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| Tony with Kawashima sensei |
We are delighted to announce that Tony Tan, Assistant Instructor at Toronto Branch, passed his examination for Seikenshi 4th Dan at Shorinji Kempo Hombu in Tadotsu, Japan on 13 October 2023.
Well done Tony!
The grading was held during the 2023 WSKO Official Seminar. Tony had the opportunity to receive three days of training with the top Hombu instructors and spend time with friends from all over the world.
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| With Inoue sensei - star of "Kuro Obi World" |
Gassho
Our guest was Manami N. a schoolteacher from Tokushima Prefecture, close to Shorinji Kempo Hombu.
Here are her thoughts:
I was also surprised to know that many Japanese terms are used abroad in training. Although it’s hard for me to catch up, the members helped me a lot. The most impressive things are that they very passionately work on Shorinji Kempo and John sensei treasures deeply his teacher who taught him in Japan many years ago even now. They inspired me and I really admire Toronto dojo.
It’s sad I could only join training there for a few times, yet I appreciated the moments I spent with them.
Thank you very much, and I hope to see you again.
Manami N"
Manami - all of us at Toronto Branch look forward to seeing you again either at our dojo or in Japan.
Genki dene!
Gassho
We are sad to report that Kizumi Hiate (Daihanshi, 8th Dan) of Atsugi Doin passed away today after a courageous battle with cancer.
Hiate sensei lived and breathed Shorinji Kempo - it was his very existence. He continued to teach classes at Atsugi Doin even as his health was failing since he was so passionate to pass on his skills to future generations while he could.
Hiate sensei also taught at several other branches including Tokai University and Tamagawa Juniors Branch and was a senior officer of the Kanagawa Shorinji Kempo Federation. He held several roles at Hombu, including Hombu Shidoin, and frequently travelled around Japan teaching Bekka Busen courses at the weekends.
In addition, he greatly supported the international development of Shorinji Kempo and assisted many branches around the world as a WSKO Instructor. Hiate sensei came to Toronto four times to teach us, including two official WSKO seminars that he led.
I first met Hiate sensei at the Tokai University Shonan School campus in 1985. I had practised Shorinji Kempo already for three years at that time, but I had never seen as great a master as him. I became his student and continued to study from him for the rest of his life. He was my father in Shorinji Kempo.
I cannot adequately express in words the depth of my gratitutde to Hiate sensei, his family and students for all their kind support. It is definitely true that Toronto Branch would not exist without you.
Gassho
John McCulloch
Branch Master
Toronto Branch
We recently hosted Nanoka - a 2nd dan kenshi from Toyo University in Tokyo, Japan. Nanoka fearlessly threw herself into the training at our branch with great enthusiasm! We greatly enjoyed having her train at our dojo for the past months and wish her every success back in Japan.
Here is what Nanoka had to say...
"It was a great opportunity for me to join dojo in Toronto. Practicing Shorinji Kempo abroad was one my dreams since high school.
Since I wanted to challenge myself with my experience and language skill, I joined the practice. Fortunately, Toronto Branch was very nice place to do it. Everyone was very kind and welcome to practice with me. I enjoyed practicing many techniques with them. I got very surprised that many kenshi in here already have high grade and long experience. Also, the things they pay attention to when we learn something was interesting.
They always motivated me and make me realize my potential. Language and how we grew up are very different but l thought sharing common place and interest like this was amazing.
I would like to continue Shorinji Kempo even after graduate or abroad for my mental and physical health. I appreciate all members here. Hope we can see and practice again!"
Gassho
One of the greatest things at Toronto Branch is that we get many visits from kenshi across the world.
Yuya Ishida, a university student from Tokyo, came to train with us during his international placement. We all greatly enjoyed having him join our group .
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| Yuya (front row, second from left) at his final class at Toronto Branch |
Here are his thoughts about his time at Toronto Branch:
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| Presenting Yuya with a gift from the Toronto kenshi |
"Experience in Toronto Branch for 5 months is unforgettable in my life. Before enrolled in this club, I was wondering if I could communicate with the members in English. However, my concern went away soon! Beginning with John Sensei, other members helped me understand how a technique works and added me into conversations. Thanks to that, practicing in the Dojo became enjoyable and full of fun.
