Monterey Branch, U.S.A / May 2008 - Contributor: Branch Master Kazuki Arita

On May 16th (Fri), 2008, three Kenshi joined in a Shorinji Kempo demonstration for "Language Day" at the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, California, U.S.A. The participants were Mr. Kendrick Macklin (Monterey Branch), Mr. Takashi Ebira (Monterey Branch), and I (Kazuki Arita, Monterey Branch Master).

DLI is the world's largest language school managed by the U.S Department of Defense and is located in Monterey along the central coast of California. There are more than 3000 military and U.S. Government officials who study in the 32 different foreign language programs. Mr. Ebira and I (Arita) teach Japanese language at DLI where I used to teach Shorinji Kempo at the base gym before the branch was moved off-base and into town.

"Language Day" is an annual open house to students of all ages, from elementary to college level, and the general public in order to introduce the school and many languages and cultures. The Shorinji Kempo demonstration was held in order to introduce Japanese Martial Arts as culture on behalf of the Japanese Branch of DLI.

This is the first time that the annual demonstration was held by only Monterey Branch members since we started in 2005. This year, Mr. Macklin and I demonstrated various techniques while Mr. Ebira briefly explained the philosophy and techniques of Shorinji Kempo. Although the demonstration time was short, the audience was very impressed to watch our techniques with sharp Kiai.

I really appreciate the participants' precious time, effort, and great kindness to join in the demonstration. We plan to continue demonstrating Shorinji Kempo at DLI in order to help spread the name of Shorinji Kempo in the U.S.

 

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