Westminster-California Branch, U.S.A. / May 2010 - Contributor: Branch Master Pankaj Rastogi

WESTMINSTER-CALIFORNIA BRANCH BIG BEAR GASSHUKU

Westminster-California Shorinji Kempo Branch has now started a new trend of holding their annual internal branch practice at Big Bear Lake and combining this practice with fishing and viewing of the stars at night. On Saturday May 15th, 2010 ten Westminster-California branch students ranging from 2-kyu to 2-dan practiced Shorinji Kempo in a beautiful serene country side atmosphere at Big Bear Lake (2 hrs outside of Los Angeles California).

On a near perfect weather day in sunny Big Bear City (75 Deg F / 24C) the Gasshuku started with a light breakfast and clearing of the furniture. This was followed up by Pankaj BM conducting basic (Kihon) technique practice. During kihon practice several areas of proper stances and blocks were covered. The students quickly paired up to perform in Tenchi ken Dai Ikkei and Nikkei kata. This helped all of the kenshi to understand speed, angle, distance, timing and Tai sabaki. Advanced black belts covered studying paired embu.

After kihon practice was finished, all kenshi practiced their level techniques for upcoming exams. The last 30min of practice was Juho and embu based where kenshi tried to learn the more challenging Juho techniques. Upon completion of the Shorinji Kempo practice, all the students enjoyed fishing at the local pier on the lake and Telescoping viewing of the night skies. We were all in complete awe at the thousands of stars we could see.

These get-togethers are great for learning techniques, sharing stories, meeting kenshi outside of the dojo and having good time in the true meaning of the Shorinji Kempo Spirit! Westminster-California Branch would like to thank Robert N., Mike H. and Lisa U. for taking care of the breakfast and providing a place for all of us to sleep and fish!!!!!

Gassho!
Pankaj

 

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