Grading success!

Toronto Branch member Christian Castillo successfully passed the examination for the rank of Shokenshi 2nd dan on August 9, 2015.

Congratulations.

Gassho

UNITY Seminar Florida

Back on the road again.  This time three members of Toronto Branch attended the Shorinji Kempo UNITY Seminar in sunny Coral Springs, Florida from July 11-12 (inclusive).

Most US and Canadian Branches were in attendance. For Canada, there were members present from Alberta, BC Tozenji, Yorkville, North York and Toronto branches which permitted a rare chance to discuss Canadian Federation matters face to face.

The teacher for the seminar was Kazuhiro Kawashima sensei (Seihanshi, 7th dan) from Hombu.  As expected, he taught in a very dynamic and energetic way including expert instruction in goho, juho and randori.

The second day covered practical instruction from Kawashima sensei in judging and refereeing for gradings and taikai.  All of us had the chance to take part as both examinee and referee.

Since this was a UNITY seminar, the content included Hokai lectures.  The Hokai ranking system covers Kongo Zen philosophy and can confer a "philosophy" rank to members who elect to study the special content.

The event was incredibly well organized and managed. From an attendee's point of view everything went smoothly and efficiently (which means that there must have been frantic activity behind the scenes!).

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Tondo sensei, VanAnh kenshi and the rest of team at South Florida Branch for their huge efforts on our behalf.

Gassho

Grading success!

Successful kenshi: L to R Rafael, Daryl and Max

Toronto Branch members have been successful in recent kyu examinations.

On June 22, Rafael passed the test for 5th kyu and Max passed his 4th kyu exam.

On June 24, Daryl was successful in his 3rd kyu examination.

Congratulations to all!

Gassho

Shorinji Kempo Documentary by Empty Mind Films

The first Shorinji Kempo documentary in English since the BBC Way of the Warrior documentary in 1981.

20th Annual Kickathon for CAMH

Total raised:  $9,250.00

 

The members of Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch held the 20th Annual Charity Kickathon in aid of the CAMH Foundation in the Main Gym of the CAMH Russell St site on the evening of May 27.

In this event we received sponsorship for performing 500 consecutive kicks (jun geri, gyaku geri) with full kiai. Surprisingly, we were able to manage fine despite the physical toll of the weekend long Cornell Camp a few days before.

 

We are pleased to announce that this year's event raised a total of $9,250 to support the activities of CAMH in the field of drug addiction (research into causes of addiction and support for treatment programs). 

We wish to warmly thank our kind sponsors for their wonderful and loyal support. In addition, we wish to thank Lidia Franchitto and her team at the CAMH Foundation for their expert logistical help.

Since the Kickathon event was launched we have raised a total of $130,140 for this important cause.

Gassho

Road trip: 37th Annual Cornell Camp (New York)

All attendees

On the US Memorial Day weekend, five members of Toronto Branch attended the 37th Annual Cornell Shorinji Kempo Camp in beautiful Trumansburg in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.

Canadian kenshi with Sakuyama sensei

Once again we very extremely fortunate to be taught by Sakuyama sensei of Ibaraki Takahagi Doin, Japan.  Sakuyama sensei is a direct student of Kaiso Doshin So (the Founder of Shorinji Kempo) and has traveled widely around the world promoting the art.  One notable contribution was his role in the Jet Li movie "Shaolin Temple" which featured high ranking Japanese and Chinese martial artists.

Up bright and early for morning exercise

Sakuyama sensei has a rare ability to teach in a manner that engages both senior and new kenshi together - everyone can learn and benefit regardless of experience.

We wish to thank Dolce sensei (Ann Arbor), Ziring sensei (World Bank) and the rest of the team that made this event so successful.

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.

Hombu Spring Training Camp 2015

I was fortunate to go to Hombu for spring training.  My experience at Hombu was amazing and there are no words to describe it.  It was fun and I had a great time.  In addition, I got a chance to train with kenshi from other countries such as Russia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, Holland and the U.S.A.  One of the best experiences I had was to make new friends and learn a few words from different languages.  Also, I had a chance to explore the scenic places of Japan including Senso-ji temple and landmarks such as Tokyo Tower. 

