Club Constitution

The Club Constitution was last modified in March 2006. The most recent version of the Constitution can be downloaded here (Microsoft Word DOC format).

A history of the club's committee is viewable here (Microsoft Excel XLS format). If you believe any of this information to be erroneous, or you can help fill in the missing gaps, then please email the webmaster.

Annual General Meeting

The club holds an Annual General Meeting at the end of Lent Term. All members are welcome to attend the meeting and are encouraged to do so. Members of the club can question current committee members about the administration and running of the club and the committee presents a summary of the year's achievements and finances. Candidates for positions on the new committee are invited to make a short speech to the attendees outlining why they are suitable for the role. This is in addition to submitting a written application to be published on this page and via email to the members of the club. Voting for the elections will take place at the AGM, with email votes accepted from members who cannot attend.

Candidates' statements for the 2008-09 Committee

President

  • Tegwen Ecclestone (Queens' College) — I joined CUKC a year and a half ago when I came up to Cambridge. During this time I have been thoroughly impressed by the skill and dedication of the senseis, the previous committees and above anything by the overwhelming energy of the club. As president of the club my primary aim would be to reach out to as many members as possible to make them feel welcome and to enjoy their training. Being fairly central in the spectrum of belt colours I think I am in a good position to get to know all of the junior and senior grades in order to do this. In addition I would ensure that we continue to benefit from a variety of teaching styles by organising guest instructor sessions, and I would endeavour to keep the club doing as well as it is...or hopefully even better!

Men's Captain

  • Paul Smith (Trinity College) — Hot on the heels of two successive Varsity victories, as well as victory in Japan, medals in Europe, and record successes at other competitions, there has never been a better time to be competing for CUKC. As Men's Captain I want to build on these successes by stepping up the pressure at the top end of the squad and getting CUKC represented at more competitions (including the Youth Championships and the Shotokan Cup), while also focusing on getting more lower grades involved in the competition side of training -- getting experience in competing in kata and learning how to fight. For me, Tom's (and previously Ian's) success in creating a strong sense of unity and camaraderie within the squad has been one of the key factors in the teams' recent victories, and it will be a priority of mine that this continues. Furthermore I want to see that the spirit and pride with which people represent CUKC is upheld, reinforcing our reputation as a top class club within the KUGB, among other university clubs, and beyond. (Plus being Captain is perfect for getting more people to come to the pub...)

Women's Captain

  • Gemma Coughlin (Darwin College) — I have immensely enjoyed training and competing with CUKC. The enthusiasm and support of everyone in the club is amazing, especially that of the current Captain Madeleine, and I would hope to be able to continue with that. I would like to encourage more people to compete in both kumite and kata, not only for their personal satisfaction, but also for the club and to enable the spirit and talent to be passed down to other members of the club. I feel that encouraging lower grades to compete is important to increase the depth of talent in the club. The experience of competing with such a strong squad, in terms of both talent, enthusiasm and support, can not only help to develop and mature one's karate, but also help improve an individual's confidence and focus for other aspects of life.

Vice-President

  • Daniel Diggins (Emmanuel College) — Having thoroughly enjoyed my first two terms of Karate I decided I wanted to join the committee and I feel I could best serve the club as vice president. As a red-belt I would provide a valuable link between the committee and the lower graded members of the club, particularly the beginners. I will also be able to represent the non-earning undergraduates in the club. Having only graded in Cambridge I understand the grading process and believe I am capable of fulfilling the duties of a vice president.

Secretary

  • Roman Sztyler (King's College) — I have joined the club only last October, but I had such a nice and warm welcome that I decided to do something for the club myself. I am well suited for the position as secretary as I had been working in an office in the military flight control of Germany for nearly a year before I came to Cambridge and got lots of energy that I can put into my work for the club.

Treasurer

  • Abigail Hoyland (Corpus Christi College) — I only joined CUKC last September but already karate has become a huge part of my university life. I have learnt so much; a lot of which has been new (and some of which has been scary) but all of which has been fun. I want to be part of the team that makes this happen and have chosen to stand for treasurer because I have a strong foundation in numbers and would feel comfortable keeping the books. I am trustworthy and would keep the accounts running like clockwork so the club could carry on doing what it does best.

Social Secretaries

  • Steph McTighe (Pembroke College) — Having really enjoyed the presidency last year, I'm keen to stay involved in the club but in a more light hearted way. I'm hoping that we can keep up the good level of socials we've had in the past couple of years, and I'm willing to work alongside Jess to achieve it! Also I'll be willing to lend a hand in other situations if required. I think socials foster the sense of camaraderie between all members of the club, whether in squad or not, and am keen to keep that going!
  • Jess Marvin (Emmanuel College) — Among the reasons I became and remained a member of this club is its active social life. I believe it's important for the club to have fun outside the Dojo as well as inside it. As social sec I shall make it my aim to encourage newer members to get involved in club social events, as well as continuing last year's excellent efforts!

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