North American Region / September 2011 - Contributor: Makoto Hagata, Mt. Diablo Branch

Mt. Diablo Branch hosted
"2011 North American Training Camp"

On September 3rd and 4th, the Shorinji Kempo 2011 North American Gasshuku was held in the city of Martinez, California where Mt. Diablo is nearby.










It was the first training camp after United States Shorinji Kempo Federation was formed in this April. There was the Value-Up Seminar a day before the Gasshuku. Ohara assistant secretary general of WSKO came to conduct the series of meetings. 16 branch masters and substitute branch master participated the meetings.

After hours of meetings, there was a special practice instructed by sensei Masaki Nagata, 8th Dan from Yamaguchi Saikyo Doin in Japan for branch masters and advanced kenshis while those who wished to add an extra practice for this trip joined hosting branch, Mt. Diablo branch practice ending with delicious homemade foods.

The first day started after the board of directors' meeting with nicely decorated each branch placards that was made, donated and displayed by Orange County branch master, Rastogi sensei and his fellow kenshi.

The program was divided into one hour session and each day had 4 sessions and Q & A session. Nagata sensei provided short but important tips for the focused theme of each session.

After lunch, Nagata sensei talked about an impressive episode about Kaiso and his dog. It was packed with incredible stories and we all enjoyed his story with a lot of actions.

The end of first day, there was a friendship dinner party at local restaurant. The participants grew and some of tables were outside of banquet room. We had a great time for about 3 hours.

The second day started with the Chinkon Gyo conducted by all Canadian branch masters. There were supplement like energy drinks, energy bars and homemade cupcakes. I saw a few young kenshi had new mouth decoration while workout. It was evident that they liked cupcakes!

We end the Gasshuku with Seiho and body care session taught by Nagata sensei and assisted by Kawamata sensei from San Diego Branch.

Mt. Diablo branch member worked so hard to welcome those who traveled to take part in this Gasshuku. As a result, we receive a lot of compliment after the closing.

I have sent a note to the Martinez Unified School District to thank this arrangement to use Alhambra Hish School Gym. To my surprise, I have received the following mail immediately after I sent it.

"I have to tell you, the custodian actually emailed me to say how nice your group was. I have never had a custodian write to me about this kind of thing. So, sounds like a good experience was had by all!!

Sue Casey
Assistant to the Superintendent
Martinez Unified School District

This mail proves that our quality and standard of group, Shorinji Kempo in North America.

The Gasshuku was actually 3 days event for the board of directors and branch masters. There were many hours of physical practice and some experienced soar muscle pain for days after the Gasshuku.

Our special appreciations go to Nagata sensei who came from Japan a week after he came back from Malaysia Study Session and spent 2 full day Gassuku, 2 evening practice before and after the Gasshuku. Thank you all for those who participated from far distance away.

 

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