OKU President Steps Down

"As is often said, with every ending comes a new beginning. It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation as the President of the OKU. 

I have great expectations and a continued optimism for the future of our organization. There are some great things ahead for us, and this is a good beginning. Sensei Jim Alley will take over duties as President of the OKU. He is a hard, intelligent worker, a superb and knowledgeable martial artist, and he has a tremendous love for the OKU. Jim’s loyalties to this organization and to Master Wheeler are outstanding. His ability to network, organize, and relate to people in general make him, in my opinion, a very fitting choice for this position. I believe that he will take this organization to new heights. 

The Vice-President position will be filled by Ruth Ann Shamblin. Sensei Shamblin is outstanding in everything that she does. She has served as secretary/treasurer for many years now and has been largely responsible for most of what the OKU has accomplished these last few years. I am very proud of her and all that she is and all that she will continue to be. To say that I couldn’t have done it without her would be an understatement. I couldn’t have done it at all. I am looking forward to being able to contribute more to the OKU in new and different ways. It is time for new ideas and renewed enthusiasm.
 
And there are some other changes that will take place within the board. All and all I am very pleased with our restructuring. i sincerely believe that we are continuing to move in a positive direction, and I feel very confident about our future.

I would also lie to send some very special thank-yous out to everyone who has worked so hard for the OKU during the time that I have served as president. Your love and support will remain with me forever. I would also like to thank all of the members of the OKU Board of Advisors for the presentation of the gift of the Red Belt. I am deeply honored by this.

It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the President of the OKU. I hope that all of our member will join me in wishing Sensei Jim Alley well in his watch."

William Scott Shamblin