Kota Kinabalu Branch, Malaysia / Aug 2003 Contributor: Ryoko Takeda

Kumi-Enbu Participation with Kuala Lumpur Branch at the Japanese School

Practicing techniques together

On 20th July, there was a Seasonal Open Kumi-Enbu performance held at the Japanese School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. One month prior to this event, the Kota Kinabalu Branch was invited to take part of its one-hour and a half performance. Sensei David Wang, the Kota Kinabalu Branch Master cum Malaysia Shorinji Kempo Federation President, decided to send a team of eight (8) Kenshis there to both conduct a goodwill visit to the other branches and to perform; one sannin-gake, and two kumi-embu. During a few weeks of arduous practice, the performing kenshis improved their technique tremendously. The higher-ranking black-belters who couldn't make the three days trip to Kuala Lumpur helped in building the team. In a way, it was the whole Dojo's effort, since the team represented the Branch itself.

The distance between the two cities is over 1,600km, by flight it takes two hours and a half to reach. On the first day, 18th July in the evening, the eight (8) Kenshis arrived at The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur early and started to warm up. As young Japanese Kenshis were arriving, they were puzzled with strange faces in their Dojo though soon after we greeted with Gassho-rei to each other, the ice was broken. We later began practicing together and soon afterwards exchange partners without hesitation and with smiling faces.

Second day, 19th July, we visited another Branch in Kuala Lumpur: Sensei Yacob Samson (Chukenshi 3rd Dan) who once learned Shorinji Kempo at the Kota Kinabalu Branch now teaches a number of students of his own. Kenshis from Kota Kinabalu had a great time practicing with them and even showed their Kumi-enbu before them. One of the senior Black-Belters from each respective branch later even performed a friendly Randori.

Group Embu by Japanese children

Third day, 20th July, Sensei David Wang flew to Kuala Lumpur just to reach the Japanese School on time to watch the Programme. He was the guest of honour, and made a closing remark at the end of the event. He mentioned that it was the first time in 30 years to see so many Kenshis together ever since he started to learn Shorinji Kempo himself.

Though the Kenshis looked tired from the event with visible black & blue bruises, the spirit of Shorinji Kempo could be seen on all their happy faces. It was of no doubt that all of the kenshis had a wonderful time together on making the event a successful one.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sensei Yokoyama, the Branch Master of The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, who granted us such a great opportunity to practice intensively, to improve our techniques, to challenge stage-fear, and most of all to participate in their event. All of us brought home a merry memory; certainly our ties between the two Branches have become strengthened.

Gasshou!

 

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