalize any decisions.

[dmitrynts]

I personally think there should be one Federation here, not three, so we don't really need a fourth.

I would suggest that the majority of experienced kendo players feel the same.

Agreed. But why are there 2 kendo federations in California alone?

[BuyNetHosting]

Agreed. But why are there 2 kendo federations in California alone?

Actually, it's four -- two in southern California. It's a big state.

[asharbiq]

Wow that's alot of federations in one state!

[2puO4Rhf]

There are three federations in NYC. The only ratiional explanation is that it is thecenter of the universe.

[astefecyAvevy]

The current terms "on the table" are actually they would have to give up their KKA charter and join strictly AUSKF and be bound by those rules and regulations. In that event, it would be just like any other federation within the AUSKF; which might I add to not have any mcdojo's and participate financially and voluntarily.

Again, this are currently just at the discussion level and no real move has been made to finalize any decisions.

they are talkin about USKU, not the KKA dojangs. KKA is part of FIK, as USKU is their own federation (or union). I dont know about this merging, personally, it's a good idea, but should of thought of this before we had so many federations that arent even under the same big mother.

-as for California, we have NCKF, SCKF, SCKO, USKU, and the KKA. haha, so really there's 5 groups, 4 of which are part of the FIK.

[Freefspruptpx]

-as for California, we have NCKF, SCKF, SCKO, USKU, and the KKA. haha, so really there's 5 groups, 4 of which are part of the FIK.

You forgot about the CCKF...

[mpegdvdclip]

hmm.. does that mean kka under auskf will have its own voting rights? that would, like someone said above, compete with other regional fed within auskf. but, usually it's koreans who join either kka or usku, and they are already in those dojang, i doubt it will compete for membership with other dojo. only thing that might cause issue is voiting rights within auskf.. if kka has no boundry within us.. that means kka could have larger membership than other regional federation and they will have more voiting rights or something since last i heard the voting right of each regional fed depends on number of poeple who pays for the national fed membership. and i like my blue hakama fine without the racing stripe.

pete

[BegeMoT]

Hang on a sec...there are dojangs in the US who are affiliated with the KKA but not AUSKF? How does that work? Isn't KKA based in Korea?

[Rurcextedutty]

The current terms "on the table" are actually they would have to give up their KKA charter and join strictly AUSKF and be bound by those rules and regulations. In that event, it would be just like any other federation within the AUSKF; which might I add to not have any mcdojo's and participate financially and voluntarily.

Again, this are currently just at the discussion level and no real move has been made to finalize any decisions.

With the key difference being that they would comprise a "regionless" federation. It's their participation and cooperation at the regional level, not the national level, that is concerning.

[epPtsDno]

The only way the AUSKF board would change their move toward regionless federations in the US is if the membership started writing email/letters to the board expressing their concerns.

The membership is responsible for the shaping of the federation, and setting policy. I encourage the "average US kenshi" to speak up and let the board know how you feel about this issue.

[Erawise]

I'm begining to think that there's more than one USKU, or the different regions of USKU have their own set of rules and "sovereignty."

I don't know much about all these politics, can you tell me what the main problem is currently? From what I know, USKU just wants to compete and participate with the rest of the Kendo community in the US. As for the worries of Mcdojo, I don't think you have to worry all that much. There are no Mcdojos within the USKU. As for possible new members joining, there doesnt need to be much worry on that matter either. I doubt they'd let some guy who doesn't know what he's doing start a dojo and join the USKU as a "loophole" method to gain IKF status. Then again, I really don't know anything about any of this. All I know is, I want to be part of IKF but stay in my same dojo, with my sensei, and my dojomates.