The Kudo International Federation (KIF) addresses recent announcements made by former KIF Director and Ukraine Kudo Federation Branch Chief, Igor Samokhin, concerning the establishment of a new organization. These announcements contain misleading information that may cause confusion. Therefore, the KIF issues the following official statement:

While acknowledging Mr. Samokhin’s past contributions to Kudo, the KIF confirms that it has been in ongoing communication with him. Mr. Samokhin was removed from his position as KIF Director and resigned his membership from the KIF and Daido-Juku.

Mr. Samokhin’s recent announcement of a new organization has been presented in a manner that falsely implies KIF endorsement or sanction. The KIF unequivocally states that it has no affiliation with Mr. Samokhin’s new organization.

Although the KIF members are free to maintain personal friendships, continued misrepresentation and inaccurate information from Mr. Samokhin will result in the removal of his name and rank records from the Daido-Juku register.

The KIF hereby informs all members that:

• Mr. Samokhin’s new organization is prohibited from using the titles “KUDO” and “Daido-Juku,” or their logos and symbols, in any form or language.
• Daido-Juku will not issue belt grades for the new organization, nor recognize belt grades issued by it.
• All Daido-Juku belts and certificates previously held by members who join the new organization will be invalidated.
• The KIF will not approve membership for individuals affiliated with Mr. Samokhin’s new organization, and will not allow them to register with the KIF.
• Members of Mr. Samokhin’s new organization will be prohibited from participating in official KIF competitions and events.