Finnish Federation / January 2009 - Contributors: Branch Master Ruusukivi Seppo, Hameenlinna Branch & Muruganan Ambrose, Helsinki Branch

Twelfth Day, photography session in Hameenlinna municipal theatre
Reported by Branch Master Ruusukivi Seppo, Hameenlinna Branch

Kaiso Doshin So understood value of photography. However he requested that photos should show Shorinji Kempo training principles: movement, speed, physical contact, pure and clean techniques. WSKO and Hombu had followed successfully these rules in publications.

Unfortunately most of Finnish photos of Budo are poor: they have low technical quality and taken during competition and training or they are just pompous and stiff posing pictures. These photos are used for marketing Budo activities, although they should be high quality "business cards". This gave Hameenlinna Shorinji Kempo kenshi idea to arrange photo session. We had possibility to use local theatre great facilities, and one of my Kenshi is also professional photographer. So all Finnish Branches were asked to attend for one day event to be photographed and practice together.

We trust that we have achieved our target for the day: These photos give a good presentation and documentation of Finnish Shorinji Kempo. They are and will be useful material whenever Shorinji Kempo needs publications material. A good photo lasts and serves long time.

Please notice that all material rights belong to Hamenlinna Shorinji Kempo Branch and my kenshi Mr. Kimmo Koivukangas, and photos should not be used without our permission.

Twelfth Day, photography session in Hameenlinna municipal theatre
Reported by Muruganan Ambrose, Helsinki Branch

The 6th January, Twelfth Day 2009 was a day that I will remember always! The Hameenlinna Shorinji Kempo Branch had organized a photo shoot and had an entire media house at their disposal on that day. Moreover, the Branch Master Seppo Ruusukivi sensei, informed me that I could take my 3rd Dan examination and also take part in the photo session. I was excited and a little nervous since I had taken my 2nd Dan in 1995! I took an overnight ferry to Helsinki from Mariehamn, a small town in the archipelago between Finland and Sweden, where I reside and train Shorinji Kempo under Helsinki Shorinji Kempo Branch.

I was thankful that Ruusukivi sensei picked me up from the Helsinki harbor since it was -10 degrees. Together with Ilkka Virtanen sensei and Kirsi Maki-Kuutti kesnhi, we had a pleasant drive to Hameenlinna. The kenshi were already there and I could sense a great feeling of togetherness that Shorinji Kempo kenshi share wherever in the world they train. Timo Maki-Kuutti sensei and his kenshi arrived soon after and he was humorous and exuberant as always.

After the initial preparations and greetings, Virtanen sensei and Ruusukivi sensei, informed me about my theory test and I started on it right away. Meanwhile, the kenshi in-charge of the day�Ls program gave a welcome address and explained about the idea behind the photo session. I found the idea extremely good and creative and was impressed by the enthusiasm of the Hameenlinna kenshi. The photo session started and the kenshi were involved right away!

After finishing my theory, I went on to the technical part of the test where I had two kenshi from Hameenlinna branch, Teemu Kilpelainen san and Pekka Turtinen san as my training partners. They were of immense help and were also great in helping me with some doubts about techniques that I had. Ruusukivi sensei, their teacher has done a good job with them!

Virtanen sensei was a great examinator and with his guidance my technical examination went through quite well. The exam was a learning opportunity as always and I enjoyed training with other Dan level kenshi. The insights and advice from Virtanen sensei and Ruusukivi sensei were valuable to me.

Finally, it was a wonderful feeling to be informed that I had passed the examination. I was pleasantly relieved to go for lunch arranged by Teppo Lindroos san from Hameenlinna! After the nice lunch, Teemu san helped me put on the Hoi (kindly loaned to me by Kati Maki-Kuutti san) and we did the photo session where we did the Sandan Embu techniques. It was a novel experience for me since I had never worn the hoi before or had been professionally photographed while training Embu. I enjoyed the photo session with Teemu san as my partner since he was very good in his execution of the techniques and had a cheerful temperament.

I had to leave early to catch my flight back to Mariehamn. So I bid good bye to everyone with an heavy heart! Kenshis from Helsinki dojo kindly offered to drive me to the airport and we had an interesting conversation all the way! The flight was made less tedious since I met one of my Shorinji Kempo students on the plane. I could discuss a lot about the training with him also!

I feel tremendously inspired by the enthusiasm of the senseis and kenshis at the training in Hameenlinna. I look forward to starting an independent branch here and sharing the message of Kaiso, Doshin So, through Shorinji Kempo training.

I thank the Finnish Shorinji Kempo federation for their support and for giving me a fine memorable experience in Hameenlinna.

 

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