Westminster-California Branch, U.S.A. / March 2009 - Contributor: Pankaj Rastogi

WESTMINSTER-CALIFORNIA BRANCH FIRST 2009 TEST AND DINNER EVENT

The Westminster California Shorinji Kempo branch on Saturday February 28th, held their first 2009 Dinner together to celebrate several kenshi (Students) taking their first leap of faith in the adults 2-kyu and 3-kyu ranks. These first steps are pivotal and set the pace for the remainder of their lives of building relationships and confidence to learn a whole new methodology to martial arts. All of the kenshi practiced for months prior to their testing of 3-kyu and 2-kyu tests. The kenshi passed the written test (Hikki Shiken) and also did extremely well with the physical techniques (Jitsugi Shiken). Even though some of the participant�fs primary language is English, the entire test was conducted in Japanese. The kenshi have been studying the principles behind the techniques in Japanese to acquire a better understanding of the Japanese culture, language and Shorinji Kempo. For many, this achievement already sets precedence for other students to follow.

Practice started with the cleaning of dojo which quickly followed by stretching, Chinkon and basic Shorinji Kempo techniques. Many families and friends watched the tests and were surprised see the variety of required techniques. All of the 2-kyu and 3kyu examinees did well. The Branch Master asked the kenshi (Students) to continue to work more on their Kiai and bend their legs to help their Kamae (Stance) flow more smoothly. The class ended with Branch Master explaining the importance of setting goals in Shorinji Kempo for the 2009 year

ADULTS TEST EXAMINEES

Lisa Umeda (3-Kyu)
Gus Celaya (3-Kyu)
Daniel Kimura (2-Kyu)
Christopher Colvin (2-Kyu)

Many of the students celebrated with a hearty dinner at the Japanese Barbecue Restaurant called Tsuruhashi. The food, conversation and drinks were great!!!! This was followed with a telescope and star watching party after dinner. Mike Hagiwara was easily able to find Saturn with its famous ominous rings and moon was bright as ever. Lisa Umeda enjoyed studying the star charts while all the kenshi were in complete awe of all the visible planets. We all wondered if there are humans on other planets practicing a form of Shorinji Kempo.

A lot of great memories and many more to come !!!

Pankaj Rastogi
Westminster-California Branch
Kesshu! Gassho!

 

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