Southern fist

John Dadosky (junkenshi) of the Toronto branch visited the Florida International University branch in Miami on June 8th.

The branch is home of Eric Messersmith Sensei who is a professor at FIU. He was away that weekend so I trained with Mike and Anatole. I was asked to lead the kihon for the class which included a third kyu and two newcomers.

I was impressed at the hospitality of the branch in picking me up at the downtown hotel by Mike. Anatole gave me a ride home in his convertible with the top down playing salsa music. A true Miami experience!

Gassho,

John D.

13th Annual Charity "Kickathon"

On the evening of Wednesday June 4, 2008, eight members of Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch took part in its 13th Annual Charity "Kickathon" in aid of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health ("CAMH") Foundation.


We performed 100 continuous kata (sequences of techniques) supported by generous sponsorship from our families, friends, neighbors and colleagues. We wish to salute the many kind supporters who enabled us to raise a total of $6,000 this year.


The Kickathon event is the longest standing charitable initiative supporting the CAMH Foundation. Since its inception we have raised a total of $72,500 for this cause. The monies raised are used to support CAMH's cessation programs for drug addicts as well as research into the basic causes of addiction.

The annual event also represents Toronto Branch's "Founders Day" activity - an event that manifests the philosophy of Doshin So (the founder of Shorinji Kempo). The founding philosophy of Shorinji Kempo is to cultivate ourselves, become strong and to support those around us. By living in accord with this philosophy we hope we can become useful to our communities and improve our lives.


Charitable and community support initiatives are an important element of practice for all Shorinji Kempo members worldwide.

Gassho

30th Annual Cornell Camp

On the US Memorial Day holiday weekend, the 30th Annual Cornell Shorinji Kempo Camp (Gasshuku) was held in Camp Barton Trumansburg, NY. Sakuyama Sensei (Ibaragi Takahagi Doin, Japan) once again led the training session.

This year the attendees were also lucky enough to hava Ken Ohashi Sensei, the founder of the Cornell Camp tradition, joining the them, his camp has become an event that Kenshi across North America look forward to.



Three Kenshi from Toronto Branch attended this year, for those of us who were returning to the camp it was a great chance to catch up with and train with old friends and like the newcomers make new friends with the Kenshi we meet.



After a fun but vigorous warm up and Kihon Sakuyama Sensei introduced the principle of "Jou Kyo Ka Jitsu" through practicing taisabaki. Later in the day this was expanded to cover the use of footwork in juho instead of muscular force.



All 3 kenshi from Toronto Branch Kenshi, Stewart, Kevin and John, were amazed at the depth of knowledge and understanding Sakuyama Sensei has of Shorinji Kempo as well as his ability to transmit his understanding to Kenshi he is teaching. After being in a class taught by Sakuyama Sensei you are left with a sense that having been taught by him is a real privilege.



Gassho,

John Pitts
Toronto Branch