The SEUSKF Board of Directors (BOD) recently met to discuss organizational updates, policy matters, and upcoming events. Key discussion points and decisions are summarized below.
Annual Dojo Status Update
The BOD agreed that the Secretary will contact all affiliated dojos annually to confirm their status. This update will include:
- Current number of members
- Participation in SEUSKF events
- Rank of dojo leaders
- Confirmation of a 3rd Dan or higher mentor for dojos led by instructors below 3rd Dan
Budget and Membership Dues
The BOD held a general discussion regarding the current SEUSKF financial position. As part of this review, the Board approved a $10 increase in annual dues per member.
Additional discussion included:
- Providing financial support for teams attending the AUSKF National Tournament
- Potential fundraising initiatives and donation opportunities to support SEUSKF activities
SEUSKF currently has 656 members.
Rank Promotion Application Verification
All United States Kendo Federation
Watson Sensei volunteered to assist Yasui Sensei with the vetting process for promotion requests within SEUSKF. Applications will be verified against records maintained by the AUSKF to ensure:
- Member names match exactly
- Rank information corresponds with the official menjo on file
Shinsa Education and Process Improvement
The BOD discussed the importance of improving understanding of shinsa etiquette, roles, and responsibilities among dojo leaders and participants.
To support this effort:
- Yasui Sensei will contact members in each region to identify volunteers for a Shinsa Subcommittee
- BOD members may nominate individuals who are willing to serve
- The subcommittee will help educate members and improve the quality and consistency of the shinsa process
Event Registration System
The Board discussed implementing JotForm for event registrations.
Plans include:
- Beginning with the free version to evaluate functionality
- Potentially upgrading to a paid version if needed
- Establishing a financial account to support the platform if adopted long-term
Policy and Governance Updates
The BOD discussed reviewing and updating SEUSKF policies, by-laws, and forms that may be outdated.
Additional improvements include:
- Streamlining procedures for Board votes
- Allowing votes to occur electronically (via email) or during in-person meetings
Proposed By-Law Amendment on Misconduct
A potential by-law amendment was discussed regarding disciplinary actions for misconduct.
The proposal would allow the BOD, by a two-thirds vote, to apply consequences to an individual member, rather than only to an entire dojo or group, when misconduct causes damage to SEUSKF. Any disciplinary action would remain at the discretion of the Board.
Board of Directors Vacancy
The BOD approved holding a general election to fill a current Board vacancy. Additional information will be announced soon.
Future Educational Opportunities
The Board discussed the possibility of hosting high-ranking kenshi and champions from Japan to:
- Provide additional training opportunities
- Continuing education within the federation
- Generate additional revenue for SEUSKF
Further details will be shared as plans develop.
Upcoming Shinsa
The next SEUSKF Shinsa will be held in the Northern Region in April 2026. Exact dates, location, and registration details will be announced soon.
2026 SEUSKF Tournament
Charlotte Kendo Club
The Charlotte Kendo Club will host the 2026 SEUSKF Annual Tournament. Dates, location details, and event information will be released later.
Shinsa Eligibility Grace Period
The BOD unanimously approved a two-week grace period surrounding rank eligibility dates.
This means that if a member becomes eligible for promotion on a specific date, but the only available testing opportunity occurs within two weeks before or after that date, the member will still be considered eligible to test.