October 15, 2005 will be the 2nd anniversary of the formation
(actually, started in September, but that's when the website went
online) of the USA based National Sport Blowgun Association (NSBA).

What have we done so far?
1. We have the most comprehensive website about blowguns on the
WEB. Our website includes -
Information about the history of blowguns as a weapon, the history
of the sport of competition blowgun target shooting, jokes about
blowgunning (yes, we can laugh at ourselves), techniques in proper
use and handling of equipment, tips for improving your shooting,
links to other blowgun resources (equipment suppliers, other blowgun
related websites, local target shooting organizations, international
target shooting organizations, blowgun topic related forums, and a
lot more), free downloadable targets, and more.
2. We have affiliated local clubs, set up a national network of
State and Regional representatives, as well as a program for non-
club (individual members) participants, so that these resources are
available to interested participants around the world.
3. We have defined equipment and standards internationally,
coordinating these activities with the International organization.
4. We are spearheading the effort to have the sport recognized as
an event in the Summer Olympics, setting a goal of at least being
allowed in demonstration for the 2016 games. The NSBA is the laison
to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for the IFA
(International Fukiyado Association)
5. We have sponsored two International 10 meter competitions, each
time, the World Record has fallen at this event.
6. Established a new standard of excellence in the sport, by
defining requirements for the upper Master level dans (7 through 10 -
"Grandmaster") in the sport.
7. Provided inspiration and guidance towards the establishment of
collegiate organizations, and the National Junior Blowgun Alliance
(for participants under the age of 18 years).
8. Assisted in the organization of several national organizations
in other countries (the UK, France, etc.) and are assisting others
in getting started (Namibia, Mexico, Turkey, etc.), with a goal of
having 75 national IFA affiliates on 4 continents (the requirement
of the IOC for a sport to be considered for inclusion in the Olympic
Games).
9. Began an Instructor certification program, following the
guidelines of the IFA instructor certification. To date, there are
4 NSBA certified instructors, with 5 others registered in the
program.
10. The top names in blowgunning are affiliated with the NSBA -
* Michael D. Janich (author, martial artist, and blowgunner) is our
National Technical Advisor
* Dr. Amante P. Marinas, Sr. (author, martial artist, educator, and
blowgunner) is our National Blowgun Master (Meijin)
* Norman Derosiers (aka "Geezer", engineer and blowgunner) is a
colleague member, and a contributor of many ideas for dart and
barrel design
* Jock Elliot (author and blowgunner) is our National Correspondent
* Tuukka Kumpulainen (Co-Founder, Finnish Society of Primitive
Skills, and blowgunner) is our National Historian.
11. Monitor the web for information (news) about blowgun related
articles (particularly legislation banning blowguns, and mishandling
by individuals (people or pets, etc. being shot) in a non-hunting or
hunting incident)

What are our plans for the future?
1. Participation in the first World Cup games, to be held in France
in 2007.
2. Continue promoting the sport of competition blowgun target
shooting
3. Continue sponsoring annual international competitions
4. Continue to work with existing national organizations, ansd
assisting in the establishment of new national organizations, in
progressing towards our shared goal of having the sport santioned as
an Olympic event
5. Work towards having competition blowgun target shooting evolve
into an inter-collegiate sporting event (along the lines of fencing,
and archery) in the USA
6. Educate the general public about blowguns (safe handling, proper
usage, health benefits and cross training, etc.), de-mystifying the
weapon, and changing the mindset of the public's image of
blowgunners being only South American aboriginal monkey hunters,
Cannibals in Borneo, or Ninjutsu assassins.

What are we doing to celebrate?
Join us at Bear Swamp Archery complex in Upper Mt. Bethel Township,
Pennsylvania, Noon, Sunday October 16th, 2005 for an informal fun
shoot.

We can set up for 10 meter target, 10 meter trick, Field Style
(Cherokee), and both Long Distance Target and Flight.

Bring a lunch (no alcohol or drugs permitted on County park
property), and soft drinks. There's picnic tables and grills
available at the Olympic Long Distance range.

Send an e-mail to craftsman@... "Subject: NSBA 2nd
anniversary", if you plan on participating (so we'll know how many
to plan for), by Friday, Oct. 9th, 2005. As always - FEE FREE!

May your darts always fly true!