KODOKAN Koryu Kata Seminar - Spring 2008

Presented by Matsumoto Jumpei Sensei, Paul Budden Sensei and myself, and with special thanks to the members of the Kodokan who helped out as Uchikata in the morning.

Dear BKA member,

Today you will have received your postal balloting paper and Candidates' Election Statement. You have until the 9th of May to return the document in the prepaid envelope. I would respectfully ask you to exercise your freedom of choice in voting for one of the candidates and not make an abstention, as this will not really represent a statement on your behalf...

It is not our intention to undermine or belittle the opposition candidate, but it is necessary that we clarify certain misquoted information that is contained in the document published on KendoUK and the KW forum.

Dear BKA members we would like firstly to apologise for the 'anonymity' of our previous communications, as this would seem to have touched on a raw nerve, which was not our intention.

We felt that the information supplied would be seen as quite obviously coming from members who support the current Kendo Bucho and that this then as 'information only' would need no 'endorsement or personal recommendation.'

This year's Kodokan seminar sees a truly stellar list of Sensei reinforcing it's reputation as one of the highest level seminars in the world. History and tradition drive Kendo but so does innovation and a desire to improve standards and teaching methods. This provided the original link between Paul Budden sensei Kodokan Dojo leader and BKA Kendo Bucho and Sumi sensei one of, if not the, best Kendo thinkers and teachers. The link goes back 25 years, is one of the oldest relationships between Kendo in the UK and Japan and manifests itself in the annual Kodokan seminar (Always oversubscribed).

From Malcolm Goodwin re BKA Refereeing Seminar

Email malcolmgoodwin@blueyonder.co.uk

May we take this opportunity to invite you to the next refereeing seminar in Birmingham Saturday 26th April 2008. We would like every eligible member to attend the course as it is vital for the future development of the BKA to ensure continuity and ongoing training of existing referees.

In the next few days BKA members will receive postal voting papers for the election of Kendo Bucho.

Why is this important? There are two candidates standing, myself and Mike Davis. We represent different eras and agendas and the character and nature of our organisation could be profoundly affected by the result.

I have included a synopsis of my future strategy for Kendo and a record of our achievements during my tenure. We have introduced professionalism into our management and coaching systems, introduced high grade Japanese coaches thereby achieving parity with other European organisations which has been reflected in skill levels and results at international level. In a time where unity between disciplines based on parity is paramount it is important that the Bucho of all 3 disciplines are as one.

I have a good relationship with both Vic Cook & Andy Watson and will strive to work with them to develop our Association and move it forward with the same degree of care and attention as I have demonstrated to date. We will also undertake a revision of the constitution as soon as is possible, this was agreed at the last AGM, but as yet has not been actioned by the EC. Please take a few moments to read my CV here and my future plans for Kendo in our organisation.

Id also like to state at this time that I have great respect for Mike Davis and that I'm sure he will endeavor to carry out his duties to the very best of his ability if elected, whilst still remaining a resident in Spain. Thank you. Paul Budden. .......