■December 25, 2018
WSKO Secretariat office will be closed from 12:00 on December 28, 2018, to 9:00 on January 4, 2019 Japan time.
Please understand all replies to any e-mails received during this period will be sent to you one by one on and after January 4th, 2019. Best wishes for splendid New Year and your great health.
WSKO Secretariat.
■December 19, 2018
From 8th to 11th November 2018, the following activities are celebrated by the Spanish Shorinji Kempo Federation (FESK) in collaboration with the SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY.
1) On 8th November 2018, Special Examination Seikenshi 4th Dan
2) On 9th November 2018, Examiner & Judge Qualification Seminar
3) From 9th to 11th November 2018, Spanish Federation SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY Study Session.
Around 200 Kenshi from Spain, as well as Portugal, France, Holland, Italy and the United Kingdom attended the Study Session instructed by invited instructors; Hiromichi Yamasaki Sensei from Japan and Hiroshi Aosaka Sensei from France.
The activities were carried out successfully and participants expressed their satisfaction while they could have an opportunity to spend valuable time together and become a bridge.
The Honorary Consul of Japan in Seville, Mr. José Japón Sevilla (descendant of the Keicho embassy, Hasekura Tsunenaga) honored us with his presence at various moments.
The activities were echoed by the media in the city of Seville:
■November 27, 2018
On November 24, 2018 (local time), Branch Master Kazuhiro Kawashima passed away. He has led the Midtown New York Branch of the United States Shorinji Kempo Federation.
As a branch master since 2014, he has made a great contribution to promotion of Shorinji Kempo and development of Kenshi.
We pray that his soul rest in peace.
Secretariat, World Shorinji Kempo Organization
Related Information: http://www.reddenfuneralhome.net/book-of-memories/3664595/Kawashima-Kazuhiro/service-details.php
■November 14, 2018
Brazilian Federation SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY Study Session 2018 was held in CETE, Porto Alegre of Brazil, for three days from October 12th to October 14th, 2018. About 90 kenshi from across the country of Brazil gathered together to learn more about Shorinji Kempo.
In the afternoon of the same day, the Study Session started. All the participants enjoyed learning, practicing and sweating together. Instructor Hirayama taught the participants that technical practice is to be enjoyed; true to his principle, Instructor Hirayama enjoyed the training himself, while involving all the participants in the fun of his leadership. Instructor Umeno taught that precision and speed are the important factors for connecting each movement, a lesson that must be kept in mind to improve skills.
As Hokai Seminar, two lectures were given by Instructor Umeno on the theme “How to live a life having faith in Dharma.”
The Goho un’yoho on the last day showed the participants how it is conducted in Japan, and they learned that, while the practice decides the winner of the pair, the respect to each other and improvement of techniques must always be the true reason of this type of practice.
The Study Session made almost all Brazilian branches strengthen their ties.
With the help of a large number of branch masters and kenshis the event was a success and showed that Shorinji Kempo is not only inside the dojo, but in our lives.
The Study Session made almost all Brazilian branches strengthen their ties.
With the help of a large number of branch masters and kenshis the event was a success and showed that Shorinji Kempo is not only inside the dojo, but in our lives.
Kesshu.
Daniel Osowski, Brazilian Federation
■October 25, 2018
To: Federation Presidents, Branch Masters, and Coaches
Thank you for your continuing support for and understanding of WSKO.
The earthquake that hit Sulawesi Island, Indonesia may have been of your knowledge and concern.
WSKO has tried to get in communication with the Indonesian Shorinji Kempo Federation to gather information concerning the damages. It was only recently that we have confirmed the situation in the areas due to great confusions and damaged communication infrastructures. Fortunately, all the members and related personals of the Indonesian Shorinji Kempo Federation have been reported to be safe. The Indonesian Federation has started sending Shorinji Kempo members to provide humanitarian supports in the damaged areas.
WSKO has decided to send a special funding to support the humanitarian supports provided by the Indonesian Federation. We also ask each federation and branch to support the Indonesian Federation in helping people in distress.
Please read the information below. We ask you for your help.
Notes
When the earthquake hit at 17:55 on September 28, 2018, there were about 20 kenshi practicing on the second floor of the dojo. They ran outside to save themselves.
