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

WESTMINSTER CALIFORNIA SHORINJI KEMPO DEMO

On Saturday August 29th, 2009 the Westminster Shorinji Kempo Branch performed at the Westminster Mall Recreation Road show in California.

Numerous community groups ranging from Gymnastics, Yoga, Improv Troup, Zumba Latin Dance to Shorinji Kempo participated in the demonstrations. The Gymnastics and Shorinji Kempo retained the largest crowds as hundreds of people gathered and watched in awe. The Shorinji Kempo participants included many children and adults kenshi who so earnestly gave up their time to create a strong sense of belonging by giving back to the community in which we live in. This is the true essence of Shorinji Kempo.

Daniel Kimura and Pankaj Rastogi arrived at the Westminster mall at 8am to set up the Shorinji Kempo Table among the 25 other community groups that were representing their area of expertise. Soon there after Robert Naito (Los Angeles Branch) and Mike Hagiwara displayed their customer support skills in answering hundreds of Westminster Mall customers inquiries about Shorinji Kempo.

The demonstration started off with all kenshi (Students) conducting Chinkon followed by kihon waza (Basic Blocking, Kicking and Punching techniques). Dantai kata (Tenchiken 1-4) was performed by all Kyu and Dan students in perfect synchronicity. The children kenshi paired up and displayed their various skill sets for Uchi uke Zuki, Kote nuki, Ryusui Geri and Uwa uke Zuki.

Kicking of the chest protector was demonstrated by Robert Naito, Pankaj Rastogi, Mike Hagiwara and Daniel Kimura. Three adult kenshi (Students) surrounded Daniel Kimura who was wearing a chest protector and performed at full speed continuous power Mawashi Geri and Mae geri kicks. This bought a huge laugh from the audience as Daniel Hendrickson stepped in to wipe Daniel Kimura's forehead with a towel. Mike and Robert performed a kumi embu (Paired Form) with emphasis on the throwing and pinning techniques. The demonstration ended with a loud applause as all students lined up for a final Gassho Gamae to the audience.

Kudo's go to Mike Hagiwara, Robert Naito and Daniel Kimura who so earnestly donated their time and effort to promote Shorinji Kempo in our community. Westminster Shorinji Kempo Branch would also like to thank Tammy Nguyen (Westminster Community Center Class Coordinator) for all of the encouragement and logistic support.

We are all looking forward to next year's event where the Westminster branch will continue to spread the philosophies of Shorinji Kempo which ensures we live our lives "Half for ones own happiness, and half for the happiness of others".

Kesshu! Gassho!

Pankaj Rastogi
Westminster Branch Shorinji Kempo

 

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