Grading success

 

Another kyu victory for Jonathan! He successfully passed his examination for 4th kyu on 26 July.

Well done!

Gassho

 

 

Atsugi Doin 50th Anniversary

50th anniversary group

 

On June 19, 2022 Atsugi Doin (Kanagawa, Japan) celebrated its 50th annversary with current members, OB, supporters and family members.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Grading success - Spring 2022

 

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're back (again)!

 

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

Chinkon-Gyo: WSKO Official Online Seminar

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

We're back!

After spending the past 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic training virtualy via Zoom, Toronto Branch held its first in-person class at its new home (Aikido Tendokai).

 

 

 

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

What's happening at Toronto Branch?

 

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