Orange County Branch, U.S.A. / December 2011 - Contributor: Branch Master Pankaj Rastogi

ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA BRANCH NOVEMBER 19th GODO RENSHU (Kumi Embu and Sparring)













Orange County, California Shorinji Kempo Branch held their Annual Tournament on Saturday November 19, 2011. The theme this year was Kumi Embu (Pair Form) and Randori (Sparring).













One or our many goals in Shorinji Kempo is to transform people both mentally and physically through pair form and randori practice. This helps both the offense and defense to mutually develop their techniques while helping in each other grow. 6 branches and fifty-two students and teachers participated in the tournament ranging from Minarai to 6-Dan; Caltech, Industry Sheriff, Los Angeles, Mount Diablo, Southbay, and Orange County. The temperature throughout the day was a perfect 75deg F (23C). A perfect day for a Shorinji Kempo Godo Renshu and Tournament in sunny Southern California!!!!













The tournament started with an introduction of all the Branch Masters: Meyer BM (Caltech), Uekuma BM (Southbay), Richard Wei-chih BM (Industry Sheriff), Hagata BM (Mount Diablo), Mizuno BM (Los Angeles) and Rastogi BM (Orange County).













After Chinkon was finished by Meyer sensei (Caltech Branch), kihon practice was facilitated by Mizuno sensei (LA Branch). Opening demonstrations of a kata were performed by Mike, Robert and Daniel, where they are referred to as the �gTriplets�h however born in different families. The three kenshi constantly work and practice together as if they were brothers. Numerous students, parents and friends clapped at the end of their demonstration to show their strong support of Shorinji Kempo.













Three courts were setup for the branch masters to evaluate each of the student's Kumi Embu's and Randori skills. To be fair the judge BM�fs drew a number by reaching in the box to see which court they were assigned. Each judge BM oversaw the kumi embu and sparring responsibilities. Rules of the Kumi embu and Sparring were explained to all participants as they nervously waited for their turn to perform. Several parents, friends and guests came to watch the event which made the participants even more uneasy performing their techniques in front of many people. Each pair of judges at the end of the kumi embu and sparring gave advice to the students on how to improve their Shorinji Kempo techniques.

First, second and third place winners were announced in the children and adult Kyu and Dan divisions. The winners received a trophy and loud applause from the audience. The children Kenshi (5-12 years old) also practiced hard and with lots of encouragement they gained from the teachings of all the BMs.

KUMI EMBU PAIR FORM WINNERS

1st Place - Mario-Diego, Timothy-Tammy, Justin-Songvy, Chen-Corey, Lisa U.-Yukiko, Daniel-Mike-Robert

2nd Place - Jackson-Rayhan, Connor-Isaiah, Kimberly-Lisa, Jeremiah-Daniel

3rd Place - Jay-Noah, Scott-Corbin,

RANDORI/SPARRING WINNERS

1st Place Mario, Noah, Eric, Connor, Sydney, Justin, Lisa, Herdi, Sano

2nd Place Rayhan, Jay, Timothy, Isaiah, Tammy, Scott, Songvy, Chen, Mike

3rd Place Jackson, Diego, Jacob, Jeremiah, Teia, Corbin, Kimberly, Daniel, Robert

Once the children and respective parents went home, the adult Kyu and Dan kenshi put on the Do (Chest Protectors) and were split into two groups to focus on the advanced Goho techniques. All of the BMs taught basic and advanced techniques. Three main areas of Seiho (Pressure points) were also covered on the body; Suigetsu, mae sanmai, yoko san mai.













The last hour of practice was Juho based, where several BMs took turns teaching take down techniques utilizing the combination of balance and pain. Their detailed explanation of when initiate nuki waza (Escaping Techniques) really showed how much they care for the kenshi's technique to continuously improve.













Upon completion of the Shorinji Kempo practice, the Orange-California branch students served Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Vietnamese and American food to approximately 50 kenshi followed by dessert; cheese cake, cup cakes and fruit salads. A special THANKS goes out to all of the parents.













These get-togethers are great for learning techniques, sharing teaching ideas, meeting old and new Kenshi and having good time in the true meaning of the Shorinji Kempo Spirit!













Orange County Branch would like to thank the Caltech, South Bay, Industry Sheriff, Mt. Diablo and Los Angeles branches for their heartfelt support! We look forward to practicing with all of the students and branch masters in the near future!!!!

Gassho!

Pankaj

 

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