Finnish Federation / December 2008 - Contributor: Timo Kaksonen, Helsinki Branch

Christmas Party Training in Helsinki

Gassho!

Hameenlinna Branch and Helsinki Branch organized a Christmas Party Training at Tapanila Sports Hall on November 22nd. The training started with a lung-burning and sweaty warm-up, involving intense technique repeats and all sorts of other funny exercises based on the forthcoming activities for the evening party.

After a 30 minute-long and mind-breaking warm-up, we moved on to practice with knives. First off, the focus was on how to recognize the attack with a knife, especially how the attacker holds the knife. In my opinion, usually training defense techniques without a knife is already demanding, requiring practically a good sense of timing and good sense of distance, but instead training with knives requires a whole lot more. It goes without saying that in the beginning almost everybody was a bit lost, when we started to practice against a knife attack. The knife section boiled down to a small Randori using the knives and developing skills against a knife attack in a "real situation". I was lucky enough to get stabbed in a first round and so I lost my round meaning that I had to watch the remaining kenshi perform their knife Randori. All in all, practicing with knives was tremendously well taught and a nice alteration to normal training.

After having spent approximately an hour with knives, Sensei Ilkka Virtanen led us into the secrets of Maki Gote. By splitting the technique in smaller fragments, we started to develop the attack first. When the attack could be executed at lightning speed, Sensei Ilkka Virtanen taught us how to react in different phase of the attack and so explained the differences between different styles. As a complement to Maki Gote, we finished off the Juho section with Hiki Nuki, which was a nice ending to the Maki Gote practice.

Our training was continued a whole different way, the pilates way. A pilates instructor held an hour long class and it was an excellent experience with its breathing and relaxation exercises. Pilates actually brought out some new aspects in relation to Shorinji Kempo, especially breathing in unison with stretching.

Our evening continued with a traditional Finnish sauna and supper. Some kenshis from Hameenlinna Branch held a small but hilarious video show, where some scenes were taken from an (action) movie and a performer had to perform those tricky martial art involving scenes as precisely as in the initial video scene. It was extremely funny and very well planned.

The whole Christmas Party climaxed with a follow-up in casino in Helsinki. Some kenshis went to play games and some just enjoyed the casino generally. The magnificent day came to an end with diverse atmospheres. Luckily, no one lost all of their money... My compliments to the organizers! It was a hilarious evening and I hope to see you soon at the casi... No, uh, Shorinji Kempo dojo.

 

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