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United Kingdom Shorinji Kempo Federation / April 2012
- Contributors: Jonathan Tree & David Lewis
UBG Organisers & Assistant Instructors
Durham University Branch
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University Branch Gasshuku - UK - February 2012
On February 23rd a group of Kenshi from universities across the UK met in Durham for a weekend of training and socialising. Saturday morning practice began with a brisk run around Durhamfs scenic riverbanks and past the historic cathedral and castle. From there, we gathered at the Durham University Branch Dojo to begin the University Branch Gasshuku (UBG).
Kenshi and Instructors all delighted with the yellow t-shirts commemorating the Gasshuku |
The UBG was the first event of the new United Kingdom Shorinji Kempo Federation. As such, we started in an energetic fashion that continued throughout the weekend. We were fortunate to have many instructors from throughout the country: Mr Masaki Maehara (Tolworth Branch Master), Mr Peter Moore (Poole Branch Master), Mr Blaise Howard (Branch Coach, London Central Branch), Mr Steve Williams (Harrow Branch Master), Mr Chris Lloyd (Oxford University Branch Master), Mr Paul Barnes (Peterborough Branch Master) and Mr James Woodward (Durham University Branch Master).
Sensei Peter Moore teaching goho waza |
Durham University Branch Master enjoying the Gasshuku |
Sensei Peter Moore explaining Shorinji Kempo philosophy |
Sensei Blaise Howard teaching juho waza |
Sensei Steve Williams demonstrating juho waza to happy kenshi |
For some of the kenshi in attendance, this was their first experience of a national event, and it proved very enjoyable for all. The theme of the UBG was 'santei sampo nijugo kei', emphasising the variety of aspects found in Shorinji Kempo and the importance of balancing our training by taking the opportunity to learn about all of these aspects with a variety of training partners. Saturday training involved goho training in the morning, followed by juho in the afternoon. Training was followed in the evening by a party in Durham Amateur Rowing Club, where a buffet dinner was followed by dancing to the tunes of Durhamfs famous DJ Robin! Sunday training began with Maehara Sensei taking kihon; this was followed by grade-specific practice taught by a variety of instructors.
Training concluded with a seiho session taken by Sensei Peter Moore, leaving us all feeling happy and relaxed.
The event proved a great success, and will be the first of many UBG to come. Many thanks to all involved!
Jonathan Tree
David Lewis
UBG Organisers & Assistant Instructors
Durham University Branch
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