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

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SAN DIEGO GODO RENSHU & LOS ANGELES MARATHON

The Westminster California Shorinji Kempo branch attended on Saturday May 24th, San Diego Branches 2009 GODO RENSHU. Five branches attended (San Diego, Westminster-California, Caltech, Industry Sheriff and South Bay) the practice session held at the University of California San Diego. Kawamata BM set the theme for conducting a Kumi embu, lecture and general practice for all students. Approximately 45 people attended the session with 22 pairs performing their Kumi embu in front of parents, kenshi and BM's.

The university is located near the Pacific Ocean which blends a great atmosphere of high academics and athletic achievement. The dojo area was large and very comfortable. Practice started with the chinkon led by Kawamata BM and basic techniques (Kihon) by Sean Mauch sensei of the Caltech branch. The kenshi were split into three categories from Children Kyu kenshi, adult kyu kenshi and Dan levels. Branch Masters rotated in teaching all three groups. Kawamata BM taught the children which led to a lot of laughter and great experiences of working with our potential future leaders of Shorinji Kempo. Pankaj BM, Richard BM and Sean Sensei taught the dan levels. I was personally surprised to see how energetic everyone was to learn!!! Mitsuko Sensei taught the adult Kyu levels with ease and had fun seeing all the students from different branches.

After the morning session ended, a nice Japanese style bento was provided followed by the children and adults Kumi embu. 5 pairs of children kyu kenshi started the kumi embu performance followed by 15 of the adult kenshi. Families and friends watched from outside the auditorium while the kenshi cheered on the participants. After the embu each of the participants received a gift bag. The experiences we all gained will further help students to develop their techniques.

Kawamata BM gathered all kenshi and requested each Branch Master to give a speech. Kawamata BM started the lecture explaining how Shorinji Kempo maintains a larger world goal of "peace" in which we should all strive to achieve. Each of the branch masters gave speeches ranging from the importance of Gassho gamae to sharing their personal experiences of teaching others. While the class continued with afternoon practice sessions many of the Westminster-Branch kenshi had to return for getting ready for the Los Angeles Marathon and birthday party celebrations during the Memorial Day Weekend. Pankaj Branch Master unfortunately tore his left calf muscle and was unable to continue practice.

Westminster-California branch would like to thank Kawamata Branch Master and his students for hosting the San Diego event!!! We would also like to thank Wei-Chih Chen Branch Master, Mitsuko Sensei and Sean Sensei for teaching the children and Adult kenshi. Their inspiration keeps the Shorinji Kempo spirit moving in a forward direction.

LOS ANGELES MARATHON

Several kenshi have been practicing for many months to participate in the Los Angeles 26.2 mile (42km) Marathon and 22mile (35km) Bike Ride. This is one of the largest yearly events in California which is well known through out the world. There were 18,000 Marathon runners and 12,000 bicyclists. The 26.2 mile marathon is considered one of the most physically grueling events which less than 2% of the world population is qualified to run. The below Shorinji Kempo students completed the marathon and are being honored for their achievements. These kenshi lead by example and continue to set precedence in their leadership roles in and outside of the dojo.

1. Mike Hagiwara (26.2 miles / 4hrs 32min)
2. Nina Rastogi (26.2 miles / 6hrs 14min)
3. Lisa Umeda (22 miles Bike Run / 1hr 50min)
4. Vincent Pham (26.2 miles / 6hrs 36min)


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

Pankaj Rastogi
Westminster-California Branch
Kesshu! Gassho!

 

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