Grading success!

Congratulations to Sayaka and Kevin who passed the exam for Junkenshi 1st dan at Toronto Branch this evening!

Many thanks to Louie-sensei for conducting the examination.

Gassho

Uebayashi-san visits Toronto Branch

Ms. Uebayashi (front row, second from left)

Ms. Hidemi Uebayashi of the WSKO Secretariat of Shorinji Kempo Hombu came to visit our branch on October 25th.

Uebayashi-san had completed her first marathon race the previous day in Niagara Falls and came to Toronto for a few days of sightseeing and rest.

Uebayashi-san has provided invaluable help to Toronto Branch since she began working at Hombu in the mid-1990s so we were absolutely delighted to have her come to our branch.

All of the members of Toronto Branch wish to thank Uebayashi-san from the bottom of our hearts for her constant kindness and help.

Gassho

Hiate sensei - Atsugi Doin

Hiate sensei - howa

Continuing my recent visit to Japan, I had the wonderful experience of visiting my teacher Hiate sensei (Seihanshi, 7th dan, WSKO & Hombu Instructor) at Atsugi Doin in Nurumizu.

I first met Hiate sensei at Tokai University in June 1985 and he has been my teacher ever since. In addition to his warm and friendly spirit, his technique is simply amazing.

Technical demonstration to the children's group

The class, which included the children's section, started with kihon, goho applications (uchi age zuki, uchi age geri, jun zuki randori), chinkon-gyo, howa and juho applications (uwa uke nage, oshi uke nage).



Hiate sensei's technical demonstrations were dramatic, effective and powerful. In the case of nage waza, Hiate sensei would completely capture the attacker's balance early in each technique making the final throw both effortless and spectacular!

Nage!

One unexpected surprise was the appearance of Kobayashi sensei (Seihanshi, 7th dan) - another of the Atsugi area Doin-cho. Kobayashi sensei is well known for his internal approach to technique and it was fascinating to experience his interpretations of several common techniques.

Kobayashi sensei

Hiate sensei and his family hosted me during the final part of my stay in Japan. The enormous hospitality they extended was very much appreciated, especially since they all have busy schedules. A few examples: banquet dinner at one of Kanagawa's top fish restaurants, touring temples in Kamakura and ferrying me and all my stuff to Narita.

Thanking Hiate sensei and the Atsugi kenshi (thanks to Yoshioka kenshi for translation)

Sensei - iro iro domo arigato gozaimashita!

Gassho

Atsugi Minami Doin

With the members of Atsugi Minami Doin

On October 2nd I was privileged to visit Atsugi Minami Doin in Kanagawa-ken, Japan. The Doin-cho is Morohoshi sensei (Seihanshi, 7th dan) - one of the teachers I first met in Japan in 1985. Indeed, at that time I had very little ability in Japanese language (not much has changed!) and Morohoshi sensei's skill in English was a real lifeline.

The training at Atsugi Minami Doin consisted mainly of deconstructing familiar techniques to find the essential principles. It was then possible to use each technique effectively without effort despite the attacker's force.

At the end of the class we had some fun looking at some seemingly amazing martial arts techniques and found that they can be reproduced verbatim by simply altering the force of the striking technique (in other words, these techniques are simply tricks).

Morohoshi sensei also holds dan rank in batto jutsu

Morohoshi sensei and his family were kind enough to host me in their home. They graciously took me on a day out to Tokyo which included a chance encounter with several famous sumo stars in Ryogoku.

Meeting West Maegashira #2 Tochinoshin in Ryogoku

The bonds of friendship that Shorinji Kempo creates are truly marvelous!

Morohoshi sensei - thank you very, very much!

Gassho

Suzuki-sensei, Kurihama Doin

Yokohama, Japan
Sep. 30th.

Suzuki-sensei (Seihanshi 7th dan) and Saito-san of Kumihama Doin (Yokosuka, Japan) graciously took me along to the Yokohama Ikkaku for dinner. Ikkaku is without a doubt the most beloved restaurant of Shorinji Kempo members and is famous for two types of chicken - soft type and "chewy" type.

I've known Suzuki-sensei since the early 1990s when I practiced in London, U.K. It was great to see him again and listen to his views on Shorinji Kempo. A student of the legendary Misaki-sensei, his enthusiasm for the art is incredible!

I am deeply indebted to Suzuki-sensei, Mika-san (English arrangements!) and Saito-san and sincerely hope I'll have the chance to train at your Doin next time!

Many thanks!

Gassho

Grading success

Tal Schaeffer, the Assistant Branch Master of Toronto Branch, successfully passed his Special Dan Grading for the rank of Seikenshi 4th dan on September 3rd at the WSKO 2010 North American Regional Instructors Study Session in New York City.

Well done Tal!

Gassho

New York, New York!

Road trip!

Nine of us headed down to New York City over the Labor Day weekend to attend the WSKO North America Instructors Study Session and 2nd North American Shorinji Kempo Taikai.



Around 100 kenshi from WSKO Branches across the USA and Canada were in attendance.

