Every year we hold a Closing Ceremony on the final day of practice.
During this event we reflect on the achievements of the prior year, hold a longer Chinkon-Gyo including the recitation of Raihashi and Dokun, and have the members demonstrate their skills.
Here are some photos from our 2023 Closing Ceremony event.
Gassho
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| Max - the proud new black belt holder |
We are delighted to announce that Toronto Branch member Max successfully passed his examination for the rank of Junkenshi 1st Dan on 17 October 2023.
Well done Max!
Gassho
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| Tony with Kawashima sensei |
We are delighted to announce that Tony Tan, Assistant Instructor at Toronto Branch, passed his examination for Seikenshi 4th Dan at Shorinji Kempo Hombu in Tadotsu, Japan on 13 October 2023.
Well done Tony!
The grading was held during the 2023 WSKO Official Seminar. Tony had the opportunity to receive three days of training with the top Hombu instructors and spend time with friends from all over the world.
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| With Inoue sensei - star of "Kuro Obi World" |
Gassho
We recently hosted Nanoka - a 2nd dan kenshi from Toyo University in Tokyo, Japan. Nanoka fearlessly threw herself into the training at our branch with great enthusiasm! We greatly enjoyed having her train at our dojo for the past months and wish her every success back in Japan.
Here is what Nanoka had to say...
"It was a great opportunity for me to join dojo in Toronto. Practicing Shorinji Kempo abroad was one my dreams since high school.
Since I wanted to challenge myself with my experience and language skill, I joined the practice. Fortunately, Toronto Branch was very nice place to do it. Everyone was very kind and welcome to practice with me. I enjoyed practicing many techniques with them. I got very surprised that many kenshi in here already have high grade and long experience. Also, the things they pay attention to when we learn something was interesting.
They always motivated me and make me realize my potential. Language and how we grew up are very different but l thought sharing common place and interest like this was amazing.
I would like to continue Shorinji Kempo even after graduate or abroad for my mental and physical health. I appreciate all members here. Hope we can see and practice again!"
Gassho
One of the greatest things at Toronto Branch is that we get many visits from kenshi across the world.
Yuya Ishida, a university student from Tokyo, came to train with us during his international placement. We all greatly enjoyed having him join our group .
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| Yuya (front row, second from left) at his final class at Toronto Branch |
Here are his thoughts about his time at Toronto Branch:
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| Presenting Yuya with a gift from the Toronto kenshi |
"Experience in Toronto Branch for 5 months is unforgettable in my life. Before enrolled in this club, I was wondering if I could communicate with the members in English. However, my concern went away soon! Beginning with John Sensei, other members helped me understand how a technique works and added me into conversations. Thanks to that, practicing in the Dojo became enjoyable and full of fun.
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| Ryaku juji gote |
We are pleased to report that Toronto Branch kenshi have been successful in recent examinations.
Stephen passed his 5th kyu examination on 22 November 2022.
Jonathan passed his 3rd kyu examination on 29 November 2022.
Congratulations!
Kesshu