North American Region / October 2008 - Contributor: Toshiyuki Hisamura, Silicon Valley Branch, U.S.A.

The First North American Taikai was held at Camden Community Center Main Gym in San Jose on October 5th under the beautiful weather in California.

Since Shorinji Kempo's very first overseas branch was opened in Los Angeles 40 years ago, it has grown to more than 30 branches in the United States and 8 branches in Canada now.

Mr. Yasumasa Nagamine, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco served as the Taikai Chairman and President Yuuki So and Secretary General, Kaname Onishi attended from World Shorinji Kempo Organization.

About 200 Kenshi from 19 branches in the U.S., 4 branches from Canada and 1 branch in Korea participated in the Taikai.

The Taikai started with the opening address by Taikai Chairman, Mr. Nagamine and President Yuuki So at 10:00 a.m. followed by "Opening Embu", "Judged Kumi Embu" and "Judged single form".

After lunch break, the second section started with speech contest by 4 Kenshi from different branches who presented their passion for Shorinji Kempo in various ways.

Demonstrations were presented by groups of children, groups of adults and pairs of parent and children from various branches.

Besides that, sparring was performed by both children and adults of three weight groups.

The Taikai closed at 4:30 p.m. with cheers by all participants and the audience.

Kenshi in the U.S. and Canada already look forward to next North American Tournament.

 

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