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  

 

Happy New Year!

Visit from Brazil

On October 30 we had the pleasure of welcoming Daniel Estima Bandeira (2nd dan) from the Porto Allegre North Branch of Brazil to our dojo.

Daniel was on vacation in Ontario and Quebec and wanted to visit our practice.

We greatly enjoyed our time together and hope we can get a chance to train in Brazil in future!

Gassho

Sakuyama sensei - classic embu (~1975)

Here is a TV feature filmed at Shorinji Kempo Hombu around 1975-76.

The feature includes an embu demonstration by Sakuyama sensei and Manabe sensei.

Kaiso So Doshin also demonstrates gatame waza.

Gassho

US Federation Super Visit!

On August 14 we were extremely fortunate to have a visit from seven members of the Orange County, Los Angeles and Yuma Branches of the US Federation.

The delegation was organized by Rastogi sensei of Orange County Branch - a long time friend of ours.

Our joint practice was superb - we really enjoyed being able to pair up with the expert kenshi from California and Arizona.

Rastogi sensei gave us a heart-warming lecture on what Shorinji Kempo means to him and his motivation for teaching.

Finally, the delegates gave us a bunch of great swag!

It really doesn't get any better than this!

Gassho

24th Annual Shorinji Kempo Charity Kickathon raises $14,380 for CAMH

Every year during the month of May, Shorinji Kempo members worldwide engage in various forms of community support activities.

Here at Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch, we have chosen to raise funds for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, particularly to help fund their efforts to understand and treat the causes of drug addiction.

The method we employ is our annual Kickathon - an event where we perform 500 continuous full force kicks with kiai (yell!) in return for sponsorship.

Reviewing the Kickathon training plan

This is our 24th successive annual charity Kickathon for CAMH and, from a practical point of view, that also means we are also 24 years older than when we started!

Our kicks are lower and a bit slower than in 1996, but thanks to our incredible sponsors we were able to raise $14,380 in our event this year.  Our Kickathon initiative has now raised a total of $179,160 for CAMH since it began.

The start

Halfway done (shaken but not stirred)

Nearly done (kicks getting lower)

We wish to thank our wonderful sponsors for their incredible generosity and loyal support of our event.

We also wish to salute the efforts of Lidia and her team at CAMH Foundation for helping make this event successful once again.

Immediately after the kicking

Finally, we commend CAMH for all its work in helping to understand and address the serious threat of drug addiction.

Gassho

Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch