Atsugi Doin 50th Anniversary

50th anniversary group

 

On June 19, 2022 Atsugi Doin (Kanagawa, Japan) celebrated its 50th annversary with current members, OB, supporters and family members.

 

Group training

The Doin-cho of Atsugi Doin is Hiate sensei, 8th Dan. His great efforts in founding and leading Atsugi Doin for so many years are truly astonishing, particularly considering his roles in managing other branches (including Tokai University Branch, Atsugi Tamagawa Juniors Branch), teaching at Busen throughout Japan most weekends and serving as a Hombu Shidoin and examiner.

 

Hiate sensei demonstrates technique

In 1985, Toronto Branch Master John McCulloch had the priviledge of studying under Hiate sensei at Tokai University Branch and Atsugi Doin. Since then, Hiate sensei has given Toronto Branch huge support and has travelled here to teach on four occasions, including two WSKO seminars.

 

Video message from Toronto Branch

 

We wish to send our heartfelt congratulations to Hiate sensei and the members of Atusgi Doin on this historic achievement!

Gassho

2017 World Taikai & International Study Session

The Canadian Federation team

Seven members of Toronto Branch participated in the 2017 World Taikai & International Study Session held from July 30-August 2, 2017 in San Mateo, CA.

Swag!

Christian competed in the tan'en embu (single form) category. He gave a spirited performance, but as the Chief Judge later commented "technique high, time low" so alas no medal.

Daryl and Christian

John (Toronto Branch Master) was a Judge for several categories including Women's 3 Dan and Men's Masters Embu.  Tal and Tony also assisted the Chief Judge during the Embu competition.

Getting ready to judge with Hiate sensei

The Study Session was comprised of group practice and several rank-based sessions led by the leading instructors from Japan and the rest of the world.

Kawashima sensei (senior and junior)

In addition, there were Kongo Zen lectures and sessions for Judge/Examiner certification.

With Anders sensei and Gary sensei

The event was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with our friends from all over the planet. In addition, it was a great opportunity to spend more time with Hiate sensei (Atsugi Doin, Japan) - our main teacher.

Kanga Ryu - deadly Australian martial arts with Nick sensei (Melbourne)

We wish to thank the kenshi of California and the USSKF for making this event such a great success!

Kanagawa Federation reunion - with Nakamura sensei and Hiate sensei

Gassho

Hiate sensei demonstration

Footage of our great teacher Hiate sensei (Seihanshi, 8th dan) performing at the Nippon Budokan event in Moscow on November 8, 2014.

Shorinji Kempo, kumi-embu 2 from Angel_S_Studio on Vimeo.

Atsugi Doin 40th Anniversary

On September 16, 2012 I had the great honor of attending the 40th Anniversary of Atsugi Doin in Kanagawa, Japan.

Atsugi Doin was founded and has been managed for the past 40 years by Kizumi Hiate sensei (8th dan). This dojo was also where I studied Shorinji Kempo during an academic exchange in the summer of 1985. Hiate sensei has been my teacher ever since and has supported all of us in Toronto with four teaching visits (1995, 2000, 2002, 2006) including two WSKO seminars.

The 40th anniversary events were held in three parts:

1. Embukai

Kenshi from all over Kanagawa Prefecture gathered at the Atsugi Sports Centre to show thier embu (pre-arranged technique displays).   The event also included displays of exceptional embu from Atsugi area kenshi including the Masui brothers and women's embu by Kurita kenshi and Yusaku kenshi.







2. Koshukai

Following lunch, all kenshi agthered again the main gymnasium for a special koshukai (study session) led by Yamasaki sensei (Hombu) and Yajima sensei (Kawagoe Doin). Yamasaki sensei gave a lecture that stressed the imprtance of acceptance and yielding both in human relations, business, politics and technique!  He then procedded to teach us exactly how he uses this philosophy to make effective self-defense without having to resort to force. I had the pleasure of being thrown about by Yamasaki sensei several times during the event and can attest that what he says is definitely true!

One unexpected and great surprise - I got to meet Keisuke Ogura kenshi once again.  We had been members of the same dojo in London some 25 years ago and hadn't had a chance to meet for at least 21 years.  Also, recent Toronto Branch member Hiroko Fujita made the trip from Tokyo to join in too. Nice to see her again!

3. Party Time!

Next we all headed out to the Nurumizu area and Atsugi Doin itself.  Hiate sensei built and opened his private dojo 10 years ago and it was fitting place to hold the 40th anniversary party.  Following speeches by Yamasaki sensei, Yajima sensei and senior teachers from Kanagawa and beyond, the event switched to the social focus (i.e. drinking and eating!).  An apres party with Machida Doin Old Boys including Yamasaki sensei, Yajima sensei, Hiate sensei, Morikawa sensei and others was particularly fun!

Toronto Branch alumnus Hiroko Fujita

Many, many kenshi and senior instructors turned out to support Hiate sensei in his 40th anniversary. Every part of the day was packed to capacity. Apart from myself, Anders Pettersson sensei - President of the Swedish Federation - and representatives from Humboldt University Branch in Germany were in attendance. Hiate sensei is not only a highly respected and loved teacher in Japan but worldwide too!

I wish to thank Hiate sensei and his family as well as Morohoshi sensei and his family for their great kindness and support during this amazing visit.

Gassho