Our Mission Statement
The mission statement of the UKKFF clearly states our beliefs regarding martial arts education, and the purpose of our organisation:
The UK Kung-Fu Federation exists to promote & share the benefits of authentic martial arts training(1) with as many people as possible.(2) We believe that a complete understanding of these arts(3) will have an enormously positive influence on our members,(4) and subsequently on society as a whole.(4) Through training and education(5) we strive for the elimination of needless violence, both as a means to an end,(6) and as an end in itself. (7)
Our original mission statement was drafted in 2002, then rewritten & revised in various ways up until the start of 2005. The final version above became the ethos with which the UKKFF decided to move forward, and we have not been obliged to alter the wording or the spirit of the statement ever since.
Explanation Of Terms
You’ll notice the little superscript numbers within the mission statement above. See below for a more detailed explanation of what is meant by each sentence:
- Authentic martial arts
Meaning real, genuine, tested, proven, valid concepts & techniques that work together as a consistent whole in real fighting, both armed & unarmed. Not bits & pieces assembled from many different styles or systems to fit a media image, marketing niche, entertainment product or adolescent fantasy of the martial arts. - As many people as possible
Meaning we do not differentiate between race, colour, creed, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Violence is a fact of human existence, and so everyone is made welcome within our organisation. It also means that we strive to keep prices affordable to the average person, hence our non-profit ethos. - A complete understanding
Meaning that an incomplete, partial or untested understanding of martial arts forces assumptions to be made, leading to incorrect conclusions. This is not the best way to approach anything related to combat, fighting or self-defence situations. We strive to avoid this through constant re-evaluation & development of our own knowledge & teaching practices. - A positive influence on society as a whole
Meaning that the more our members understand the phenomenon of violence, its causes and its effects, so their interactions with others will tend towards non-violence as a means of conflict resolution. In time we believe these positive effects will spread to wider society as a matter of course. - Through training & education
Meaning that our members should not only be able to DO through correct physical training, but also understand WHY through learning about the conceptual & theoretical aspects of martial arts, hence our five-elements approach to training. - Violence as a means to an end
Using violence to solve problems only leads to temporary, short-term solutions. All historical evidence points to the fact that needless violence only creates further, usually greater violence in the mid-term or long-term. It is a self-perpetuating, escalating condition. - Violence as an end in itself
Using violence simply for the sake of violence is an indicator of serious mental illness and/or instability. The UK Kung-Fu Federation will NOT teach anyone displaying such tendencies, or with a history of violent behaviour.
