Manami - my experience at Toronto Branch

We were blessed to have another visitor from Japan come to train at our dojo.

Our guest was Manami N. a schoolteacher from Tokushima Prefecture, close to Shorinji Kempo Hombu.

Here are her thoughts:

" This was my first time to join training at a dojo outside of Japan. I imagined it would be totally different to the Japanese style, but surprisingly (unexpectedly) it was a cozy, peaceful and warm place like my home dojo. Great master, John sensei and the other all members welcomed me in a very friendly way. As for technical skills, manners, importance of caring people and building myself, etc., everything was exactly same, even the lessons by teacher.

 

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

Commemorating Hiate sensei (1949-2023)

 

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