USEKAF Interim Board

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

On August 3, 2024, WEKAF International issued guidance to its member countries outlining the process for establishing National Sports Associations (NSAs) or National Sports Federations (NSFs). The purpose of this initiative is to strengthen the organizational structure of Escrima, Kali, and Arnis worldwide and to support WEKAF's long-term objective of advancing the sport through recognized national governing bodies.

The guidance called for the creation of a formal organizational structure, including officers, governing documents, mission and vision statements, legal registration, accreditation, and sustainable administrative procedures. The objective was to establish legitimate national organizations capable of representing the sport and supporting its continued growth.

The challenge in the United States was that the existing organization did not possess the legal and organizational structure necessary to fulfill this directive. While the organization had successfully conducted tournaments, memberships, rankings, and other activities for many years, it did not have the formal legal framework, governing documents, and organizational infrastructure envisioned by the WEKAF guidance for a National Sports Association or National Sports Federation.

As a result, the immediate priority became the establishment of a proper legal and organizational foundation. Continuing directly into another election cycle would not have addressed the underlying requirements identified by WEKAF International. Instead, the focus needed to be placed on creating an organization capable of fulfilling the directive and serving as a credible National Governing Body for the United States.

For this reason, USEKAF entered a temporary hold-over status under an interim board. The purpose of the interim board is to provide continuity of operations while guiding the transition from a historical informal structure to a properly organized and legally established national organization.

Significant progress has already been made. USEKAF has filed Articles of Incorporation and established a legal corporate foundation. However, the development of bylaws, governance procedures, membership requirements, election procedures, committee structures, and other foundational documents requires careful planning and review. Building a stable and sustainable National Governing Body is a process that takes time and cannot be accomplished responsibly through a rushed process.

At present, the organization's primary operational focus is the formation and support of Team USA for the 18th WEKAF World Arnis Championships, which will be held from July 31 through August 3, 2026, in New Delhi, India. Athlete qualification, registration, team administration, communications, travel coordination, and international representation require substantial attention and resources. Ensuring that Team USA is properly prepared and represented at the World Championships is currently the highest priority of the organization.

Accordingly, the interim board continues to fulfill two responsibilities simultaneously: supporting Team USA's participation in the 18th WEKAF World Arnis Championships while continuing the work necessary to establish a fully functioning National Governing Body for Escrima, Kali, and Arnis in the United States.

The current interim board consists of:

GM Rudy Torres
Interim President

Datu Tim Hartman
Director of Social Media

Master David Sgro
Membership Director

The ultimate goal remains the establishment of a credible, legally recognized, transparent, and sustainable National Governing Body that can serve athletes, instructors, schools, tournament organizers, and future generations of practitioners throughout the United States. Once the necessary organizational framework has been completed, including the adoption of bylaws and related governance documents, USEKAF will be positioned to implement a permanent governance structure consistent with the vision and guidance provided by WEKAF International.

Respectfully,

GM Rudy Torres
Interim President

Datu Tim Hartman
Director of Social Media

Master David Sgro
Membership Director

United States Escrima Kali Arnis Federation (USEKAF)