Osorno Branch, Chile / Sep 2003 Contributor: Branch Master Fabian Mac-Namara Fuentes

Q & A Session At 1st Chilean Demonstration

Chile is a long stretch of Country on the most Southern West Coast of South America, population about 15.000.0000. As of April 1st, 2003 the Shorinji Kempo Osorno Branch was officially approved.

This year we invited Sensei Makoto Hagata, 6th Dan, and United States Mt. Diablo Branch Master, to visit us. We where fortunate to have him two weeks from August 9th to 23rd,. Within the activities was first Chilean Shorinji Kempo demonstration, held on Friday 22nd at the Osorno Cultural Center, under a big beautiful chandelier, with an attendance of over 80 people. This amount of public was more than expected, because invitations had to be made do to limited space and seating. But word got around and even newspaper announced the event so when the time came people didn't mind to stay standing to enjoy demonstration. In it Shorinji Kempo's principles, philosophy and characteristic's where explained within each interval of technical demonstration. It finished with a session open to questions for the public to ask. We were pleased to hear high quality questions that mainly considered philosophical aspects of Shorinji Kempo in relation to society. People seemed to be more considered to knowing and understanding more about the essence and purpose of Shorinji Kempo, than just to being attracted by its techniques.

Sensei Hagata instructing Chilean Kenshi

This session curiously carried out longer than physical demonstration. Its good turn out also showed itself at the end, when we saw that the programs that wore handed out to the public wore taken home by them. Normally in cultural events these are left behind by people. In this occasion not a single one was left over on the chairs. For us "The message got through". Also immediately after it finished, regardless the time that had already carried out oven one hour, people just couldn't sustain themselves to congratulating us for what we do by shaking hands, hugging and continuing to ask questions in relation to Shorinji Kempo, even requested pictures with Sensei Hagata and Chilean Kenshi and some even asked Sensei's autograph. Indeed it was an excellent event to formally present Shorinji Kempo to Chile. Unfortunately minute's right after it finished, Sensei Makoto Hagata along with Fabian Mac-Namara (Osorno Branch Master) had to go back to Santiago (Chilean Capital) in order for Sensei to catch his flight back to United States.

Despite the cold weather, probably the coldest two weeks of the year, we had wonderful training time, with an average of about ten hours per day, and discussions that passed midnight almost every night.

Firsts Chilean Kenshi

Also the first Chilean ranks wore awarded, to two pioneer Kenshi, Ariel and Erwin (right side of picture) upon approving Sankyu exam taken by Sensei Makoto Hagata.

We also had some time left aside for site seeing. Visiting the foothills of the Osorno Volcano, and other great locations, such as "Aguas Calientes"; these are hot springs located about 70 kilometers east of Osorno. It was a great opportunity for Kenshi to share more time with Sensei Makoto Hagata, and an opportunity for him to give us strong and touching lectures.

Foothills of Osorno Volcano

We are pleased of Sensei Makoto Hagata's visit, who with his charming character indeed has made an important statement to us. It was also an opportunity to reunite Sensei Makoto Hagata with Fabian Mac-Namara. These are some words that Sensei Makoto Hagata requested be addressed: "As practicing with a student who worked with me more than four and a half years ago. And It is so pleasant to see one of my students carried my message and took action to spread far distance in Chile. I was also quite surprised that handful people asked me for my autograph on the programs and hats. I was just one of kenshi, (not a celebrity), so I hesitated for a moment, but I did it as they requested anyway because they formed line and waiting for their turn. As I said that I have met many people with quality personalities and warm hearted. The kenshi at Osorno Branch are so pure and I see future leader from Osorno Branch students. They reminded me that it is important to always remember how and why we are studying Shorinji Kempo. My impression of the growth of Shorinji Kempo in Chile is very positive and looking forward to see an Official WSKO seminar is held in Osorno. Kesshu Makoto Hagata."

Indeed we are hoping to have Sensei back soon. And if any Kenshi around the World ever want to visit Chile, please contact us beforehand, so we can share practices and most importantly "make friendship".

 

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