End
■October 18, 2018
In July 2018, Ukrainian Federation SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY Study Session was held in Odessa of Ukraine, with Instructor Kazuhiro Kawashima (WSKO Secretary-General), and Instructor Mitsuru Sakashita (Manager of Religious Affairs Department, Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji).
Study Session was held from 6th to 8th of July, participated by instructors and kenshi from 10 different countries; Japan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Italy, and Great Britain.
On the day before the study session were held 4th Dan Special Examination and Branch Master Qualification Certification Seminar for those who wish to open a branch.
During the unforgettable 3 days, kenshi from different countries met and made friends while practicing together, becoming the bridges between the countries.
The atmosphere of the session was constructive; participated kensi could get answers to their interesting questions about philosophy and techniques from the highly respected Shorinji Kempo Instructors such as Kawashima Sensei and Sakashita Sensei.
Two Hokai Lectures were given during the UNITY Study Session. Hokai Lecture participants learn Kongo Zen philosophy, and it aims for WSKO kenshi who do not belong Doin of Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji. Instructor Sakashita (Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji Religious Affairs Department Manager) explained Kongo Zen and Dharma.
At the end of the session, a solemn presentation of certificates was held. Training certificates were given to all the participants, and Dan certificates were presented to those who passed the 4th Dan examination. A lot of positive emotions were shared, motivating each participant to continue self-improvement and contribute to development of Shorinji Kempo in respective countries.
Contributor: Oleg Krotenko, President, Ukrainian Shorinji Kempo Federation
■August 24, 2018
On June 8th & 9th, 2018, 106 kenshi coming from U.S. and Canada participated in the North American Shorinji Kempo Training Camp at the Astro Gym of Seattle University, Seattle, WA. The branches are: Ann Arbor, Asheville, BC Tozenji, Berkeley, Boston, Downtown New York, East Portland, Los Angeles, Monterey, Mt. Diablo, Northern Utah, Orange County, Peninsula, Portland, Quad Cities, Salem, San Francisco, Seattle, Seattle University, Silicon Valley, South Bay, South Florida, Vancouver, Vancouver Pacific, Yuma, and World Bank. Mr. Kazuhiro Kawashima sensei, Secretary General of the World Shorinji Kempo Federation, was the main instructor. For 2 days, we practiced from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and enjoyed all practice together: Kihon, Hokei, Unyoho, and Embu.
At the evening of June 9th, we had a dinner party at the Chinese Restaurant at the beautiful Seattle Harbor. We enjoyed having delicious meals and drinks as well as enjoying fun conversation together.
<The 6th North American Shorinji Kempo Taikai>
On June 10th (Sun), 2018, the 6th North American Shorinji Kempo Taikai was conducted with 152 kenshi attendees. There were 2 categories: Competition & Exhibition Divisions.
After the Taikai opened at 9 a.m., more than 100 audiences enjoyed watching and were very impressed with techniques with sharp movement and big Kiai. After every Embu or Unyoho was finished, the audiences gave big hands to kenshis.
After the closing ceremony, all kenshi praised each other and promised to meet at the next Study Session and the Taikai next ear.
United States Shorinji Kempo Federation really appreciate all the participants’ precious time and passion to Shorinji Kempo!
Seattle, California, U.S.A / June, 2018
Contributor: Kazuki Arita, Secretary General, United States Shorinji Kempo Federation
■August 24, 2018
On 28 and 29 April 2018 was organized on XXIII Italian National Gasshuku “ITALIA 2018” at the Palazzetto dello Sport “PalaFerraris”, Casale Monferrato (AL).
This event was attended by around 250 people, including Sensei and Kenshi, and friends from other parts of Europe (England, France, Germany, Sweden).
The inevitable presence of all Italian Branch Masters and especially the presence of Hiroshi Aosaka Sensei (9° Dan Daihanshi), from France, always regular guests of all our National events.
This event, being an official Seminar of SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY, in addition to practice, was also given a lot of importance to the philosophical part, personally supervised by Sensei Aosaka that we remember he is the Director of the WSKO European Office.
For the technical practice he was helped by Sensei Nobutaka Mukaida (7° Dan Seihanshi (President of Nara Prefecture – WSKO Instructor) and Sensei Mayumi Okuda (5° Dan Daikenshi (Vice President of Nara Prefecture).
The workouts are started on April 28 afternoon with Chinkon-Gyo then, were performed Kihon and Hokei, alternately, by the various Branch Masters.
