Insights
What have the Romans Ever Done for Us?
Well, they built us the viaducts... But what have they done for US?
Politics (Karate or otherwise), as well as the Romans, have interfered in so many ways within our
structured society that sometimes we think if the result had ever really justified the means.
Take
myself as an example as far as Karate Politics are concerned. I was running, quite successfully, an
International Wado Organisation that I felt was moving towards a very positive Alliance of Wado
groups ‘worldwide’ that I felt that we had ‘answered the question’ to the way Wado ‘should’ be unified
- with emphasis on ‘respect of autonomy’. AIWa gives (and gave) support and services without
negative control or finance issues.
We offered affiliation, insurances, gradings, courses, tournaments,
worldwide black-belt registration, etc., etc. Then all of a sudden, due to implications in the
wider world of ’World Politics’ came something we grew to conflict over - Statute 21.9.
We had an
implication in our membership that forced us to split our Alliance with many friends for the benefit of
World Governing Body ‘monopolisation’ and ‘globalism’. I totally agree with unity, but unity can be
achieved through dialogue and simple allegiances - A ‘unity’ where every one operates within their
own parameters on an equal and level footing running their affairs within their own safe and controlled
environment.
What I look for in a Governing Body should reflect what we all want within our own organisations,
after all, it is the heads of so-called like-minded people who control these Governing Bodies, isn’t it?
Or have I missed something here? Yes we need CRB’s, Insurance, Courses, Tournaments, Coaching
Facilities, Legal Structure, etc. What I also want out of a Governing Body is quite simple. The ability
to be able to register my members into an ‘authentic’ structured ‘National Governing Body’. Be confident
that I have the back-up and support behind me at all times. Be able to know that my NGB is
helping to eradicate ‘illegally’ operating Karate Groups from society (whether or not various clubs are
members of the NGB). ‘Bad clubs/groups’ should be named and shamed and brought to justice and
the NGB should fight them through the courts if need be. Canvassing and menacing people at
their own homes should be made discreditable and indisputable - this is not Martial-arts of
any kind. A structure where the usual parameters are recognised for running a ‘proper’ organisation.
A NGB should have the power to make decisions and fight for all the good that
we ourselves uphold, the NGB should and MUST be an extension of ourselves and not
have the elected controllers go away without responsibilities being used and accounted
for.
Questions I feel should be asked to any Governing Body.
What have you done, to help make us move forward?
What are you doing, to help make us move forward?
What are you going to do, to help make us move forward?
So, what have the Romans ever done for us?
Gary E Swift Kyoshi.