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

WESTMINSTER-CALIFORNIA BRANCH KUMI EMBU & SPARRING TOURNAMENT

Westminster, California Shorinji Kempo Branch held their Annual Tournament on Saturday June 27th. The theme this year was to promote the 6th characteristic of Shorinji Kempo Kumite Shutai via Kumi Embu (Paired Form) & Randori (Sparring).

Six branches participated in the tournament; Caltech, Industry Sheriff, Los Angeles, San Diego, Southbay and Westminster. Fifty students and teachers attended the tournament ranging from 8-kyu to 6-dan.

The tournament started with an introduction of the all the Branch Masters and teachers: Kawamata Branch Master (San Diego), Sean Sensei (Caltech), Meyer Branch Master (Caltech), Miyata Sensei (Southbay), Wei-chih Branch Master (Industry Sheriff), Rastogi Branch Master (Westminster).

This was followed up by Rastogi BM leading chinkon and Sean Mauch sensei conducting basic (Kihon) practice prior. During kihon practice Sean sensei reviewed various combinations of punches and kicks with the importance of kiai. The temperature through out the day was 75deg F (24C) with low humidity. A perfect day for a Shorinji Kempo Tournament in sunny Southern California!!!!

After kihon practice was finished, three courts were setup for the branch masters to evaluate each of the student's Kumi Embu's and Randori skills. Meyer Sensei and Sean sensei evaluated the children kyu ranks and Wei-chih sensei supported Adult Kyu and Miyata sensei/Kawamata BM oversaw the adult Dan kenshi. Rules of the kumi embu and sparring were explained to all participants as they nervously waited for their turn to perform.

Numerous parents, friends and guests came to watch the event which made several of the participants nervous performing their techniques in front of so many people.

First, second and third place winners were announced in the children and adult Kyu and Dan divisions. The winners received a trophy and standing ovation from the audience. The children Kenshi (8-12 years old) also practiced hard and with lots of encouragement they gained from the teachings of all 6 Branches.



KUMI EMBU WINNERS

1st Place Jared Sawamura-Eric Flores, Songvy Nguyen-Kimberly Pham, Corbin Chantravat-Raymond An, Joanna Sawamura-Kaela Sawamura, Nina Rastogi-Lisa Umeda, Taka Sakamoto-Max Hayashi, Mitsuko Cude-Fusako Shiotani

2nd Place Maraya Munoz-Lisa Rastogi, Arsenia Pinnon-Crystal Estrada



SPARRING WINNERS

1st Place Sean Mauch, Songvy Nguyen, Scott Ly, Jared Sawamura, Richard Goto, Yuka Goto

2nd Place Kimberly Pham, Gus Celaya, Eric Flores, Lisa Umeda, Mike Hagiwara

3rd Place Maraya Munoz, Anna Abelin, Goldie Puffer

The adults extended practice continued for another 2 hrs where Rastogi BM demonstrated do (body protector) kicking and punching techniques. Three main areas of Seiho (Pressure points) were covered on the body; Suigetsu, mae san mai, yoko san mai. Miyata sensei continued the practice to teach the kenshi effective sparring techniques with timed pair sparring sessions to build endurance.

The tournament ended with group pictures and promises of our branches to have more joint sessions on a regular basis. A large variety of food and drinks were served and we all enjoyed and celebrated the days Shorinji Kempo activities.

Westminster, California branch's goal is to continue to build and expand strong relationships with all of the neighboring Shorinji Kempo schools. These get-togethers are great for learning techniques, sharing teaching methods, meeting new Kenshi, seeing familiar faces and having good time in the true meaning of the Shorinji Kempo Spirit!

Westminster California Branch would like to thank the Caltech, South Bay, San Diego, Industry Sheriff and Los Angeles branch for their heartfelt support! We look forward to practicing with all of the students and branch masters in the near future.

Gassho!
Pankaj

 

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