Then during the course of the morning there was divided by degrees where everyone has rehearsed its technical program, always under the supervision of Aosaka Sensei and Mukaida Sensei who alternated in and in-depth explanations of the various techniques.
The next day, the workout restarted in the same way on Saturday, always alternating moments of Howa. After the final greetings and gifts delivery, on the afternoon of Sunday 29, the works were completed.
On April 28 morning, Taikai was held. There were all the specialties and this year we introduced the randori / un’yoho. There were about 100 athletes from all over Italy involved in Kumi Embu competitions in pairs, Kumi Embu Tan-en and Randori.
We thank all those who helped for the success of the event, all the teachers and athletes who have come from all over Italy with the hope to meet again in the next European Taikai in Sweden in July 2019.
We were also pleased to host during the time of Solidarity to support the “Associazione Pulmino Amico Onlus” of Casale Monferrato that provides free transportation to patients through the work of professionals and volunteers carefully selected, trained and coordinated with the aim of providing the patient and the his family a human and psychological help.
Thank you all.
■August 03, 2018
The documentary contains many scenes from “2017 Shorinji Kempo World Taikai in California, USA” and “2017 Shorinji Kempo International Study Session”, and it also shows events from “Blue Sky Campus in Tadotsu”. Director John Braeley, who has traveled Japan and the US to document many martial arts, presents from his unique point of view the tense atmosphere of the world taikai and the smiles during the study session and the Blue Sky Campus events.
The film also includes comments from Yuuki So, President of WSKO, Takashi Osawa, Representative of Kongo Zen Shorinji, Kazuhiro Kawashima, Secretary-General of WSKO, holders of Dai Hanshi 9th dan, and many participants from different parts of the world. The senior instructors who trained with Doshin So, the founder, share their memories of the master teacher in tears. The participants of the international study session also express their thoughts and feelings. This documentary shows you all about the Shorinji Kempo 70th anniversary events.
1. How to Buy Please order it from website of the Empty Mind Film
2. URL http://www.emptymindfilms.com/
3. Prices Download – $17.99
DVD – $19.99(+shipping)
4. Others Director: John Braeley
Copy Right: Empty Mind Films LLC
Run Time: 60 mins
Also check “Warriors of Budo Episode Seven: Shorinji Kempo” released in 2015.
A special announcement can be found on the correspondence from WSKO to branch masters. If you want to purchase the products, please check the information through your branch master.
5. Contact Secretariat, World Shorinji Kempo Organization
Email: wskohq@shorinjikempo.or.jp
■June 21, 2018
The 33rd Paris Martial Arts Festival, one of the most famous and the biggest martial arts show in the world was held. Hiroshi Aosaka sensei, who is a coach of the Franch Federation, Daihansih, 9th dan, and kenshi of the French Shorinji Kempo Federation performed a demonstration of Shorinji Kempo. 15,000 people gathered at the prestig-ious Accor Hotels Arena (formerly known as the Palais Omnisport Paris Bercy) on Saturday, March 24 to enjoy the show, which was broadcast on several television channels in European countries. Over 30 styles were represented between 8 p.m. and midnight. The event is organized each year by the biggest martial arts magazine in France, Karate Bushido.
In recent years, people like spectacular demonstrations with speed, power, strength and break tests. Unfortunately, true traditional martial arts are scarcer. However, Shorinji Kempo demonstrates essence of Budo steadily even today.
At the ideal time of 9 p.m., Aosaka sensei, 9th dan, and six kenshi stepped in. Aosaka sensei started off with a demonstration of two shakujo embu with two themes, kaze and kaza guruma. After that, kenshi performed shuteki toho. Aosaka Sensei then came forward once again, performing additional shuteki toho with kenshi. Trusting the enthusiastic applause that followed, the surprised spectators deeply enjoyed the demonstration, which lasted a total of seven minutes. The organizer was also very ap-preciative.
The show went very well. It could be watched on television all throughout Europe, and also was a significant opportunity for Shorinji Kempo. Aosaka sensei has partici-pated in this festival around ten times since 1980.
At age 72, Aosaka sensei was the oldest expert of the event. Shorinji Kempo was widely spread in Europe, thanks to the ongoing efforts of Aosaka Sensei for now half a century.
We hope and believe that Shorinji Kempo will keep growing. To all kenshi of the world, it was a great pleasure.
Ivan Roth (Paris Branch)
French Shorinji Kempo Federation
