September 27, 2025 - we were happy to welcome Shin Maruyama (4th Dan) of SONY Branch in Kanagawa-ken, Japan during his visit to Toronto for language study.
Shin has been studying Shorinji Kempo since he was a child and has a great understanding of technique. Interestingly, his original teacher in Niigata studied at the sames places in Japan as the Toronto Branch Master.
We are all enjoying having Shin train with us at Toronto Branch during his stay in our city!
Gassho
September 22, 2025 - John McCulloch of Toronto Branch made a trip to Atsugi, Kanagawa-ken to visit Morohoshi sensei and the members of Atsugi Minami Doin.
Our friendship extends back to 1985 when we both trained at Atsugi Doin under the late and great Hiate sensei. Since those days we have visited each other several times and always enjoy our time together.
I would like to deeply thank Morohoshi sensei, his kenshi and family for their great hospitality and support during my stay in Atsugi.
Gassho
John McCulloch of Toronto Branch passed the 7th Dan examination at Shorinji Kempo Hombu along with Anders Pettersson sensei (Karlstad Branch, Sweden) and Pankaj Rastogi sensei (Orange County Branch, USA).
 |
We were assisted in our preparation for the exam by Morikawa sensei (Rakuto Doin, Kyoto) and are extremely grateful for his expert insights.
The examiners for the exam were Arai Shoji sensei (WSKO) and Matsumoto sensei (Hyogo Federation President).
It was wonderful to see Anders sensei and Pankaj sensei again and have the opportunity to test with them.
In addition, we enjoyed being reunited with many legendary teachers at Hombu and appreciated the immense kindness of the WSKO Office staff in making the whole process so smooth and for treating us to an excellent dinner after the exam.
Gassho