World Taikai in Bali

John McCulloch (Toronto Branch Master) attended the World Taikai and Study Session in Denpassar, Bali, Indonesia from July 25-29 and acted as the proxy National Representative for Canada at the WSKO General Meeting held at the Inna Grand Hotel in Sanur on July 24.

It was a remarkable experience to train in Bali and see Shorinji Kempo from the Indonesian perspective. In addition, the event was a wonderful opportunity to meet many great friends (old and new) from all over the world.

One other major attraction (apart from the Bali itself!) was the chance to receive direct instruction from the top teachers of the art.

I would like to express deep thanks to the members of PERKEMI (Indonesian Federation) for hosting such a wonderful event and to WSKO staff for their round-the-clock efforts to help look after the international delegates.

Some pictures...



Gassho

Godorenshu - Barrie, June 2009

Members from all Branches of Shorinji Kempo Ontario headed to the Aikido Hiryukan Dojo in Barrie for the Q2 Godorenshu and Grading.


As ever the training facilities were excellent.


Following group kihon we moved on to study basic and tobi ukemi on the luxurious tatami!


After spending a bit of time in the air we split into different ranks to study hokei as taught by each of the four SKO Branch Masters.


We would like to thank Fontaine-sensei of Huronia Branch for organizing another great event.


Prior to the godorenshu there were several kyu examinations. Toronto kenshi Max and Patrick were successful in their sankyu test and Kevin also passed his ikkyu examination.


Gassho

West meets East

This evening we were fortunate to have a visit from Maria (3rd kyu) - a member of the University of British Columbia Branch in Vancouver.


It is always a great joy to have other members of the Canadian Shorinji Kempo family join our class and Maria's visit was no exception.

Gassho

14th Annual Charity Shorinji Kempo "Kickathon"

Members of Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch took part in our customary Kaiso Day activity (annual charity “Kickathon”) on the evening of May 27, 2009.

We each performed 500 successive kicks with loud kiai (yell) in return for the generous sponsorship from many supporters.

Despite having only a small group participating in the event this year we were able to raise a total of $7,500 for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation in our event.

The “Kickathon” event has raised a total of $80,000 for this important cause since it began in 1996.

CAMH is a WHO-listed centre for research into the causes of addictions and their successful treatment. Our annual “Kickathon” is aimed at providing funds for:

1. research into the root causes of drug addiction, and
2. supporting drug cessation treatment programs offered by CAMH

In addition, we hope that the event will help, in a small way, help break down the social stigma associated with drug addiction and will help encourage individuals to seek treatment.

The philosophy of Shorinji Kempo emphasizes the importance of helping people to help themselves. We believe that this event helps us practice this ideal and offers a ray of hope to those seemingly trapped by a serious, life-threatening addictive illness.

We wish to thank our many generous sponsors for their continuing support, particularly at this challenging economic time.

Gassho

Cornell 31

Five members of Toronto Branch travelled to beautiful Trumansburg, NY on the Memorial Day wekend to attend the 31st Annual Cornell Shorinji Kempo Camp.


Sakuyama-sensei, Doin-cho of Ibaraki Takahagi Doin came over from Japan specially to share his many talents with us.


As before, we were amazed by his deep understanding of Shorinji Kempo technique and philosophy as well as his expert ability to teach them.


We wish to thank Sakuyama-sensei for taking the time and effort to come all the way across the world to selflessly share his love of Shorinji Kempo with us.

We also wish to thank the hosts - Ann Arbor Branch - and everyone else who once again made the Camp such a great success.

Gassho

California Sun

More road trip news - this time a visit to the Peninsula Branch of San Mateo, California on Wednesday April 15. San Mateo is located about 19 miles south of San Francisco.


Peninsula Branch is part of a burgeoning Shorinji Kempo in Northern California which arose from years of effort by Harada sensei (San Francisco), Hirayama sensei (Silicon Valley) and Hagata sensei (Mt. Diablo).


Toronto Branch Master John McCulloch and Peninsula Branch Master Karahashi sensei have known each other for about 20 years but this was the first dojo visit.

The lesson was mainly focused on juho waza that evening and Karahashi sensei guided the members through the main points for breaking balance to ensure the throw will follow smoothly.


One kenshi had recently passed his shodan exam and this evening was his first exposure to the many nage waza of Shorinji Kempo - hopefully not too painful!


I would like to thank Karahashi sensei and the members of Peninsula Branch for their wonderful hospitality and kindness. Hopefully we will be able to welcome them at Toronto Branch soon.



Gassho

New black belt!

Toronto Branch member Tony Tan succeeded in his examination for the rank of Junkenshi shodan (first degree black belt) on Monday March 23.

To celebrate his accomplishment, the members of Toronto Branch gave Tony a traditional style post-grading "appreciation" as used by the Indonesian Federation.

Well done Tony and thanks to Isabel for helping him prepare.

Gassho

2008 Year End Ceremony

On the evening of December 17 members of Toronto Branch held a ceremony marking the last practice of the year.

After warm-up and stretching we had a vigorous kihon (basics) session as a group. Following that was a series of tandoku embu (single form) and hokei (technique) demonstrations by members.

Next up was Chinkon-gyo (meditation) and a talk by the Branch Master on the accomplishments of the current year and an outline of major goals for 2009.

