Where are your dues to the University of Massachusetts Shotokan Club going?
Background and history on dues at the Umass Shotokan Club: Prior to 2007 there were no dues paid to the club for instruction. The club is alloted $1300 per semester by the Student Goverment (SGA) and that money was used to secure instruction or training space.
Once the club realized that Sensei Nunez, a karate Master and seasoned instructor was leaving campus to return to his native country, Belize, we realized that in order to maintain the high level of instruction he was offering we would need to be able to afford to bring in instructors from ISKF headquarts in Philadelphia.
Prior to this point Sensei Nunez was offering his services at up to 8 hours per week for solely the amount that the RSO was being given by the SGA. He was truly charitable with his time!
However, we realized that in order to secure training at an equal quality level and for an equal amount of hours we would need something like $15,000 a year, not just the $2600 that was coming from the University.
So, Dru Abrams with the assistance of Jared Carver (at that time a Shodan) put together a plan to make sure that the club would continue to get high quality, Master level (Godan or higher) level instructors visiting the university at least 3 times per Semester and that the club could pay for this with dues.
Priorirties for funds dispersement were placed in the following order:
1) Master Level Instruction - at least 3 visits per semester by a Karate Master from ISKF Headquarts. Anticipated cost for this would be $700 per visit including per-diem and instruction costs.
2) Funding for at least 1 tournament event with a budget of $700 per semester.
3) Additional funds in the treasury would be used to suppliment these expenses and allow for additional Master Level instructors and additional tournament trips.
So, Where are your dues going?
Are you receiving Master Level instruction? Is the club paying (and paving) the way for an active tournament participation every semester?
General Announcements:
Announcing House of the Waving Pines Dojo in Bratteboro, Vermont! Training held weekly: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday: 6pm-7pm.
Contact Dru Abrams for more info.
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