Finnish Federation / June 2009 - Contributor: Kati Maki-Kuutti, Jyvaskyla Branch

Hameenlinna Gasshuku 16.-17.5.2009

Finnish Shorinji Kempo Federation organised an official WSKO Study Session in Hameenlinna in Western Finland this May. Over hundred kenshis from Finland, Sweden, Germany, UK and Russia attended this session hosted by Hameenlinna Branch. The main instructor was European Office General Secretary Hiroshi Aosaka Sensei Seihanshi8th Dan .

Of course Finnish kenshies came in large numbers from near and far. For Kajaani kenshis from north-eastern Finland it meant 8 hour's drive throughout the night. They told that they had left at 3am on Saturday morning. The Germans had found the most complicated way from Berlin to Hameenlinna. This involved two flights, a ferry and a train... But they did also get to visit Stockholm's trainings on the way, so they got to meet also Swedish kenshis who didn't make it to Hameenlinna.

Throughout the weekend, Northern European spirit was high and the weather was also sunny. On first day we received lessons of Randori, Seiho and Howa as well as kihon and curriculum practise of course. Randori practise was first done with a partner that one trusts the most and then we moved on to other pairs. In Seiho Aosaka Sensei showed us how to treat a kenshi who has got hits to stomach or even to head. He didn't however allow us to try ourselves yet, because we had a large variation of ranks. "When you are 4th dan, I'll teach you".

In Howa Aosaka Sensei taught us the meaning of respecting each other. Shorinji Kempo is not only about training. You should respect your partner, your elders and also the young kenshi you practise with or teach. The idea is that the big and strong should help the small and weak. That forms respect and co-operation

(Two big guys carrying small guys respecting each other)
This principle was demonstrated by kenshis from Finland (photo)

Later on Aosaka Sensei also talked about how important it is to keep Finland's reputation as a clean and beautiful country. He said that Paris always has so much dirt and dog poo around. That we should make sure Finland doesn't come out that way. People should not stop respecting each other, which is what a clean country represents.

During the weekend, the German, the English, the Swedish, the Finnish and the Russian kenshis had the possibility to also spend time socially on breaks and lunch hours. Also there was a dinner arranged on Saturday night, where the kenshis got to form new friendships and experience Finnish hospitality. Promises have been made for at least the Berlin, the Jyvaskyla and the Southampton Branches to visit each other in the future.

As a whole this weekend was a lot of work for the Hameenlinna Branch, thank you specially Sensei Seppo and his assisting staff for the excellent organisation and beautiful weather! Sunday night everyone said their goodbyes - the bruises and muscle aching fades but the bonds of these friendships will last through our lives.

For kenshis all over the world we would like to say:
"Welcome to Finland - We'll make sure, that it'll be an experience of a lifetime for You!

Contribution: Kati Maki-Kuutti, 2.Dan, Jyvaskyla Branch

 

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