 
The spring training at Hombu was great.  Hombu staff were very helpful and friendly.  The food was delicious and the weather was good.  Kawashima sensei, a Hombu Instructor, started the training in the morning.  He's a great teacher and his techniques were amazing.  He emphasized the importance of body movement (Tai sabaki) to apply techniques.  He said that every kenshi must be aware of a correct stances and proper body movements for each technique.  The shifting of weight and the movement of your body must flow together in order to execute each effectively.  He said that kenshi must practice all the time with partners to develop themselves.

Before lunch there was a lecture about Kaiso's philosophy, life and how Shorinji Kempo was established.  This was one of my favorite classes at Hombu.  At some point the topics were very touching and inspiring.  I would say it deepened my understanding of how Kaiso was trying to relay his philosophies to the world. Hence,  Shorinji Kempo was created to build confidence in oneself so that people can can develop, understand and help each other.  Shorinji Kempo does not convey who wins or loses, who is strong or weak, but focuses on how you can contribute to the welfare of society and build a peaceful community.

Also, I had the privilege to have Arai sensei as the main Juho instructor during the spring training.  He demonstrated his Juho techniques without any effort or power.  His techniques were flawless and superb.  He said to apply Juho, you have to remember 3 things; one is "kuzushi" (break balance), second "otoshi" (pin down/hold) and "hazushi" (release).  Arai sensei emphasized that with these three methods combined with the right timing and the proper body movement (Tai sabaki) you will be able to take down a bigger or even stronger opponent with less effort or power.  Arai sensei left a good advice that as a kenshi I have to find out what works best for my body in order for Juho techniques to work effectively.

Lastly, samu (cleaning).  All of us were assigned a task to clean the Dojo after training session. It was fun to do and is part of our training where everybody has to contribute. 

Overall I had a wonderful experience and am planning to come back for another spring training at Hombu next year, hopefully with a big delegation from Canada.

In closing remarks, I would like to thank McCulloch sensei, head teacher of Toronto branch, for making this trip to Hombu possible and I would like to extend my thanks to all the Hombu staff and my new international friends for their help and support during my training.

Gassho

Christian Castillo, 1st Dan
Toronto Branch

Message

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015

We wish you health, happiness and success in the year ahead.

Gassho

The members of Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch, Canada.

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

Grading success!

Left: Kevin (2nd dan), Right: Tony (Chukenshi, 3rd dan)

We are pleased to report the success of Toronto kenshi in recent examinations.

• Tony Tan passed the exam for Chukenshi, 3rd dan on December 1, 2014.
• Kevin Legault passed the exam for 2nd dan on November 30, 2014.

We wish to thank Louie sensei and Fontaine sensei for their help with these examinations.

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! 

My time at Toronto Branch - Takuya Shimakura

Takuya Shimakura (3rd dan) at Toronto Branch (front row, 3rd from right)

We were fortunate to have Mr. Takuya Shimakura (3rd dan) from the Osaka region train with us throughout September 2014.  We all greatly enjoyed having him spend time with us.

Following his visit he sent us this kind note:

Gassho,

I had great time in Toronto Branch.

It is very interesting for me to practice in abroad. At first, I was little nervous. But this feeling has faded away soon because Toronto Branch's people are very kind and sociable.

And I could improve not only my Shorinji Kempo skill but also English skill. I'm going to extend this knowledge around the world in the future.

I really appreciate your favor. I never forget you. If I had opportunity to visit Toronto again, I'll never fail to go Toronto Branch.

Thank you very much.
PS. Finally I could see Aurora in Whitehorse!!
Kesshu
Takuya Shimakura
Kwansei Gakuin University
Koshien Shibu

Grading success!

L to R: Rafael (6th kyu), Daryl (4th kyu), Yayoi (6th kyu) & Max (5th kyu)

Toronto kenshi have been successful in recent kyu examinations:

• Daryl passed his 4th kyu exam on September 22, 2014.
• Max passed his 5th kyu exam on September 22, 2014.
• Yayaoi and Rafael passed their 6th kyu exams on September 17, 2014.

Well done and keep training hard for the next level!

