Aljustrel, Sintra, and Oriental Branches, Portugal / September 2010 - Contributor:Aljustrel Branch Master Cristina Carrico

Contribute Cristina Carrico (Aljustrel Branch Master) Our adventure began on August 2nd in Lisbon, where we started a wonderful journey to the rising sun country.

Our crew had 14 people, among them 3 Branch Masters, 9 Kenshi and 5 family members - for 9 people this was their first time in Japan.

We arrived in Okayama the next day and our big friends Sensei Kazuaki Yamamoto and Sensei Mariko Yamamoto were there to welcome us!

Each Kenshi and his/her family stayed at other Japanese Kenshi houses, with whom they shared experiences, knowledge and built friendships.

Our days were divided in two parts: either we were visiting amazing places like Hiroshima or we were training at Sensei Kazuaki Yamamotos dojo where we interacted with his own Kenshi.

In one of the nights we walked through the gardens of Okayama Castle and when we came back it was already a dark night...

We also had the privilege of training with Sensei Tahara, who welcomed us with joy and taught us a bit of his wisdom and experience in Shorinji Kempo.




















In our last night in Okayama, we were kindly invited by Sensei Tahara and his family for a nice farewell dinner.

When we arrived in Tadotsu, the WSKO staff was waiting for us and we want to leave here our thank you for their kindness and availability, always showed when required.

Fortunately, we had the chance to train with Kenshi from several Universities in Japan, as well as learn with all the Senseis who were present at the study session, which was very gratifying and productive! Some of the workshops held there were very important to create and develop dynamic among all the Kenshi!


























When unfortunately the study session was over, we went to Okayama were we stay one more day and we have a dinner party were was many kenshi from the branch of Sensei Kazuaki Yamamoto and sensei Tahara too, the party end's late.

The next day we went to Kyoto, where we saw some of the most beautiful temples in the city, such as the Golden Temple or the Ryoanji Temple. The day was moving fast and we return to the hotel to get some rest and prepare ourselves for the long trip back to Portugal the next day.

We can all say that this trip allowed us to get in touch with incredible new things, reconnect with our friends in other side of the world, and solidify our increasing love to Shorinji Kempo!

Sayonara Japan...

See you soon

 

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