The Philippine chapter of the Universal Shotokan Karate Union last week clarified that affiliation with the USKU does not bind the affiliate’s memberships with one’s mother clubs.
“The affiliation is voluntary and individuals or organizations are welcome to join without comprising their respective clubs and loyalties,” said Alfonso Fagkayang, secretary of USKU Philippines.
He drew a parallel to Germany-based karate sensei Julian Chees who has also formed a local chapter of the World Karate Federation in Baguio City with practitioners from different clubs as members.
“The members retained their identities with the various branches of the Japan Karate Association but they are affiliate members of WKF at the same time,” he said.
He also said the second annual upgrading sessions of the USKU will proceed as scheduled on Oct. 18-19 at the provincial capitol in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Billed to upgrade the knowledge of local practitioners, the seminar features USKU founder 7th dan Kenichi Fukamizu and 6th dan Masakazu Taoka of Japan as well as Australia’s 6th dan Carl Marriott and 3rd dan Brian Koenig as resource persons.
The USKU leaders are also expected to discuss the expansion of USKU-Philippines outside of Baguio City where they hope to establish relationships with various clubs adhering to Shotokan karate. USKU also offers to affiliate individuals or clubs who are interested to join the karate union. |
