German Federation / October 2007 - Contributor: Joerg Rackwitz, Humboldt-University Berlin Branch

September 29th/30th, 2007
German Federation Gasshuku

On the last weekend of September the German Shorinji Kempo Federation held this year's Gasshuku in the town of Konigsbrunn in Bavaria.

More than 100 Kenshi from Japan, France, England, Italy, Switzerland and of course Germany joined Wunderle Sensei (6th Dan), Head of the German Federation and WSKO Instructor, in welcoming Aosaka Sensei (8th Dan), WSKO Instructor and WSKO Board Member, to this years top event in the German Federation.

Most Kenshi already arrived on Friday evening and met in a relaxed atmosphere to make first contacts, renew friendships or exchange good memories of previous events, like the European Taikai in Norcia.

On Saturday the Gasshuku started with an introduction of the instructors and Chinkon Gyo, after which the Kihon started and made the Kenshi break out in a sweat for the first, but not the last time. The rest of the day was spent with paired training split up into groups by grade and Howa by Aosaka Sensei. In his lecture he explained the principles of Shorinji Kempo using Japanese moral values and continued to point out that these principles conflict with the idea of competitive sports events, like the Olympic Games.

The evening festivities were opened with a reception by the mayor of the city of Konigsbrunn for Aosaka Sensei, Wunderle Sensei and the other participating branch masters. Later all Kenshi gathered for a joint dinner and enjoyed some wonderful local food and of course the famous beer.

On Sunday the practice continued, again with the support of 10 branch masters form the different participating countries, who supported the leading instructors Aosaka Sensei and Wunderle Sensei. A highlight for the Kenshi during the day was definitely practicing a broad variety of Katame waza and a Seiho demonstration by Aosaka Sensei.

Also this day passed all too fast and soon it was time for the Gasshuku closure and a farewell. Of course it remains to mention that some Kenshi extended their stay and took the opportunity to visit the world famous Oktoberfest and enjoy the German hospitality and beer for an additional day.

The Gasshuku was a big success by all means and all Kenshi took a bit of the enthusiastic and friendly atmosphere back to their home branches. We are all looking forward to the upcoming Gasshuku next year, which will be jointly held with the Swiss Shorinji Kempo Federation in Basel at the end of April.

 

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