20 October 2008

AKR Annual Conference and Meeting of AKR National Council

Saturday, 18 and Sunday 191 October 2008.
The AKR conducts an annual conference, followed by a meeting of the AKR National Council, usually in October each year. The purpose of the occasion is to not only review, develop and improve the practices and policies of the AKR, but to identify, discuss also plan for the future activity and development needs of our members. The meeting this year was held in Melbourne and was attended by Delegates from most state and territory affiliated kendo associations, the AKR Board Chairmen and the AKR Executive Committee.

AKR National Council members

Standing (Rear): Yakov Macak (Kendo Board; Russell Lawrence (Jodo Board); Jackson Yoon (NSWKA); Gary Oliver (VKR); Brian Balshaw (SAKA); Marcus Lee-Steere (Iaido Board); Dr. Kevin Humphrey (QKR).
Seated: Ramon Lawrence (WAKR); Dean Hawthorn (Vice President); Richard Ward (President); Chris Goletsos (Secretary); Dr. Khay-Lin Teoh (Treasurer).

Members may be interested in the decisions made, so some of the outcomes are listed below. If you need further details, the full set of the AKR Manual of Documents (our policy and rules) is available to be downloaded here, or please contact your State or Territory Association Secretary.

  • The time in grade to be eligible for a 1 dan examination in Iaido and Jodo has been reduced to 3 months (from 5).  Kendo remains unchanged at 5 months). Details here.
  • Only life members and affiliate members whose membership fee and the relevant art fees have been received by the AKR are eligible to participate in AKR National Competitions, to be Examined and to sit as Examination Panel Members.
  • A member whose fees have not been received prior to 30 November is ineligible to participate in AKR National Competitions held in that membership year.
  • All competitors in AKR National Competitions must be an Australian Citizen or a Permanent Resident of Australia.
  • Overseas based competitors, or AKR members who are not an Australian Citizen or a Permanent Resident of Australia may compete in AKR international goodwill competitions, where such are organised.  A January 2009 international goodwill competition is in the planning stages for Iaido.
  • Two new one page sheets of examination criteria for kendo and iaido kyu grade exams are now available here.