Toronto Branch, Canada / Jan 2003 Contributor: Branch Master John McCulloch

Gassho,

Toronto is the biggest city in Canada and also one of the largest in North America. Toronto has an extremely cosmpolitan population ("the world in one city") and our Branch truly reflects that. Our members are drawn from various age groups, races, and nationalities. Almost half of our members are women.



Since its foundation in 1990, our Branch has established good relations with many Branches worldwide and often enjoys visits from members of those Branches. We are fortunate to have especially close ties to the Atsugi Branch in Kanagawa, Japan and its teacher Hiate-sensei (7th dan). Indeed, through Hiate-sensei we have established an ongoing exchange program with his and several other Kanagawa Branches. In November 2002, Hiate-sensei came to lead the Toronto Gasshuku (study retreat) which was attended by kenshi from 15 Branches in Canada, the USA and Japan.

Toronto Branch aims to follow the technique, philosophy and spirit of Shorinji Kempo as taught by the Founder. Consequently we continually try to research the Founder's style by studying widely from many senior teachers who received his teachings directly.

The Founder taught that we should try to live half for ourselves and half for others. We try to apply that teaching in our annual charity "Kickathon." The money raised is used to support drug addiction cessation programs offered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. At the time of writing we had raised $29,500 for this cause.

In closing, if you have read about Shorinji Kempo and like what you see, then don't be shy - please come and try it! Also, if you are training at another WSKO Branch and are visiting the Toronto area please get in touch and come and visit us.

We hope as many people as possible will be able to realise the benefits of training in this truly wonderful art.

Kesshu

 

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