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

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

 

Visitors from Japan

In 2018 we were fortunate again to have several visitors from Japan come to join our practice.

We are glad to belong to the worldwide Shorinji Kempo family!

Gassho

Chika-san (2nd dan) from Wakayama-ken

Takashi-san (3rd dan) from Mie-ken

Fujikawa-san (2nd dan) from Tochigi-ken

2014 Closing Ceremony

Tony & Kevin

Our members gathered on the evening of December 22 for our 2014 Closing Ceremony (marks the final practice of the year).

Rafael & Maxim

The format was as follows:

• Kihon (basics)
• Demonstrations of technique/embu
• Chinkon-gyo
• Lecture (milestones from 2014 and aspirations for 2015)
• Close

Christian & Daryl

John & Tal

 The lecture included

• the grading successes of Toronto Branch kenshi during 2014
• our record Kickathon raise for the CAMH Foundation
• J. McCulloch's 20th anniversary as Toronto Branch Master
• Max's attendance at the 2014 Cornell Camp
• many visitors from Japan (Yurika - Hombu, Sayako - Tokai U., Hikari - Hyogo, Takuya - Osaka, Ayano - Aichi via Vancouver & Takeshi - Nihon U. via Vancouver) 
• our plans for future study opporunities in 2015
  
  

  

  Isabel & Yayoi

We hope you enjoy the photos taken from our event.

Hikari & Yan

Gassho

My time at Toronto Branch - Yurika Ota

With Yurika just before her return to Japan

From May to October 2014 we were very fortunate to have Yurika Ota train with us at our branch.

Yurika is a graduate of the Zenrin Gakuen (Shorinji Kempo Academy) at Hombu and is the daughter of Ota sensei (JR Shikoku Branch) who had visited our dojo 8 years ago.

Yurika was an extremely popular member at our branch due to her kind nature and wonderful sense of humor.  The fact that she was able to get us great meals with wonderful service at Ramen Isshin was a bonus!

Yurika in action - uwa uke geri

 After she returned to Japan, Yurika sent us this message:

"I was a bit nervous about joining Toronto Branch since I hadn't practiced for a long, long time and had forgotten almost everything. Despite my shyness, the members of Toronto Branch practiced with me and in a very friendly and kind way.

I liked going Dojo to train with everyone, making friendships and enjoying conversation together. It was a precious time for me, but not long enough!
 
I'd like to thank the Toronto Branch members for welcoming me. I miss you already and hope we can meet again in Toronto or in Japan.

Gassho,

Yurika Ota"

Yurika - everyone at Toronto Branch misses you and hopes to see you again soon!