Westminster-California Branch, U.S.A. / December 2008 - Contributor: Branch Master Pankaj Rastogi

WESTMINSTER-CALIFORNIA BRANCH 2008 YEAR END PARTY

The Westminster California Shorinji Kempo branch on Thursday December 18th celebrated their 2008 year end party. Students practiced their techniques in front of friends, parents and relatives. The class started with parents and students helping to set the tables for the food and drinks. The students cleaned the dojo and setup the mats. This quickly was followed up by stretching and basic Shorinji Kempo techniques. Many parents and friends were surprised to hear the loud Kiai after each punch and kick. All of the Kenshi (students) performed their rank level kata (in nearly perfect synchronicity) which ranged from Tenchi ken Dai ikkei to Dai yonkei. We reminisced about the year's participation in the community, the accomplishments and goals for the all of the students throughout the 2008. Nina Rastogi set up a picture slide show commemorating the 8 events Westminster-California Branch participated in 2008.

Westminster/South Bay/Caltech Kata Tournament (April 27, 2008)
Charity Car Wash (August 11th, 2008)
Summer Festival (September 21st, 2008)
San Jose Tournament (October 5th, 2008)
Second Harvest Food Drive (October 18th, 2008)
5 Branch Godo Renshu (November 22nd, 2008)
Toy Drive for Children's Charity (December 14th, 2008)
Year End Party 2008 (December 18th, 2008)

This year 7 categories were created to thank the most outstanding students. The categories and winners are listed below. These students consistently strive to "Lead by Example" by helping other kenshi (students) with their techniques, written homework and related dojo activities. All of this is done while each students continues to maintain their own Shorinji Kempo kyu/dan grade levels, professional career and/or school homework. All 7 students received a special thank you gift for their diligent efforts.

CHILDREN
Loudest Kiai - Ms. Maraya Munoz and Mr. Justin Nguyen
Most Attendance in 2008 - Ms. Lisa Rastogi
Longest practicing student - Ms. Kimberly Pham

ADULT
Loudest Kiai - Mr. Gus Celaya
Most Attendance in 2008 - Ms. Nina Rastogi
Longest practicing student - Mr. Gyo and Shoon Shojima
Student of the year - Mr. David Stillwell

The branch master explained the meaning of Ken Zen ichi Nyo and reminded all of the students to take more positive leadership roles in their daily life. Pastor Jeremey King gave a blessing for a safe and healthy practice in 2009. Pastor Jeremey recognized the importance of Shorinji Kempo in the community and how the efforts are always focused on "improving the quality of the person".

All of the students were given Christmas presents. Many parents shared flowers and gifts while others bought food to celebrate the year end occasion. There was a variety of food to eat which ranged from Japanese, American, Italian and Vietnamese cuisine!!!!

Pankaj Rastogi
Westminster-California Branch
Kesshu! Gassho!

 

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