The Study Session was led by Sato sensei (Fukuoka), Kuida sensei (Gumma), Sakashita sensei (Hombu) and Kuramoto sensei (Hombu). Each day the instructors rotated around the different rank groups, teaching us expertly. Kuida sensei also gave a lecture based on his memories of Kaiso and why Shorinji Kempo became an enduring path for him.

On the Saturday evening we had a dinner party at the Ginger House Restaurant (delicious Chinese-themed food). We especially enjoyed chatting with kenshi from other Branches and winning all the raffle prizes!

The Taikai was on the Sunday. Seven of our members took part in the events - randori (sparring), tandoku embu (single form) and embu (pairform). We were fortunate to be awarded seven medals in these events.

Finally, we wish to express our deep gratitude to the event instructors for making the big effort to come to New York to teach us and also to Ohashi sensei and the kenshi of New York City Branch for all of the long hours they put in to making the events so smooth and enjoyable for all attendees.

Gassho

Canadian reunion

Maria K. from the University of British Columbia Branch (Vancouver) made a return visit to our branch during the week of August 30th. She was in town visiting relatives and wished to get some additional practice in before the North American Study Session and Taikai in New York the following weekend.

Maria visited us around the same time last year and it was a delight to see her again.

Gassho

Cheque presentation to CAMH Foundation

Lori Smith, Associate VP, Development of the CAMH Foundation receiving the 2010 Kickathon cheque for $8,400 from Toronto Branch members

On the evening of Wednesday July 28, the members of Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch presented a cheque for $8,400 to Ms. Lori Smith, Associate Vice President, Development, CAMH Foundation to support the ongoing efforts of CAMH to understand the root causes of drug addiction and to support treatment efforts.

The funds were raised from many generous donors in our 2010 "Kickathon" event - the 15th annual charity event we have held for this cause.

Following the cheque presentation Ms. Smith commented "As the longest running benefit event for CAMH, the Shorinji Kickathon has raised over $88,000 in support of research and treatment programs for addictions at our hospital. Supporting CAMH for the past 15 years, even when mental illness and addiction was shrouded in silence and shame, Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch has encouraged the community to step up and speak out against the stigma associated with these issues. We can’t thank them enough for their support and for being true champions of our cause!"

Gassho

15th Annual "Kickathon"

On the hottest May 26th since records began (32 degrees) six members from Toronto Branch gathered to perform our 15th Annual Charity “Kickathon” on behalf of research and treatment programs for drug addiction offered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Despite the airless conditions, we were able to perform our 500 kicks with loud kiai to raise a total of $8,400 for the CAMH Foundation. Since our event began in 1996 we have raised a total of $88,400 for this important cause.


Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is especially proud of the long association we've had with CAMH. We have held two classes per week at CAMH since February 1995 and have received tremendous support from the management and staff of the Centre.


We wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude to our many sponsors, some of whom have sponsored all of our events since 1996, and also to CAMH for the world-class services and education it provides to improve the lives of Canadians.

Gassho

Grading Success!

Patrick and Lyndsay

Members of Toronto Branch attended the Shorinji Kempo Ontario (SKO) Q1 grading held today at North York Branch.

Kenshi from three of the four SKO member branches took their kyu gradings at this event.

Two of our members were successful in their tests - Lyndsay for 7th kyu and Patrick for 2nd kyu.

Congratulations!

Gassho

Ishikawa-sensei visit

Kazumi Ishikawa-sensei (second from left)

On the evening of January 25, 2010 we were most fortunate to receive a visit from Kazumi Ishikawa-sensei (daikenshi, 5th dan), the coach of Tohoku Gakuin University Branch in Miyagi, Japan.

Ishikawa-sensei was previously a member of Toronto Branch during his one year sabbatical at the nearby University of Toronto.

We were absolutely delighted to see him again.

True to form, he brought us some delicious gifts from Miyagi Prefecture (thank you!).

Ishikawa-sensei, we are truly honored to know you.

Gassho

Season's Greetings 2009!

3rd Annual SKO Taikai

The Shorinji Kempo Ontario participants

The 3rd Annual Shorinji Kempo Ontario Taikai was held at the JCCC in Toronto on November 14th, 2009. All four Ontario WSKO Branches participated in the event.

The Taikai consisted of:

• Chinkon-gyo
• Warm-up
• Group kihon
• Tandoku embu (single form)
• Women's self-defence demonstration
• Kumi embu (pair form)

Toronto kenshi were in the medals in two categories: Tony Tan in the Yudansha Tandoku Embu category and Kevin Legault/Stew Stevenson in the Kyu Kumiembu category.

Toronto Branch participants in the 3rd Annual SKO Taikai

We wish to thank the members of North York Branch for graciously hosting the event.

Gassho

Atsugi Minami Doin 2009

Morohoshi sensei (front left)

On the evening of October 9, John McCulloch of Toronto Branch was kindly invited by Morohoshi sensei (Doin-cho of Atsugi Minami Doin) to join in his class.

Watching carefully

Morohoshi sensei taught us how to make various foundational juho techniques (oshi gote, okuri gote, johaku dori) effectively and reproducibly without relying on force.

