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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