What's happening at Toronto Branch?

 

Greetings!

It's been a long time since we shared a post, so it's a good idea to provide an update on what's happening at Toronto Branch.

The practice space we have used at CAMH since 1995 was closed to the public when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Toronto. CAMH has not re-opened the space to community users so far. Furthermore, there is no clear guidance as to when (or if) this will occur.

Meanwhile, we have been continuing to regularly host online classes for Toronto Branch members. We have also been attending the online training sessions provided by Shorinji Kempo Hombu and online events hosted by other WSKO branches.

Given the uncertainty regarding our CAMH practice location, we have been looking at a range of alternative practice spaces and hope to restart live practice soon. Please stay tuned for details.

Finally, Toronto Branch members will be playing a bigger role in the management of the Canadian Shorinji Kempo Federation during the current officer term. 

We wish you all happiness, peace and good health!

Gassho  

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

We wish you health, happiness and peace in 2018.

Gassho

2013 Shorinji Kempo World Taikai in Osaka

 

Preliminary rounds, 2013 World Taikai

Back in Japan! This time the occasion was the 2013 Shorinji Kempo World Taikai in Osaka at the massive Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium.

Women's Dan Category expertly judged by Hiate sensei.

The World Taikai is held every four years and, as the name implies, is a gathering for members from across the world. Represented were members from every country from Finland to New Zealand including our very own Canada.

Men's Dan Embu

 The first day of the Taikai (Aug 24) consisted of preliminary rounds along with a Judges Meeting.

The evening of Aug 24 was the Taikai Eve Reception - a lavish event held at the Hotel New Otani Osaka. During the Reception the US, Spanish and Canadian Federations received Distinguished Service Awards from WSKO President Yuuki So.

The US, Canadian and Spanish Federations received Distinguished Service Awards at Taikai Eve Festival

Reunion of the Hiate sensei deshi group!

The main part of the Taikai was held on Sunday Aug 25 and included Embu competition from Kyu to Dan ranks as well as a Dantai (group) Embu event.  More photos of the Taikai and the results by category can be found here.

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of the event was the epic closing performance by members of the Osaka Shorinji Kempo Federation (hosts of the event).  Their performance was an interpretation of the theme "chaos to harmony" by using embu on a massive Kurosawa-esque scale.






Another wonderful part of the Taikai was getting to see former Toronto members Asuka Tomari and Takashi Kariya (and family) once again. Asuka was competing in the Dan Level Men and Women's Embu category. You can see her embu below.

  

Reunion with Toronto alumnus Asuka - now based in Nara.

Reunion with Toronto alumnus Takashi Kariya (and genki Takeru!) - now based in Fukuoka.

In addition, the opportunity to see friends and teachers from Japan and the rest of the world once again was truly great. It'd be tremendous to have such an opportunity more frequently.

We wish to thank Yoshida sensei, the members of the Osaka Shorinji Kempo Federation and WSKO Hombu for all their hard work in putting on such a memorable event.

Gassho