Grading success!

 

We are happy to announce that Jonathan passed his examination for 2nd kyu rank on May 28th.

Congratulations Jonathan!

Gassho

44th Annual Cornell Shorinji Kempo Camp

The attentive student

The 44th Anual Cornell Shorinji Kempo Camp was held in Trumansburg, New York over the Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27).

Rustic dojo

The Toronto Branch delegates were McCulloch sensei, Kevin and his son Josh.  It was the first time we had been back to Camp since the COVID pandemic and it was a wonderful feeling to return there.

Canada Squad!

The Camp was led by Sakuyama sensei of Ibaraki Takahagi Doin (Japan).  Sakuyama sensei was a direct student of Kaiso Doshin So at Hombu in the 1970s and is also well known for starring in the movie "Shaolin Temple" with Jet Li. However, what we appreciate Sakuyama sensei for is his incredible technique, warm spirit and ability to explain his technical and philosophical insights clearly and deeply - all of which makes him one of the best Shorinji Kempo teachers you could ever hope to study from.

With Oka sensei (Montreal Branch)

Sakuyama sensei focussed on basic elements and provided creative ways for us to study them. He always carefully tied the technical practice to our underlying philosophy.

Sakuyama sensei and the Legaults

The Camp afforded a long overdue reunion with many friends we hadn't seen for some time including Dolce sensei and Ziring sensei (Camp organizers and hosts), Hagata sensei, Oka sensei and his students (Montreal Branch), Tamaki sensei, Tondo sensei, Berlow sensei and Negishi sensei (Yokohama).

With Negishi sensei (Yokohama Negishi Doin)

We wish to thank Sakuyama sensei and the Camp organizers for providing such an amazing experience!

Happy Campers!

Gassho

 

Visit from Hong Kong

We were delighted to welcome Jonathan Lai (2nd dan) from the WSKO Hong Kong Branch to our practice on Saturday.

Jonathan was visiting Toronto on family business and used the opportunity to join our practice.

Jonathan also travels to Japan several times a year to practice under a Hombu Instructor in Kagawa.

 We look forward to seeing Jonathan again!

Kesshu 

Nanoka returns

Nanoka and Isabel study juho

 

We were delighted to see our former member Nanoka during her flying visit to Toronto.

Nanoka is a student based in Tokyo who had practised with us last winter and spring.

It was great to see her again!

Gassho

Happy New Year

 

We wish you health, peace and happiness in the year ahead!

Gassho

Closing Ceremony 2023

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 

Grading Success!

 

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

 

Special Dan Grading

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. 

With Inoue sensei - star of "Kuro Obi World"

Gassho

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

Nanoka - my experience at Toronto Branch

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

 

Yuya Ishida - my experience at Toronto Branch

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 .

Yuya (front row, second from left) at his final class at Toronto Branch

 

Here are his thoughts about his time at Toronto Branch:

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.

What inspires me is that Shorinjikempo is more widely practiced around the world than I thought. There are few chances for me to practice Shorinjikempo with non-Japanese in Japan. According to Howa, I was surprised at how many Kenshi love Shorikempo. After arriving at Japan, my English skill and Toronto-Branch’s techniques will be helpful for those who want to learn Shorinkempo, no matter what nationality!

I appreciate everyone’s kindness! It relieves my anxiety and hesitation to jump into communication. See you at World Taikai!"

 

Ryaku juji gote

 

Yuya - we all look forward to seeing you again soon!

 

Gassho

 

Grading success

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

Happy New Year!

We wish you a Happy New Year! 

Here are some pictures from our 2022 Closing Ceremony (final practice of the year).  

Gassho

Grading success

 

Brian & Christian with their new certificates

We are delighted to announce that Toronto kenshi Brian and Christian successfully passed their examination for the rank of Chukenshi 3rd dan on August 23, 2022.

Many thanks to Oka-sensei (Montreal Branch) for being an examiner and Tal and Kevin for assisting with the grading.

Gassho

Grading success

 

Another kyu victory for Jonathan! He successfully passed his examination for 4th kyu on 26 July.

Well done!

Gassho

 

 

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

Grading success - Spring 2022

 

More grading successes at Toronto Branch:

Jonathan passed his examination for 5th Kyu on March 12, 2022.

John McCulloch passed the examination for Hokai rank Junhanshi on February 25, 2022.

We look forward to more members advancing in the coming months.

Kesshu

We're back (again)!

 

We were delighted to return to the dojo in November 2021 after a very long pandemic break.

Unfortunately, our joy turned out to be shortlived as the Omicron wave caused a shutdown of all gyms in Ontario.

Today we were back in action for the first time after relxation of the Omicron restrictions and it was a wonderful experience!

We hope that our training can now continue without interruption.

Gassho

Chinkon-Gyo: WSKO Official Online Seminar

Toronto Branch had the distinct honour of conducting Chinkon-gyo at the January 22, 2022 WSKO Official Online Seminar.

In common with previous WSKO online seminars, this event was attended by members from WSKO branches all over the world.

Arai Shoji sensei led the kihon section and initial hokei instruction.

Kawashima sensei followed with an in-depth review of technical questions sent in by members.

We would like to thank WSKO Hombu for making this event (and other online seminars) possible during the current pandemic restrictions.

Gassho