• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Meeting Date: August 1, 2026

1. Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policies

• The Board of Directors discussed potential policy changes regarding travel expenses and reimbursement.
• Additional details will be provided once the policies have been finalized.
• The SEUSKF Treasurer will obtain the AUSKF Board of Directors travel-reimbursement form for SEUSKF use.
• Reimbursement limits will be established for travel-related expenses.
• Board members traveling to events by automobile must submit receipts for eligible expenses, including:
  • Fuel
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Airbnb or other lodging
  • Other approved travel-related expenses

2. National Tournament Selection and Coaching

• The Board discussed using local tournament records and SEUSKF annual tournament results as references when selecting individuals for national competitor tryouts.
• The Vice President of Competition will make recommendations for:
  • Head coaches
  • Division coaches
  • National tournament coaching assignments
• A one-time payment of $500 will be provided to coaches and individuals who participate in national tournaments.
• Tamura Sensei was selected as the head coach for the next national tournament.

3. Menjo Fee Payment Deadlines and Shinsa Policies

• A two-week deadline for payment of menjo fees will be implemented as part of the promotion process.
• The payment deadline will be included in the shinsa registration information.
• Two reminder emails will be sent to individuals who do not pay their menjo fees by the deadline.
• If payment is not received after two reminders:
  • The individual will be notified by email that the shinsa result and menjo will be considered invalid.
  • The individual will be required to test again for the same rank.
• Shinsa fees will not be refunded for last-minute cancellations or no-shows.

4. Jodo Clubs, New Dojos, and SEUSKF Membership Requirements

• The Board discussed the process for jodo clubs joining SEUSKF and gaining access to AUSKF programs, which include kendo, jodo, and iaido.
• It was decided that jodo clubs must follow the same general guidelines as kendo clubs.
• If a club leader holds a rank below 3 dan, the club must:
  • Have a 5-dan-or-higher instructor participate in seminars and other relevant events.
  • Maintain regular contact with the higher-ranked instructor.
  • The higher-ranked instructor is not required to be a formal club member.
• Newly established dojos—whether kendo, jodo, or iaido—will be subject to a three-year probationary period if the dojo leader holds a rank below 3 dan.
• Clubs must have a minimum of five members.
• The SEUSKF Secretary will draft the applicable rules for inclusion in the SEUSKF bylaws.

5. Upcoming Meetings, Shinsa, and Zone Mentors

• The SEUSKF Central Zone will host a Board of Directors meeting and shinsa in Atlanta on **January 16–17, 2027**.
• Knoxville Kendo Club is working toward hosting the next shinsa in mid-April 2027.
• The North Zone will host a shinsa in July 2027. The date has not yet been determined.
• SEUSKF zone mentors are assigned as follows:
  • North and West Zones: Hyun Sensei
  • Central Zone: Tamura Sensei
  • South Zone: Maeda Sensei

 6. New SEUSKF Clubs

• The Board is considering the admission of two new clubs into SEUSKF:
  • One kendo club
  • One jodo club
• Board members are reviewing the applications, and additional information will be provided when available.

 7. Board Member Responsibilities

• Back Sensei was recently elected to the SEUSKF Board of Directors.
• It was decided that Back Sensei will continue maintaining and updating the SEUSKF website.
• He will also assist with other appropriate duties as needed.

 8. Treasury Report

• Reporting period: August 1, 2025–July 31, 2026
• The combined balance of the SEUSKF Wells Fargo, PayPal, and Venmo accounts was reported as $119,861.43 as of August 10, 2026.

9. Membership Report

 Membership as of July 31, 2026

Reported total: 48 dojos and 629 members

10. Budget

• The budget has not yet been fully reviewed.
• Adjustments to certain budget items may be necessary.
• The Board will determine whether to:
  • Carry forward the previous year’s budget items and projections; or
  • Add new items for consideration in the upcoming budget.