Vancouver, UBC, B.C. Tozenji Branches, Canada / January 2009 - Contributor: Louie Dickens, Vancouver Branch

New Year's Practice at Tozenji dojo-Vancouver-Tozenji-UBC

Coquitlam, Canada. One thousand punches on New Year's Day. It might not be the average person's idea of a fun way to start off the year, but gathering on the first of January every year at Coquitlam's Tozenji Dojo has become somewhat of a tradition for the Shorinji Kempo members in Greater Vancouver. Vancouver Branch Master Masaaki Hashimoto and Tozenji Branch Master Masa Okuma started it all way back in 1985, with the first New Year's practice, or hatsugeiko. Since then, they have met consecutively every year, marking this year as the twenty fifth time.

This year we had an unusual amount of snowfall in the Greater Vancouver area. In many places the snow was over a foot deep! Despite the poor driving conditions, we had a fantastic turnout. Hashimoto sensei opened the class with a few words celebrating the New Year. Okuma Sensei then led the class through a fun warm up involving relay races, obstacles, and even some limbo! The children made all of this very exciting for everybody. After meditation and basics, we all gathered in a circle for the main event; 1000 punches!

It takes will-power and drive to keep focused until the end. Every year during the 1000 punches I learn something new!

The children were a source of inspiration and strength for all. Every single one of them completed the punches without stopping. They displayed courage, discipline and teamwork. The future of Shorinji Kempo looks bright for 2009.

Afterwards, we all gathered for traditional Japanese New-Year's food and celebrated a job well done. The food was delicious, as usual, and we all gave well deserved thanks.

It can be challenging for some to get up after a night of celebration and drive through the snow to do one thousand punches. We look forward to rising to this challenge Sound like fun? You bet!

 

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