Background

BACKGROUND

1. In 1989 Taiji Kase together with Hiroshi Shirai founded the World Karate Shotokan Academy (WKSA), in order to educate people in karate as a martial art and way. During the past 12 years Kase sensei has taught in many countries the Shotokan Ryu Kase ha, the way of karate he has developed through his diligent practice of the art, for more than 60 years. In 2001 senior instructors, who followed Kase sensei all those years, have decided to proceed, under his direction and guidance, with the foundation of the Shotokan Ryu Kase Ha Instructors Academy (SRKHIA), with the aim to preserve and further develop the Shotokan Ryu Kase Ha Karate-Do. Unfortunately Taiji Kase Sensei died in 24th of November 2004.

In case of this idea the group of close students from Taiji Kase Sensei build up at 13th October 2007 an international organization which is recognized by the family of him as the original representation of his karate. Kase Ha Shotokan Ryu Karate Do Academy (KSKA) is now the frame in which we keep and develop the ideas of our Master.

MISSION

2. To prepare karate instructors to support the teaching of T. Kase sensei, as well as to carry on and further develop the basic principles and ideas of Kase Ha Shôtôkan Ryu Karate-Dô.

TASKS

3. The following tasks will be accomplished in the context of the mission above:

a. Development of properly trained and educated instructors.

b. Conduct of special training courses, for the members, in various places.

c. Foundation of a central body which will direct all activities and maintain contact among the members.

d. Presentation of the basic principles and ideas through different mass media (web, books, magazines, etc).

MEMBERSHIP

4. The Kase Ha Shôtôkan Ryu Karate-Dô is non-profit, not political organization open for participation to those who, regardless of gender and race:

a. Possess a Sandan (3rd dan) or higher grade in karate-do, awarded or confirmed by T. Kase sensei.

b. Are willing to actively follow the teaching and way of T.Kase sensei.

5. Anyone wishing to become a member of the Academy should apply, by submitting an application form. Requests will be examined and the Shihankai will approve acceptance.:

6. Members are obliged to:

a. Follow the principles of Kase Ha Shôtôkan Ryu Karate-Dô karate do. It is emphasized that this doesn’t preclude the practice of other martial arts or the participation in seminars, courses and activities organized by other karate schools.

Participate in at least one special training every two years and,

especially for Godan and above, sponsor or provide assistance in two courses in a three year cycle

Timely fulfill their financial obligations to the Academy.

7. Members who neglect their obligations, show no interest in the Academy or do not respect the principles, rules and the Charter of the Academy, will be expelled by a decision of the Shihankai.

8. Participation in the Academy is on a personal basis and does not exclude membership of other national of international karate organizations, through respective clubs or on an individual basis.

STRUCTURES

9. The Dean of the Kase Ha Shôtôkan Ryu Karate-Dô was Taiji Kase sensei. He was the head of the organization, provided technical instruction, guidance and direction for the elaboration, consolidation and further development of the Kase Ha Shôtôkan Ryu Karate-Dô.

10. The highest collective body of the organization is the Shihankai and the purpose of the Shihankai is to:

 

11. The decisions of the Shihankai, as well as routine business, are implemented through the Executive Committee, which is comprised by:

a. Executive Coordinator: He is responsible for the proper running of the Academy. He determines, in coordination with T.Kase sensei, the annual Academy’s Programme of Work (special training, meetings etc). He makes proposals to the Shihankai for the acceptance of new members or the expulsion of members, when necessary. This position is held by D.Heene sensei.

Secretary: is responsible for:

Treasurer: is responsible for:

 

12. The term of office in the Shihankai and the Executive Committee, for those posts rotated among members, is three years. Posts are filled by members by invitation by one shihankai's member. Members may be re-invited to fill the same or another post, however every effort will be made that all senior members will rotate in the Shihankai.

SPECIAL TRAININGS/COURSES

13. For the formation of proper instructors special training courses, named as Gasshuku, will be conducted two or three times per year, exclusively for members, in places and times decided by the Shihankai, as a part of other courses or as stand alone courses. These courses will be free for participants (except travel and lodging costs). The annual Program of Work, will provide all relevant information. Further the principles of Kase Ha Shôtôkan Ryu Karate-Dô are spread through courses and seminars, open to a broader audience. Sponsoring of such courses, as well as participation in them, comprises a standing obligation for the Academy’s members.

DAN GRADING

14. The Academy will award Dan grades to members and their students as well. Grading will take place during courses sponsored by the Academy, by authorized instructors and in accordance with the grading Syllabus. The syllabus was developed by the Shihankai.

INSTRUCTORS TITLES

15. The Shihankai will award to any member of the Academy, who fulfills

specific criteria, an Instructor’s Title, as a recognition, in addition to his technical ability, to his devotion in the art and to its further development. These titles, at an ascending order are , renshi, kyoshi, hanshi. The criteria for the award of these titles, will be developed by the Shihankai and will be attached to the Charter, as an annex.

BUDGET

16. The Academy’s income is derived from:

a. Annual membership fees, paid by individual members, as determined by the Shihankai. Initially this fee is 60 Euro and should be paid to the Treasurer by January each year.

b. Donations by friends and supporters.

17. Expenses cover:

a. Operating costs of the Executive Committee (post, telephones, e-mails etc).

b. Organization costs of the special training courses (Gasshuku), which includes training area costs, principal instructor’s travel, lodging and other essential expenses.

c. Other expenses as approved by the Shihankai.

18. The Treasurer in cooperation with the Executive Coordinator drafts the Academy’s budget, by October every year and submits it to the Shihankai for approval by 15 December each year. In addition he submits to the Shihankai, by February each year the financial report of the previous year.

FINAL REMARKS

19. The present Charter was effective since 1st March 2002.