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| Ryaku juji gote |
We are pleased to report that Toronto Branch kenshi have been successful in recent examinations.
Stephen passed his 5th kyu examination on 22 November 2022.
Jonathan passed his 3rd kyu examination on 29 November 2022.
Congratulations!
Kesshu
We wish you a Happy New Year!
Here are some pictures from our 2022 Closing Ceremony (final practice of the year).
Gassho
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| Brian & Christian with their new certificates |
We are delighted to announce that Toronto kenshi Brian and Christian successfully passed their examination for the rank of Chukenshi 3rd dan on August 23, 2022.
Many thanks to Oka-sensei (Montreal Branch) for being an examiner and Tal and Kevin for assisting with the grading.
Gassho
Another kyu victory for Jonathan! He successfully passed his examination for 4th kyu on 26 July.
Well done!
Gassho
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| 50th anniversary group |
On June 19, 2022 Atsugi Doin (Kanagawa, Japan) celebrated its 50th annversary with current members, OB, supporters and family members.
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| Group training |
The Doin-cho of Atsugi Doin is Hiate sensei, 8th Dan. His great efforts in founding and leading Atsugi Doin for so many years are truly astonishing, particularly considering his roles in managing other branches (including Tokai University Branch, Atsugi Tamagawa Juniors Branch), teaching at Busen throughout Japan most weekends and serving as a Hombu Shidoin and examiner.
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| Hiate sensei demonstrates technique |
In 1985, Toronto Branch Master John McCulloch had the priviledge of studying under Hiate sensei at Tokai University Branch and Atsugi Doin. Since then, Hiate sensei has given Toronto Branch huge support and has travelled here to teach on four occasions, including two WSKO seminars.
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| Video message from Toronto Branch |
We wish to send our heartfelt congratulations to Hiate sensei and the members of Atusgi Doin on this historic achievement!
Gassho
More grading successes at Toronto Branch:
Jonathan passed his examination for 5th Kyu on March 12, 2022.
John McCulloch passed the examination for Hokai rank Junhanshi on February 25, 2022.
We look forward to more members advancing in the coming months.
Kesshu
We were delighted to return to the dojo in November 2021 after a very long pandemic break.
Unfortunately, our joy turned out to be shortlived as the Omicron wave caused a shutdown of all gyms in Ontario.
Today we were back in action for the first time after relxation of the Omicron restrictions and it was a wonderful experience!
We hope that our training can now continue without interruption.
Gassho
Toronto Branch had the distinct honour of conducting Chinkon-gyo at the January 22, 2022 WSKO Official Online Seminar.
In common with previous WSKO online seminars, this event was attended by members from WSKO branches all over the world.
Arai Shoji sensei led the kihon section and initial hokei instruction.
Kawashima sensei followed with an in-depth review of technical questions sent in by members.
We would like to thank WSKO Hombu for making this event (and other online seminars) possible during the current pandemic restrictions.
Gassho
Practicing together after such a long gap was an incredible (and quite emotional) experience.
We will be holding two live classes per week (Tuesdays and Saturdays) at this location from now on.
Jonathan was able to be presented with his pre-pandemic 6th kyu certificate at long last!
Gassho
Greetings!
It's been a long time since we shared a post, so it's a good idea to provide an update on what's happening at Toronto Branch.
The practice space we have used at CAMH since 1995 was closed to the public when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Toronto. CAMH has not re-opened the space to community users so far. Furthermore, there is no clear guidance as to when (or if) this will occur.
Meanwhile, we have been continuing to regularly host online classes for Toronto Branch members. We have also been attending the online training sessions provided by Shorinji Kempo Hombu and online events hosted by other WSKO branches.
Given the uncertainty regarding our CAMH practice location, we have been looking at a range of alternative practice spaces and hope to restart live practice soon. Please stay tuned for details.
Finally, Toronto Branch members will be playing a bigger role in the management of the Canadian Shorinji Kempo Federation during the current officer term.
We wish you all happiness, peace and good health!
Gassho
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| Reviewing the Kickathon training plan |
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| The start |
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| Halfway done (shaken but not stirred) |
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| Nearly done (kicks getting lower) |
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| Immediately after the kicking |
