U.S. Provisional Federation / October 2009 - Contributors: Ohashi Atsushi, New York City Branch Master Tanaka Yasunari, Portland Branch Master

Shorinji Kempo North American West Coast & East Coast Gasshuku 2009

Gassho,

These Gasshuku (recognized as a WSKO official study session) were sponsored by US Provisional Federation and hosted by Portland Branch of West Coast (August 29 & 30) and New York City Branch of East Coast (September 5 & 6). This was a part of the continuous efforts from the First North American Taikai 2008.

Makino WSKO Instructor was invited, and about 160 kenshi got together. During these Gasshuku, 3rd Dan exams were done by US Provisional Federation. These Gasshuku had 3 purposes

1.To invite Kaiso's direct student and remember the core of Shorinji Kempo Philosophy
2.To improve the quality of general kenshi and branch masters and to have better communication between branches
3.To help improve the quality of the North American Region by having joint tasks between East Coast and West Coast Branches

It is true that there are only a few Kaiso's direct students alive, and it was very fortunate for the North American Kenshi to have the opportunities to learn from Makino WSKO Instructor who was Kaiso's direct student. His direct teacher and examiner from 3rd kyu to 4th Dan was Kaiso!

Gasshuku was based on "Doin" Style. Shorinji Kempo philosophy was taught during regular practice. The Kenshi were separated into different groups by 3 levels; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. As Makino WSKO Instructor taught each level, several of the North American Branch Masters supported the other levels. We were experiencing sharp pain and sharp talk from him with a smile like the "Doin" atmosphere.

Makino WSKO Instructor stated "Kaiso applied softer techniques to teenager kenshi or early 20's kenshi to avoid any joint injuries for those whose joints were still in the developing stage. I was in my late 20's, a member of Japanese Self-Defense Army, had studied many other types of Martial Arts before, and asking many questions to his (Kaiso's) techniques. Thus, he did tough on me. Kaiso smiled at me, called my name, always used me as explaining techniques with sharp pains. Kaiso scolded me when correcting my mistakes, but encourage my success in public. Kaiso motivated me to want to become a high-quality leader for the society and to make a peaceful world through Shorinji Kempo!"

Dearest Makino WSKO Instructor, despite of his high age and tough schedules, his movements are still very rapid like in his late 20's. We learned that he does not need to wear glasses to read, and he has on extra eye on his back! We are very much thankful to his true message of Kaiso and Shorinji Kempo through North American Gasshuku.

Sai Gassho,

Gasshuku Hosted Branches
Ohashi Atsushi: New York City Branch Master
Tanaka Yasunari: Portland Branch Master

 

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