Monterey Branch U.S.A / June 2009 - Contributor: Branch Master Kazuki Arita

On May 15th (Fri), 2009, four Kenshi of Monterey Branch joined in a Shorinji Kempo demonstration for "Language Day" at the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, California, U.S.A. The participants were Mr. Fumio Nishimura, Mr. Mitsugu Mori, Mr. Merced Rodriguez, and Kazuki Arita.

DLI is the world's largest language school managed by the U.S Department of Defense and is located in Monterey along the central coast of California. There are more than 3500 military and U.S. Government officials who study in the 32 different foreign language programs. I (Arita) teach Japanese language at DLI where I used to teach Shorinji Kempo at the base gym of DLI before the branch was moved off-base and into town.

"Language Day" is an annual open house to students of all ages, from elementary to college level, and the general public in order to introduce the language school and many languages and cultures. The Shorinji Kempo demonstration collaborated with Kendo demonstration was held in order to introduce Japanese Martial Arts as culture on behalf of the Japanese Branch having the longest history at DLI.

At first, I briefly explained the philosophy and techniques of Shorinji Kempo. Then, three Kenshi and I demonstrated various techniques including basic techniques from Kaisoku-Chudan, Goho, and Juho techniques. Because the demonstration was held as the final stage performances after the other performances of other languages' ethnic dances, all the audience was very impressed to watch our techniques with sharp Kiai though the demonstration time was short.

I really appreciate the participants' precious time, effort, and great kindness to join in the demonstration. We plan to continue demonstrating Shorinji Kempo at DLI in order to help spread the name of Shorinji Kempo in the U.S.

Shorinji Kempo Monterey Branch is introduced on "Monterey County Weekly" newspaper issued on June 11th, 2009.

When the news reporter asked me to cover Shorinji Kempo, I asked him not to focus on Martial Arts itself such as techniques, but on the philosophy. Lastly, he loves reading Kaiso's philosophy at WSKO's HP and wrote the item introducing Shorinji Kempo with his passion for the philosophy. Even though he did not know anything about Shorinji Kempo at first, he wrote the good content introducing Shorinji Kempo's philosophy.
LINK

 

TOP