Stockholm Sodra Branch, Sweden / Aug 2003 Contributor: Branch Master Alexander Tilly

Shorinjikempo Stockholm Sodra branch was established in the late 70's by sensei Kozo Toyokawa. When he moved to Finland he was succeeded by sensei Eric Kearley and soon after by sensei Roger Bergfoth. Since 2001, Alexander Tilly is the leader.

Today our branch has about 70 members who practise in our downtown dojo in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. We have about 15 yudansha and we have six practise-sessions per week, divided on four days.




Members in our branch have very different backgrounds and professions. We have bankers, accountants, students, musicians, psychologists, academics, security-personnel, artists, etc. We also have many contacts with other serious martial arts in Sweden, and this allows us to spread knowledge about Shorinjikempo and its philosophy. To participate in demonstrations in the big martial arts competitions is one way of doing this, and to write articles about Shorinjikempo is another. This work is also a part of what the Swedish Shorinjikempo Federation is doing, and currently Stockholm Sodra Branch has two representatives in the Board of the Federation.

The most important aspect for us in our training is to bring the philosophy of Shorinjikempo into practise. To us this means that the atmosphere needs to be warm and humble. Visitors are often struck by the gentle reception they get when entering our dojo. We also believe that the idea of putting philosophy into practise should concern every single moment of our training session. Even when it comes to the way of teaching, we think that the instructors have a responsibility to develop the most efficient methods that allow the students to grow and improve. But these methods also need to be in line with the philosophy we teach. This constant evaluation improves every aspect of our training, which is supported by the fact that our branch is growing bigger and bigger every year.

Every Saturday we have what we refer to as free training. Members of the branch gather to practise whatever aspect of Shorinjikempo they like. These study sessions are not lead by an instructor, but there is always somebody there to support and give advice. Advanced practitioners from other martial arts are invited to our dojo on Saturdays, and we practise in cooperation with national team boxers, judoka, Brazilian jujutsu practitioners etc. We believe that this cooperation gives our students a possibility to put the techniques of Shorinjikempo in context when meeting other styles. But perhaps even more important is the impression of friendliness and openness that we give our guests. They really enjoy practising together with the kenshis of Sodra branch, since the training spirit is so good.

Our members often attend national and international study sessions, and these journeys bring us together more closely. We just got back from our annual summer training session in the medieval town of Visby on the island of Gotland, and now we are looking forward to the French 30th Anniversary Taikai in Paris.

See you there!!

Best regards,

Alexander Tilly
Branchmaster
Shorinjikempo Stockholm Sodra
Sweden


P.S. If anyone wishes to visit our branch while in Stockholm, do not hesitate to drop by our dojo on Ostgotagatan 17.

 

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