Portuguese Federation / April 2012 - Contributor: Jose Antonio Silva Araujo, Sintra Branch Master

II Portuguese National Children's Gasshuku

Gassho!

In April 22nd it was held another season's highlight: the II National Children's Gasshuku with around 70 little kenshi from 4 to 12 years old of age, between Minarai and 1st Kyu, from 10 branches. This event broke last years' participation record, which was the first time that children had an entire day of Shorinji Kempo experiences totally devoted to their specific characteristics and learning needs.

The Gasshuku was conducted by the Technical Department of the Portuguese Federation, alongside with 6 branch masters and 7 instructors and assistants. We also had two kyu kenshi that made a photographic report of the event. The Olivais branch in association with the Joao XXIII school, where this branch is currently based, provided the space for this event to occur and the conditions arranged were very good, with two places for practice and several materials that enhanced the experience for all children.


















Overall, this Gasshuku was a complete success and by far surpassed all expectations. Young kenshi enjoyed very much this event with lots of games that specifically introduced concepts of Jodan/Chudan/Gedan, Omote/Ura, Mae/Ushiro/Migi/Hidari, Tai Sabaki/Hikimi, Uchi/Soto and others. As foreigners to Japanese language, many with such a young age where they are still learning the first steps of the national language, this type of learning situations presents as a rich and powerful strategy that helps our youngsters to become more acquainted with the Japanese terms with very positive results. At the same time, those who are guiding children in this art, access to different strategies of approach to the teaching of Shorinji Kempo, which has been a goal of the Shorinjin Kempo Portuguese Federation's Technical Department.

We hope to continue to contribute to the development of Shorinji Kempo and we are now preparing our Adults' National Gasshuku at Golega, where we hope to join more kenshis. All who want are invited to come and join us. Should anyone wish to know more about this upcoming event please contact the Portuguese federation (www.fpsl.pt).

Kesshu!

 

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