Wado International Karate-Do Federation

 3^rd WORLD WIKF CONGRESS – SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, OCTOBER 5^th, 2001

1.       Chairman’s Opening Remarks – W. Millerson welcomed all participants. 17 countries were represented, with participation of 7 male teams, 3 female teams, and 100 individuals.

2.     Approvals of Minutes – Minutes of the 2nd World Congress in Orlando, Fl were approved without comment.

3.       Progress of WIKF – Suzuki Sensei indicated that there are now 51 countries affiliated, and there are several new prospects particularly in Central Asia (India, Pakistan, ex-Soviet Republics). Mr Fukazawa has also been teaching in several African countries. Suzuki Sensei reminded everyone that the purpose of WIKF is to unify technique and, accordingly, good level of communication among members is essential.

4.         Country reports – 

Italy – 20 member clubs, Sensei visits an average of 5 times per year. Facing stiff competition from sports clubs focusing exclusively on tournament Karate and Korean Styles.

Belgium – there are two large groups, one in the French side and the other in the Flemish side. Both sides are politically separated but both clubs are united.

Venezuela – WIKF now in 3 regions and working together. Problems with local Karate Federation with regard to Wado Kata standards.

Canada – Mr Shintani’s former Wado-Kai students have expressed interest in joining WIKF. There are at present 3 member clubs in eastern Canada and 3 in the West.

Chile -  Suzuki Sensei has visited twice and Mr Girona has visited several times. 2 clubs at present, but WIKF fighters dominating as they represent 8 of the 10 National team members. \

Dominican Republic (Host Country) – Happy to host III World Championship, which will increase their leverage with the local Karate Federation. WIKF represented in 15 provinces, focusing on kids from poor families. Promoting Karate with a social conscience.

Puerto Rico – New to WIKF. Hosted Shihan last year for the first time. Hosted Pan American Championships last year. Currently 4 clubs.

Republic of Ireland – 6 clubs with 300 students. Will host European Championships next year.

Portugal – 2 Wado organizations. Shihan visited twice last year. 15 clubs with 400 students.

USA – picking up pieces after defection from large group. Many who left have now returned to WIKF. Clubs in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Utah and recently Massachusets.

England – UKKW recently restructured and renamed WIKF. Future looks promising, strong interest from various Wado clubs to join.

Northern Ireland – 12 clubs with 300 students.

France – half of the team are in military duty and therefore could not come. Around 40 clubs. Mr Fukazawa in technical committee of French Karate Federation.

Aruba – Has one Wadokai school. The Karate federation is trying to unite all styles.

Curacao – 4 schools with 100 students. 95% of National team members are Millerson’s students.

Spain – 6 clubs with over 400 students in the South. Strong presence in the North also. WIKF Spanish fighters won gold and silver medals at European Championships. 

5.         4^th World Championships – After much discussion of potential sites, it was unanimously decided to move forward the World Championships to coincide with Sensei’s 75^th Anniversary Tour of Japan in September 2003.  Given that this would be WIKF’s first tournament in Japan, all countries and delegates were requested to make a big effort to be present. 

6.         Election of Directors for the 2001-2003 Period – The following Directors were elected by unanimous vote: 

Chairman:                William Millerson

Vice Chairman:        Mr. Furukawa

                                 Jon Wicks

Secretary:                Robert Hamilton

Treasurer:                Arturo Girona

Suzuki Sensei also announced the designation of Hiroji Fukazawa as Chief Instructor – WIKF 

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. 

Arturo Girona

Treasurer and General Secretary for Pan American Region