Gassho

Tokai University Reunion - Sayako Takahashi

With Sayako Takahashi (3rd from right, front row)

On August 21 we were fortunate to have a visit from Ms. Sayako Takahashi (3rd dan) of Tokai University Branch in Kanagawa, Japan.  It was especially good to see her since Toronto branch master John McCulloch was a student at Tokai University in 1985 and trained in the same dojo under the same teacher (Hiate sensei, 8th dan).

We were very impressed by Sayako's sharp and accurate technique. Indeed, she previously earned first place at the Tokyo Taikai - a great achievement.

Sayako was kind enough to share some comments on her visit to Toronto Branch:

"I joined Toronto Branch on August 21st. I practiced with the members and could experience the strength and power of the people. I was surprised "Chin-kon-gyou" was in English while other parts of the class used Japanese commands.

It was a great time. I want to visit to Toronto again sometime..."

Sayako - we'd love to have you back any time!

Gassho

19th Annual Kickathon for CAMH Raises a Record Amount!

19th Annual Kickathon in progress

On May 28, 2014 the members of Toronto Branch held their 19th Annual Shorinji Kempo Charity Kickathon on behalf of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

We survived!

Thanks to our many generous sponsors we were able to raise $10,175 - a new record amount.

The final amount!

The funds raised will be used by CAMH to advance their life-saving work in the field of drug addiction. Since our event began in 1996 we have raised a total of $120,890 for this cause.



We wish to express our deep gratitude to everyone who supported our event and made it such a success.

Read more at the CAMH Foundation website.

Gassho

Childrens' Workshop at Orde Street Junior School

The Toronto Branch Workshop Team prior to the event (note: we were unable to photograph the event itself)

Following a request from the Camp organizer, on March 10 seven members of Toronto Branch volunteered their time to provide two "Introduction to Shorinji Kempo" workshops to children at the Orde St Junior School March Break Camp.

Children of Grades 1-3 participated in Workshop 1 while children in Grades 3-6 took part in Workshop 2.

Our goal with both workshops was to make sure the students had fun, learned basic Shorinji Kempo movements in a safe way and left with a desire to know more about what we do.

Our workshop delegation was lead by Tal Schaeffer (Assistant Branch Master).  All team members played an important role in teaching, demonstrating and partnering with the students hands-on.  However, Yan Montgomery's skills as a junior school teacher were especially valuable in keeping the students excited, entertained and engaged.

Some of the basic ideas we covered (often in the form of a game) were gassho rei, footwork with happomoku, kamae, making uwa uke against shuto uchi and using kagite shuho to become super strong! Each workshop concluded with a demonstration of Shorinji Kempo techniques done "full on."

The team members are to be highly commended in providing such fun experiences for the Camp students and for selflessly taking time off work to volunteer their services in this way.

We received the following message after the event from the Orde staff:

"Orde Daycare totally appreciates that the Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch members took their vacation time to come over to our school and provide the workshop for our March break program.

First of all, we also would like to apologize for no photo taken due to miscommunication and confusion for this workshop...

Over the years our Daycare has had various Martial arts group visit our children as special added guests to our March break, Summer, and P.A.day programs; however, none have been more MEMORABLE, INTERESTING, and EDUCATIONAL at the same time than the group representing "Shorinji kempo."

The group of 5 adults and 2 children came to do a presentation that was very educational. They taught us the history, and the differences between other martial arts, and how to do which allowed the children to get involved. 

The 2 hours session left a lasting impact on the children for many days after. It was a pleasure to have them share their knowledge and talent!

We definitely would like to have you back in our summer program as a special guest again.

Please come back for our children!!

Arigato gozai mashi ta

Orde Daycare"

Gassho

Grading success!

Maxim, Jesmar and Daryl

Three Toronto Branch kenshi have been successful in recent kyu examinations.


On Monday February 24 Jesmar and Daryl passed their 5th kyu exam and on Wednesday February 26 Maxim passed his 6th kyu exam.

Congratulations!

Gassho

Merry Christmas!

Grading success!

Jesmar, Christian and Daryl

Congratulations to the following Toronto Branch members who were successful in recent gradings:

Christian - 1st Dan (Sep 30)

Jesmar & Daryl - 6th Kyu (Sep 25)