Seattle Branch, U.S.A. / March 2010 - Contributor: Kanako Akamatsu

My Memory of the Seattle Branch

Gassho,

I would like to share the experiences I had at the Shorinji Kempo Seattle branch during my stay in Seattle.

I am a Japanese exchange student. Last April, I came to the US to study business for one year, which is ending pretty soon.

For the first few months, I was only in a community of Japanese exchange students. I realized being an exchange student was not that easy, because it is very hard for exchange students to have connections with the local American people. I was seeking somewhere I could belong to at that time. Then, three months after my arrival, I visited the Shorinji Kempo Seattle branch,since I was practicing Shorinji Kempo at my university in Japan.

I found the people at the Seattle branch to be so nice, and they practice very hard and get along well with each other. I like it. Especially my Sensei, Hiroshi Onaka, Seattle Branch Master, who was kind enough to take me home after every single class!

As one of the Seattle branch members, I had some wonderful opportunities, which I never had in Japan. I attended the West Coast Gasshuku in Portland during my summer vacation. I performed at a local festival called Aki Matsuri. We had a Bonenkai at the end of the year which was nice. And, I had the chance to teach other kenshi in English. I enjoyed all of these opportunities.

As I practiced with the kenshi at the Seattle branch, I changed my impressions about Shorinji Kempo. I started Shorinji Kempo when I entered university in Japan. I just wanted to do something new for me; so, I picked up Shorinji Kempo. I got a black belt one year later, and I attended the 60th anniversary national competition. I pretty much enjoyed practicing Shorinji Kempo in Japan. However, Shorinji Kempo for me was just an exercise to do during college. When I got a questionnaire at one of the annual college Gasshuku in Japan, I clearly remembered that there was a question -- if I wanted to keep practicing Shorinji Kempo for good? I checked "NO." That was almost two years ago.

Now, I am going to check "YES" for the same question without any doubt or hesitation, because I realized that you are able to meet a number of wonderful people, sharing Shorinji Kempo wherever you go in the world.

Thank you so much Seattle branch! I had a wonderful time here in Seattle. I hope we can meet again.

Kesshu,
Kanako Akamatsu

 

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