The
World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation in America
Creating a Unified and Autonomous Entity
Understanding
the Big Picture
Shitoryu is one of the four modern, major systems of karate. It has also
become a very popular training system for karate competitors because of its
breadth of Kumite principles contained in the numerous Kata absorbed and
preserved by its founder Kenwa Mabuni.
The growth of the World Shitoryu
Karatedo Federation (Shito-Kai) is a world-wide phenomenon. Since the unification of the Japan Shito-Kai in 1993, over 60
national associations have been established world-wide. They have a deep players
list, and tons of talented coaches and master teachers. Unlike personality
driven organizations, the WSKF is well financed, well organized, and has already
survived the death of its Soke - Kenwa Mabuni. The short
story is the Shito-Kai organization is alive, well, and growing. It's
going to be around a long, long time.
The
World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation in America
The World Shito-ryu Karatedo Federation (WSKF) recognizes the USA Shito-Kai
as the official representative for their interests in the United States. WSKF President Tokio Hisatomi
formally addressed this issue
at the 2006 World Council Meeting in Tokyo, Japan. USA Shito-Kai
founder Leonel Perez of Miami, Florida and current Executive
Director Jeff Bedard, have represented the USA at WSKF events since 1991. That is the precedent for action taken by the
Hisatomi.
WSKF administrators, including Iwaki
Hashimoto, Shoko Sato, and Genzo Iwata have given Bedard, of St. Louis,
Missouri, a great amount of latitude regarding WSKF interests in America. They
have assigned him the task of developing the WSKF franchise. Their
expectation - an independent, working federation minus systemic political
conflict.
An
Ugly American in the Mix
Bedard's development within the Shito-Kai organization has been overseen by
Kyoshi Shoko Sato. But, as noted by WSKF General Secretary Iwaki Hashimoto
"Jeff (Bedard) has no sensei watching over him. He is working by the light of
his own moon."
Kyoshi Sato and the WSKF senior committee members have "closed their eyes" to
allow Bedard to follow his vision to establish the USA Shito-Kai firmly on the
American landscape.
Bedard's position, "Personality driven programs
always end in chaos when the personality dies. The World Shitoryu
Federation (Shito-Kai) and the USA Shito-Kai are system driven. They will
continue to function and serve member's needs regardless of leadership changes.
For this reason I urge all Shitoryu stylists to join your family members and
become a part of the World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation and participate in the
activities of their US affiliate."
What's
in it for us?
Autonomy, equality, a place at the WSKF table, and a funded team of our own.
Our one obstacle to unity -
Kunio Murayama, president of the Mexican Shito-Kai program, has provided
sanction to a few clubs within US Territory. The main obstacle to American unity
is his sanctioning of a single club in Springfield, Illinois which was
previously denied membership by the USA Shito-Kai - and for good reason.
This is exactly the kind of behavior we should be avoiding.
The cure - remove the sanction and comply with existing club registration
requirements.
According to Bedard, "Ted Rabino of Arizona is Murayama's US administrator.
Rabino knows the score and has an opportunity to do the right thing. Whether he
has the courage to tell Murayama they made a mistake is another story."
At present Murayama's US clubs are considered
part of his Mexican program. They may not represent the USA at WSKF
competitive events without consent from my administration.
Encroachment into US territory without
submission to the authority of the USA Shito-Kai's policies of club registration
and acceptance will be an issue brought before the upcoming WSKF World Council
meeting in Beijing during 2008.
Who is this Bedard guy anyway?
Best regards,
Jeff Bedard
Executive Director, USA Shito-Kai
Phone (618) 222-0623
Email:
jeffbedard@usakarateclubs.com