Mission Statement

TRUST INTEGRITY HONOR
Breaking down walls that divide and building roads and bridges uniting like-minded learners for the past twenty-five years the IRKRS gained a sterling reputation from unreservedly serving its membership. Because “contempt prior to full investigation enslaves a person to ignorance,” [Dr. John Ray] we have long advocated a thinking-outside-the-box mindset in accord with the venerable wisdom of  Basho, “Choosing not to follow in the footsteps of the old masters but rather to seek what they sought.”  
We believe that “Tradition does not mean preserving the ashes but keeping a flame alight.” – Jean Janses. We are absolutely certain that this is far more in line with the spirit and aims of the original pioneers than it is with the conceit associated with one’s “style” being the ONE & ONLY CORRECT WAY!”