Morohoshi sensei explains

It was wonderful to have a chance to study Morohoshi sensei's advanced technique and also to see many long time friends such as Yamazaki sensei and Yamaguchi kenshi.

Yamazaki (Fireman) sensei - right

Morohoshi sensei and his family also took me on a weekend retreat to an onsen (hot springs spa) and sightseeing in Tokyo. The kindness of Morohoshi sensei, his family and kenshi was truly amazing.

Chudan gaeshi

Morohoshi sensei has also been a strong supporter of Toronto Branch and has come to teach us three times since 1995.

Yamaguchi kenshi

Thank you very much for everything you have done for us.

Ultraman - right : )
Tokyo sightseeing - Bandai HQ

Gassho

Meeting with Hiate sensei

Hiate sensei and John McCulloch in the Landmark Tower, Yokohama
(apologies for the poor picture quality)

On October 8, John McCulloch of Toronto Branch had the opportunity to meet with Hiate sensei (Atsugi Doin) at the Landmark Tower in Yokohama. Hiate sensei was busy with final preparations for the All-Japan Taikai that weekend in Aomori but managed to re-arrange his schedule to come to Yokohama for dinner.

John McCulloch practised at Atsugi Doin in 1985 and is prviledge to remain a student of Hiate sensei to this day. Hiate sensei has taught seminars and training camps numerous times since his first visit to the region in 1995.

View from Landmark Tower

I would like to thank Hiate sensei for his kindness and consideration.

Gassho

Meeting with Atsumi sensei

Thanks to a business trip to Yokohama, John McCulloch of Toronto Branch had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Atsumi sensei - the Doin-cho of Yokohama Negishi Doin.

Despite short notice, Atsumi sensei graciously agreed to meet for lunch and coffee.

It was a tremendous experience to listen to the fruits of his personal research on the deeper meaning of Shorinji Kempo kihon, especially as it related to Katsujin-ken (the fist that preserves or affirms life).

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Atsumi sensei for taking time from his busy schedule to come for this meeting.

Gassho

North America East Coast Gasshuku 2009

On the weekend of September 5-6, 2009 members of Toronto Branch attended the North America East Coast Gasshuku (training camp) in New York City.

The Toronto kenshi with Makino-sensei

The event was recognized by WSKO as an official event and was led by Makino-sensei (Daihanshi, 8th dan) - one of Kaiso's earliest students. Makino-sensei is the instructor of Nishijin Doin in Kyoto, Japan.

Advanced class

Here's what our delegates thought of the event:

"I enjoyed the opportunity to train with U.S. Kenshi instructed by Makino sensei and other U.S. Branch Masters. It was great to hear Makino sensei share stories about what it was like to train with Doshin So. Everyone was very kind and helpful in teaching new techniques and philosophy and I look forward to seeing everyone at the next event."
- Kevin Legault (1st kyu)

I found the overall experience to be quite enjoyable and enlightening. The American Kenshi were excellent hosts and it was a treat to learn from a wide variety Branch Masters, both American and Japanese. It was especially pleasing to hear Makino Sensei’s stories of his experience training under Kaiso.
- Stew Stevenson (3rd kyu)

Ever since the first minute in New York we were greeted by a cheerful and hospitable kenshi. The training facilities selected for the event provided us all with enough space to practice and the food was great. I feel particularly lucky being able to study under the guidance of so many senseis, including WSKO instructor Makino-sensei. We were all able to review many basic techniques and I found some new points, I have not been aware of, to almost every one of them.
- Max Drozd (3rd kyu)

Successful 3rd dan candidates
Phil (Ann Arbor), Isabel (Toronto), Nicole (Ann Arbor)

We wish to thank the members of New York City Branch for helping to facilitate such a great seminar.

Stew & Max

Gassho

Team Lutes Hits T.O!

Peter Lutes (shodan), a Canadian currently based in Takamatsu, Japan came along to visit us on August 17.

Accompanying him were his two sons Edward (minarai) and Nicholas (1st kyu). They are all members of Takamatsu Higashi Doin (led by Kubo sensei).


It was the first time they had experienced Shorinji Kempo practice outside of Japan.

Peter and Nicholas gave us an excellent "father and son" embu.



We look forward to seeing the Lutes family again soon.


Gassho

World Taikai in Bali

John McCulloch (Toronto Branch Master) attended the World Taikai and Study Session in Denpassar, Bali, Indonesia from July 25-29 and acted as the proxy National Representative for Canada at the WSKO General Meeting held at the Inna Grand Hotel in Sanur on July 24.

It was a remarkable experience to train in Bali and see Shorinji Kempo from the Indonesian perspective. In addition, the event was a wonderful opportunity to meet many great friends (old and new) from all over the world.

One other major attraction (apart from the Bali itself!) was the chance to receive direct instruction from the top teachers of the art.

I would like to express deep thanks to the members of PERKEMI (Indonesian Federation) for hosting such a wonderful event and to WSKO staff for their round-the-clock efforts to help look after the international delegates.

Some pictures...



Gassho