September 27, 2025 - we were happy to welcome Shin Maruyama (4th Dan) of SONY Branch in Kanagawa-ken, Japan during his visit to Toronto for language study.
Shin has been studying Shorinji Kempo since he was a child and has a great understanding of technique. Interestingly, his original teacher in Niigata studied at the sames places in Japan as the Toronto Branch Master.
We are all enjoying having Shin train with us at Toronto Branch during his stay in our city!
Gassho
September 22, 2025 - John McCulloch of Toronto Branch made a trip to Atsugi, Kanagawa-ken to visit Morohoshi sensei and the members of Atsugi Minami Doin.
Our friendship extends back to 1985 when we both trained at Atsugi Doin under the late and great Hiate sensei. Since those days we have visited each other several times and always enjoy our time together.
I would like to deeply thank Morohoshi sensei, his kenshi and family for their great hospitality and support during my stay in Atsugi.
Gassho
John McCulloch of Toronto Branch passed the 7th Dan examination at Shorinji Kempo Hombu along with Anders Pettersson sensei (Karlstad Branch, Sweden) and Pankaj Rastogi sensei (Orange County Branch, USA).
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We were assisted in our preparation for the exam by Morikawa sensei (Rakuto Doin, Kyoto) and are extremely grateful for his expert insights.
The examiners for the exam were Arai Shoji sensei (WSKO) and Matsumoto sensei (Hyogo Federation President).
It was wonderful to see Anders sensei and Pankaj sensei again and have the opportunity to test with them.
In addition, we enjoyed being reunited with many legendary teachers at Hombu and appreciated the immense kindness of the WSKO Office staff in making the whole process so smooth and for treating us to an excellent dinner after the exam.
Gassho
We are happy to announce that Jonathan passed his examination for 2nd kyu rank on May 28th.
Congratulations Jonathan!
Gassho
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| The attentive student |
The 44th Anual Cornell Shorinji Kempo Camp was held in Trumansburg, New York over the Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27).
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| Rustic dojo |
The Toronto Branch delegates were McCulloch sensei, Kevin and his son Josh. It was the first time we had been back to Camp since the COVID pandemic and it was a wonderful feeling to return there.
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| Canada Squad! |
The Camp was led by Sakuyama sensei of Ibaraki Takahagi Doin (Japan). Sakuyama sensei was a direct student of Kaiso Doshin So at Hombu in the 1970s and is also well known for starring in the movie "Shaolin Temple" with Jet Li. However, what we appreciate Sakuyama sensei for is his incredible technique, warm spirit and ability to explain his technical and philosophical insights clearly and deeply - all of which makes him one of the best Shorinji Kempo teachers you could ever hope to study from.
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| With Oka sensei (Montreal Branch) |
Sakuyama sensei focussed on basic elements and provided creative ways for us to study them. He always carefully tied the technical practice to our underlying philosophy.
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| Sakuyama sensei and the Legaults |
The Camp afforded a long overdue reunion with many friends we hadn't seen for some time including Dolce sensei and Ziring sensei (Camp organizers and hosts), Hagata sensei, Oka sensei and his students (Montreal Branch), Tamaki sensei, Tondo sensei, Berlow sensei and Negishi sensei (Yokohama).
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| With Negishi sensei (Yokohama Negishi Doin) |
We wish to thank Sakuyama sensei and the Camp organizers for providing such an amazing experience!
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| Happy Campers! |
Gassho
We were delighted to welcome Jonathan Lai (2nd dan) from the WSKO Hong Kong Branch to our practice on Saturday.
Jonathan was visiting Toronto on family business and used the opportunity to join our practice.
We look forward to seeing Jonathan again!
Kesshu
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| Nanoka and Isabel study juho |
We were delighted to see our former member Nanoka during her flying visit to Toronto.
Nanoka is a student based in Tokyo who had practised with us last winter and spring.
It was great to see her again!
Gassho
