After reading the December 2005 addition of the BKA news I have decided to write, from the position of a member who has taken no part in the Executive Committee, to air some of my thoughts on how our association is moving. I would like to say from the start that I have been a member of the BKA since 1990 and have been happy to “go with the flow” for the majority of decisions taken through the years. I am of the opinion that the people who give their free time for the good of the rest of us should not be treated too harshly unless there are major problems. My opinions are my own and are based on my practice of Iaido and Jodo but may apply to Kendo also.

To start, there are many positive things which have taken place over the years that we should be proud of. We still manage to invite some of the top teachers from Japan to instruct at many events throughout the year.

After our last episode of funds being siphoned off, all cheques are now made payable to an account number which should safeguard our balance.

We now have a Health and Safety Policy which has been put together without the usual ramblings of someone who does not fully understand the subject and can be easily put into practice in the training hall.

We now run coaching courses with a more sensible outlook to what is required for the various arts and, to my mind, the introduction of local coach observers will hopefully encourage greater participation. I am not privy to all of the people involved in the coaching program, but again, this seems to be moving in a more positive direction for members who wish to either stay at club coach level or at a more advanced level.

First Aid courses are now being introduced, which will provide all who wish to participate, the very important skills and knowledge needed to keep our training halls as safe as possible.

We will soon be taking on a Child Protection Policy which will only enhance our reputation as being a forward looking association and will protect our children now and in the future.

We now have a number of high grades within the country and through their knowledge and manner within the training halls, seminars and competition events should encourage more beginners to join our association. Our web site is attracting more people to enquire about our arts and gives them an idea of how the BKA is structured. From reading my BKA newsletter, it appears we are increasing our membership in all arts and everything in the garden is rosy.

Or is it?

A number of years ago there was a split among the BKA Iaido members when some felt they were being treated unfairly. This resulted in several clubs leaving the BKA as the dispute had either gone on for too long or club leaders had found that their personal feelings had taken over and there was no way to resolve the matter. My feelings are that we are coming close to this situation again and hope that matters can be resolved with members putting the association first.

In the last year I have received two e-mails from separate people regarding the way our Constitution is written and I tend to agree that some of it could undergo change to ensure all members are treated fairly and correctly.

I have praised the way the coaching has progressed since I first became involved in 1991, but have found that on only one occasion since then have I been asked to assist at courses. The Darlington course which took over from Halifax was set up to encourage people from the North of England and Scotland to join our arts and use the local club leaders, where possible, to help in the teaching. It has been so successful that it now requires a hall each for iaido and jodo and has gradings taking place up to third dan, which again gives the opportunity to involve local people in the skills of grading. For the last couple of years there has also been a lack of Jikiden members involved in either teaching or on the grading panel which, I feel, should be redressed as soon as possible.

There have been recent articles regarding competition in iaido and jodo and the benefit of them within these arts. I believe that any practice is good if it benefits our arts, but if it becomes the sole reason for taking up iaido and jodo then we will loose in the long run. This has been my view since 1995 when we had a competition for iaido during a summer course. On this occasion the teachings of seven Japanese teachers became secondary to the thought of competition. As then, I have no doubt that when many people read this I will not be added to their Christmas list.

I would like to put forward a request to both iaido and jodo high grades and heads of bu. If updates on kata or technique are introduced during visits to courses, competition, etc. could they be sent to each club leader who can then introduce them into their own practice? This will help ensure that throughout the country we are all attempting to do the same things and teachers on courses do not have to spend time updating practice that could have been done in the local club. I am well aware that everyone hears explanation differently so the information has to come from a reliable source but with a bit of common sense I am sure it can be done. There are also some who would say they have made the effort to visit the venues to find out about the changes, so why pass them onto people who do not make the effort? Hopefully our association has come far enough to be more open minded.

I will finish as I started with something positive. I have been lucky enough to attend some jodo courses during the last couple of years which have been led by Vito Tattoli and have found them to be a breath of fresh air. Vito has developed a style of teaching which covers all abilities and although he keeps the atmosphere light he is deadly serious about correct form. Keep up the good work Vito as I am sure you have more than one fan.

Billy Smart
Shonenjiku Glasgow

© Billy Smart 2005, all rights reserved