Gassho

2nd Annual SKO Taikai

On Saturday October 25, 2008 members of Shorinji Kempo Ontario branches gathered at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in North York for the 2nd Annual SKO Taikai.

Taikai are a valuable opportunity for Shorinji Kempo members to display the fruits of their hard work and increase the bonds of friendship between branches.

The panel of judges

The event consisted of tandoku embu (single form) and kumi embu (pair form) sections divided according to rank.

Tal - tandoku embu

In addition, members from Toronto Branch and Yorkville Branch gave demonstrations of goho randori (sparring). Our branch members used the double-layer safety equipment from Hombu which allows for vigorous practice while maintaining safety.

Goho randori with protectors (Tony & Tal)

Isabel - tandoku embu

Isabel of Toronto Branch was awarded 2nd place in the Adult Dan Grade Tandoku Embu category.

Overall, the Taikai ran very smoothly and everyone enjoyed having a chance to participate.

We look forward to the 3rd SKO Taikai in 2009.

We hope you enjoy our photos of the event.

Tony - tandoku embu

A full report on the event was recently published on the WSKO website.

Stew - tandoku embu

The participating Toronto Branch kenshi

Gassho

Alma mater - Tokai University

On October 20, John paid a visit to Tokai University Shorinji Kempo Branch.

It was an especially interesting trip since John had practiced Shorinji Kempo there in the summer of 1985 when he was an exchange student at Tokai University School of Medicine and hadn't had a chance to train there since.

Hiate sensei (Seihanshi, 7th dan) has been the Branch Master at Tokai University for over 35 years and the members there reflect his high standards.

Much of the focus in the class was on preparing for examinations or the All-Japan Taikai in November.


John was very fortunate to spend time reviewing techniques one-on-one with Hiate sensei and then practicing kumiembu with Akiba kenshi (Chukenshi, 3rd dan).


Despite the long gap since the last training session at Tokai U., the experience was very familiar - enthusiastic kenshi, lots of teamwork in running the dojo, the close juxtaposition with other student clubs and high level embu with a lot of ippon se nage!


I would like to thank Hiate sensei and the members of Tokai University Branch for allowing me to relive my youth!


Gassho

Kanagawa Reunion

Thanks to Hiate sensei (Atsugi Doin), John McCulloch of Toronto Branch has been fortunate to enjoy close ties to the Kanagawa Shorinji Kempo Federation since 1985, especially Branches in or near Atsugi City.

Dinner at a "guts" restaurant: L to R Hiate sensei, John, Matsui kenshi, Nakamura sensei, Hayashi sensei

During his recent visit to Japan, John was kindly hosted by Hiate sensei and his family and wishes to thank them very much for five star treatment received and for taking time from busy schedules to provide such a great experience!

During the visit there were occasions to meet with great friends including Nakamura sensei, Hayashi sensei, Morohoshi sensei, Negishi sensei, Kuramoto kenshi, Yamazaki "fireman" kenshi and Akiba kenshi - most of whom have visited Toronto Branch in the past.

L to R: John, Morohoshi sensei, Yamazaki Fireman

Iro iro domo arigato gozaimashita!

Gassho

Atsugi Minami Doin

Morohoshi sensei at the entrance of his private dojo

On the evening of October 17, 2008, Toronto Branch Master John McCulloch had the great pleasure of training at Atsugi Minami Doin in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Morohoshi sensei (Seihanshi, 7th dan), the Atsugi Minami Doin-cho, have known each other since 1985 and have visited each other's dojo several times. This visit was a great chance to renew our friendship and train together once again.

Breaking balance without force

The class largely focused on ways of performing juho technique without use of power - a fairly advanced approach. The time flew by (as did we!).


I am very grateful to Morohoshi sensei and the kenshi of Atsugi Minami Doin for sharing their knowledge. Also, I'd like to thank the Morohoshi family for their kindness and hospitality during my stay.

Gassho

Eduardo returns!

We were fortunate to have a flying visit tonight from Eduardo Bello - a Toronto Branch member who is now working in Malaysia.

He reported that his work project is very intense but is looking forward to continuing his practice with the Malaysian Federation soon.

It was great to see Eduardo again for the first time in over 6 months.


We wish him every success in Malaysia and hope to see him again soon.

Gassho

Hiate sensei leads 2008 Ontario Gasshuku

Toronto Branch members with Hiate sensei and the Kanagawa group

On the weekend of September 13-14, 2008 Hiate sensei (Seihanshi, 7th dan) led the 2008 Ontario Gasshuku at the JCCC in Toronto. A total of 55 members from Canada, USA and Japan attended the event.

Hiate sensei - a WSKO Instructor - has had a long bond of friendship with Toronto Branch and has come to teach in our city four times since 1995.

Hiate sensei and the Kanagawa Federation delegates

Toronto Branch members learned a great deal from Hiate sensei during the Gasshuku. Those kenshi who had not seen Hiate sensei before frequently commented on his incredible speed and power as well as his open and friendly demeanour.

Louie sensei and Fontaine sensei

We were also able to enjoy many fun times with Hiate sensei and the other members of the Kanagawa delagation during their stay including trips to restaurants, Toronto landmarks and the Niagara Falls region.

We are tremendously grateful to Hiate sensei, Mrs. Hiate and the Kanagawa Federation members for their tremendous kindness and support.

We are already looking forward to our next meeting...

Gassho