Atsugi Minami Doin 2009

Morohoshi sensei (front left)

On the evening of October 9, John McCulloch of Toronto Branch was kindly invited by Morohoshi sensei (Doin-cho of Atsugi Minami Doin) to join in his class.

Watching carefully

Morohoshi sensei taught us how to make various foundational juho techniques (oshi gote, okuri gote, johaku dori) effectively and reproducibly without relying on force.

Morohoshi sensei explains

It was wonderful to have a chance to study Morohoshi sensei's advanced technique and also to see many long time friends such as Yamazaki sensei and Yamaguchi kenshi.

Yamazaki (Fireman) sensei - right

Morohoshi sensei and his family also took me on a weekend retreat to an onsen (hot springs spa) and sightseeing in Tokyo. The kindness of Morohoshi sensei, his family and kenshi was truly amazing.

Chudan gaeshi

Morohoshi sensei has also been a strong supporter of Toronto Branch and has come to teach us three times since 1995.

Yamaguchi kenshi

Thank you very much for everything you have done for us.

Ultraman - right : )
Tokyo sightseeing - Bandai HQ

Gassho

Meeting with Hiate sensei

Hiate sensei and John McCulloch in the Landmark Tower, Yokohama
(apologies for the poor picture quality)

On October 8, John McCulloch of Toronto Branch had the opportunity to meet with Hiate sensei (Atsugi Doin) at the Landmark Tower in Yokohama. Hiate sensei was busy with final preparations for the All-Japan Taikai that weekend in Aomori but managed to re-arrange his schedule to come to Yokohama for dinner.

John McCulloch practised at Atsugi Doin in 1985 and is prviledge to remain a student of Hiate sensei to this day. Hiate sensei has taught seminars and training camps numerous times since his first visit to the region in 1995.

View from Landmark Tower

I would like to thank Hiate sensei for his kindness and consideration.

Gassho

Meeting with Atsumi sensei

Thanks to a business trip to Yokohama, John McCulloch of Toronto Branch had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Atsumi sensei - the Doin-cho of Yokohama Negishi Doin.

Despite short notice, Atsumi sensei graciously agreed to meet for lunch and coffee.

It was a tremendous experience to listen to the fruits of his personal research on the deeper meaning of Shorinji Kempo kihon, especially as it related to Katsujin-ken (the fist that preserves or affirms life).

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Atsumi sensei for taking time from his busy schedule to come for this meeting.

Gassho