Hollywood Branch, USA / January 2006 Contributor: Eri Kuramoto

A 7th Dan Black Belt promotion reception was held on December 11th, 2005 at the Japanese American Cultural Community Center in Los Angeles, CA.

Over one hundred guests were invited to the reception. Among those guests were martial arts masters, various law enforcement agencies, other Shorinji Kempo branches, and famous musicians such as David Garfield who composed the Shorinji Kempo theme song, "Deep Within Each Man." The Master of Ceremony was conducted by Blue Johnson.

Master Kuramoto received recognition awards from Mayor Michael Antonovich (The Mayor of Los Angeles County), Ms. Yvonne Brethwhite Burke (Los Angeles County Supervisor), and Mr. Eric Garcetti (Los Angeles City Council Member). Along with awards, Master Kuramoto also received a special message from Master Tsunehiro Arai (WSKO board chairperson) which was presented during the reception.

Some of the special guests that attended the reception were:
1.His Honor Judge A. Kalkin
2.Dr. Sanders, M.D.
3.Consul Kamada - Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
4.Master Nishiyama - Chairman, International Traditional Karate Federation(9th Dan)
5.Master Murakami - Director, US Kendo Federation(7th Dan)
6.Master Goltz US Judo Association(6th Dan)
7.Master Yamashita - Shorin-Ryu Karate(9th Dan)
8.Master Denora - Daito-Ryu Jujitsu (10th Dan)
9.Master Kunin - President, All Japan Jujitsu International Federation(9th Dan)
10.Master Sedono - Kajukenbo
11.Master Niikura - Chairman, International Ki Association

Other Shorinji Kempo Branches that attended were Master Ted Uekuma (South Bay Branch), Master Meyer Pesenson (Caltech Branch), Master Pankaj Rastogi (Westminster Branch), and Master Kazuo Kawamata (San Diego Branch).

 

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