|
The
International Kokondo Association ¹(IKA)
embodies two traditional Japanese martial
arts: Kokondo Karate and Jukido Jujitsu². The
IKA's purpose is to maintain the integrity,
authenticity and effectiveness of both arts by
standardizing the techniques, kata, etiquette
and procedures practiced in all Kokondo dojo
worldwide. Only individuals with current IKA
Instructor's Certification, proper and current
rank credentials, and written permission from
Hombu may teach the arts of Kokondo Karate or
Jukido Jujitsu, or represent the IKA in any
way³.
The IKA is a traditional martial arts organization with a clear set of guidelines pertaining to etiquette, ranks and responsibilities, as well as a tightly knit and warm family of diverse people. IKA members include men, women, youths and children from all backgrounds and all walks of life who appreciate the values of our traditional arts. Discrimination of any type is not allowed in any IKA dojo, and therefore the IKA attracts considerate people who enrich the organization through their participation as students, sensei, dojo heads, committee members and directors. Perhaps because the IKA does not emphasize competition as so many martial arts systems now do, our youth and adult members tend to value learning and self-improvement rather than “winning at all costs.” As a result of this emphasis, the environment in all Kokondo dojo is conducive to fostering an ethic of “mutual welfare and benefit.”
Kokondo enjoys a rare status among traditional martial arts organizations in that it is a "closed" system, in spite of its size and international scope. One purpose of this autonomous status is to keep Kokondo-ka free of the intercultural political and economic battles that currently plague most worldwide martial arts organizations. Examples abound of individual sensei or martial arts organizations that feel the need to legitimize what they do by aligning themselves politically with governing bodies across the world. Such affiliations serve a purpose only when actual training and support occurs, not simply when money changes hands. Kokondo has grown to its current status by developing instructors under close supervision throughout their training according to all published rank requirements and clearly stated expectations regarding character and commitment. Unlike many global associations, the IKA does not accept instructors as members who have not undergone authentic Kokondo or Jukido training over time under a registered IKA sensei.
Second, Kokondo prevents the inevitable introduction of random techniques, kata and philosophies that often occurs when students dabble in many styles without completely committing to their own. Between Jukido, Kokondo karate and the weapons arts taught within the IKA, there is more than enough knowledge to guarantee Kokondo-ka a lifetime of rich learning. Kokondo teaches that because it is always possible to further enhance one's understanding and performance of technique, the effort of trying one's best to improve is more important than ever achieving perfection.
IKA members endeavor to follow the Codes of Bushido in their training and in their daily lives. One example of this practice pertains to benevolence, or charitable acts of kindness to help others in need. The IKA as an organization (as well as most dojo independently) donate considerable time, energy and financial contributions to local, national and global charities. As one example, the IKA is a long-time supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and schedules annual events such as tournaments, demonstrations and shows to raise money for research to find a cure. Kokondo Sensei also regularly teach self-defense seminars as a service to increase awareness of safety in their communities.
The world headquarters (Hombu) for the IKA is in South, Windsor, CT. Over the course of its history, the IKA has included member dojo in 29 US states, and international members in numerous countries, including: Finland, Israel, Spain, Portugal, Norway, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Saipan, Canada, Saudi Arabia, China and others.
The current
roster4 of IKA Directors includes:
·
Shihan Paul Arel – Chairman /
Chief Instructor
·
Master John Fearns – Special
Advisor to the Chairman
·
Master Gregory Howard –
International Associate Director
·
Sensei Daniel Cohen
– International Karate Director / ICKA
Director
·
Sensei Scott Cohen
–International Jukido Director / Public
Relations Director
·
Master Tom Wood – National
Karate Director
·
Sensei
Rob Robert – National Jukido Director / Budo
News Department Head
·
Sensei
Jim Scanlon – National Associate Karate
Director / IKA Webmaster
·
Sensei
Joaquin Betancourt –National Associate
Jukido Director
·
Master
Steve Dunne – International Kokondo Liaison
·
Sensei
Vesa Toropainen – European Kokondo Director
....Master Robert Longo (1933-2001) – National Director
(Emeritus)
Inter-Collegiate
Kokondo Alliance (ICKA)
The Inter-Collegiate Kokondo Alliance (ICKA) is a distinct division of the IKA that was formalized and introduced officially by Shihan Arel in 1999 at the International Seminar in New London, CT. Its primary purpose is to assist Hombu with the development, over-sight and sustainability of all Kokondo Karate and Jukido Jujitsu dojo at colleges, universities and other scholastic settings internationally. It was born out of the realization that the culture, time frame, politics and administrative nature of a college dojo may be uniquely different than of other types of dojo. Additionally, the dynamics of teaching one’s peers can put additional pressure on young instructors. At Shihan Arel’s request, the establishment of the ICKA formalized many practices, activities and responsibilities that previously occurred solely on a case-by-case basis.
Beginning with the selection and development of high-potential students who indicate an interest in teaching and the capability to do so effectively, the ICKA Director and Team Leaders work with Hombu and individual Chief Instructors to develop the teaching capacity of young instructors. Subsequently, the ICKA assists new sensei in navigating the complex bureaucracies of college campuses and administrations to establish IKA dojo that conform to both Kokondo guidelines and individual university policies.
The ICKA is always available to Dojo Heads on campus to advise and support them in the healthy growth of their school, and to maintain Kokondo’s high technical, behavioral and pedagogical standards. The ICKA functions within the Kokondo world both visibly and behind-the-scenes, and always in close coordination with Hombu. Public ICKA activities may include participation in promotional tests, seminars, fund-raisers, train-the-trainer sessions, and special clinics on teaching Kokondo and Jukido. Additional forms of assistance often include such services as promotion of marketing strategy, communication about differentiation between Kokondo and other systems, and communication with school administrations to authenticate the credentials of new Kokondo sensei as they begin to charter and run their club or dojo. Privately, ICKA functions may include coaching on performance, development or relationship issues, or other types of communication and training support for younger instructors.
As with all potential Kokondo Dojo, Hombu must be notified and provide written approval for any individual in the system to begin a dojo or plan to start a new dojo. In the case of all scholastic dojo, Hombu will refer the approved future instructor to the ICKA Director to discuss the appropriate steps. As it is a benefit to the entire IKA and a requirement that Hombu be fully aware of all Kokondo and Jukido dojo operating at colleges and universities, the ICKA Director will serve as an advisor to collegiate dojo heads, as well as a Hombu representative. In this way, the ICKA supports the continued healthy development, uniformity and growth of the Kokondo system.
[1] These titles were
officially announced in July of 2003.
The Organization Chart of the IKA, along with pictures
and short bios of each director, may be seen in full at the
following page on the official IKA website: http://www.ikja.com/ikaorg/ikaorg.htm
[2]
IKA is a subsidiary of IKJA, Inc., the International Karate &
Jukido Academies, Inc., based in South Windsor, CT.
[3]
Anyone
claiming to teach either Kokondo Karate or Jukido Jujitsu should be an
active member in good standing of the IKA.
Their rank and status may be validated by contacting the IKA
World HQ at (860) 644-9634, or e-mailing an
inquiry to: totedo@aol.com
[4] These titles were
officially announced in July of 2003.
The Organization Chart of the IKA, along with pictures and
short bios of each director, may be seen in full at the following page
on the official IKA website: http://www.ikja.com/ikaorg/ikaorg.htm
|
