Melbourne Branch, Australia / March 2010 - Contributor: Robert Gassin

Nittai-Dai Melbourne Visit

A delegation from the Nippon Sport Science University (Nittai-dai) regularly visits Melbourne for a Demonstration of Japanese Martial Arts and Traditional Performing Arts. Training with the Nittai-dai kenshi and attending the Demonstration are 2 of the yearly highlights for the Melbourne Shorinji Kempo Branch. This year, the Nittai-dai Shorinji Kempo team comprised 7 kenshi, under the supervision of Professor Yasuhisa Kusumoto.

On Friday 12th March 2010, we hosted the Nittai-dai kenshi for a joint training session. During Hokei training, each Nittai-dai kenshi was paired with a Melbourne Branch kenshi. As the Melbourne Branch is an isolated branch, more than 900km from the nearest Shorinji Kempo Branch, this was a great opportunity for us to try out and improve our techniques. The training was done in a spirit of co-operation and camaraderie with plenty of smiles and laughs. Following training, we all shared a meal together at a nearby restaurant. The language barrier was no impediment to us all sharing a pleasant evening together .

On Saturday 13th March 2010, several of our kenshi attended the Nittai-dai Demonstration of Japanese Martial Arts and Traditional Performing Arts. As well as an excellent Shorinji Kempo demonstration, there were demonstrations of Wa-Daito (Japanese drum), Minzoku-Buyo (Ethnic dance), Nihon-Buyo (Classical Japanese dance), Kyudo, Sumo, Judo, Karatedo, Naginata and Kendo.

As usual, the demonstrations were of a very high standard and greatly appreciated by all present. We look forward to the return of the Nittai-dai team next year.

 

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