Minutes of the EC of the BKA held at the Master Robert on Sunday 12th Nov. 2006.
Present: G. Salmon, J. Howell, D. Gordon, C. Buxton, D. Spacey, A. Lee-Nash, C. Ranger, P. Gray, E. Schofield.
Apologies: V. Cook, S. Bishop, P. Budden, T. Chapman.
Mr Donald and Mr. Ranger were welcomed to their first EC meeting.
- The minutes of the meeting of Oct. 1st were approved.
Matters arising: A] Insurance negotiations are on course for next year.
B] The constitution is on course for December.
C] Chair had dealt with the Seni matter.
- Lidstone Taikai. President is to meet with the Nenriki seniors on Nov. 22nd. [Legal costs covered by insurance about £5800 to date.]
- The breakdown of costs between the BKA and Dojo running events on behalf of the BKA was considered. It was clear that there was a diversity of interpretation in the way this happened. It was decided that in future where grading was involved all Menjo money would go to the EC account. Grading application money, less identifiable expenses [eg hall hire and panel expenses] go to the Bu concerned. Money for seminars, whether with a grading attached or not would be dealt with as in the past, but an amendment to By Law 11 of the constitution would be put to the next AGM. All money must be banked through the BKA account.
- The Treasurer’s report and FSC minutes were accepted except that it was agreed to keep the duration of temporary membership at three months. A fresher fair kit for University use was thought to be worthwhile, as was a Train the Trainers scheme for use with forces PTI.
- Ways of getting rid of junk mail that comes through EC email addresses was discussed.A ‘tick box’ on the application form for receiving the Newsletter was agreed. A proposed revamp of the website was welcomed, and the pros and cons of a forum were debated.
- A report on the problem of obtaining CRB checks was received from Leigh-Anne Law. It seemed sensible that she recommend regional umbrella bodies to Dojo for this to take place.
- As asked for at the last EC meeting, the Gen. Sec. had written to Mr. D. Price-Morris asking for an explanation of action in connection with the DNBK and Ronin Dojo. The letter was signed for on Oct. 19th. A paper passed to the President by Mr. Fujii published DNBK grades that had been given. No reply had been received and an invitation to the EC meeting was ignored. The EC concerns were:-
“A clear breach of Bylaw 8 of the association: “Member clubs and individuals shall not publish in any form Grades for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo other than those recorded in the National Grading Register. Members promoting grades or grading for non FIK recognised bodies would be deemed to have forfeited their BKA membership”. Your recent email confirms that you promote DNBK grades and we have reason to believe that you claim the shogo Renshi through DNBK.
Despite receiving significant interest from beginners in Kendo via the BKA web site and other marketing methods promoted and funded by the BKA, not one single new member (full or temporary) has been recruited by Ronin Kendo Club into the BKA this year. We believe that you have been using your nominal affiliation to the BKA to recruit for the DNBK.
We are aware of instances of beginners and juniors at Ronin Kendo Club being hurt during practice leading to them abandoning their pursuit of Kendo to the detriment of the art, the BKA and the development of Kendo in the UK. Such rough practice with inexperienced members is not acceptable in a BKA dojo.
You have made active attempts to recruit other BKA dojo leaders in the South West to the DNBK by offering DNBK grades, attempts which, had they been successful, would be to the detriment of the BKA.”
It was proposed by the Chair that Mr. Price-Morris be expelled from the BKA in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution. Motion carried unanimously. Gen. Sec. To inform him.
8.A report with suggestions resulting from the recent meeting of Iai leaders had been received. The report was debated, but there was a feeling that the paper was not a reflection of what had gone on. The Iai and Jodo members present were asked to take the feelings of the EC back.
9.Being no further business the meeting closed at 4.45pm.
Next meeting 25th March, end of year reports for AGM before 3rd March 2007.
