Brisbane Branch, Australia / Mar 2004 Contributor: Michael Sheehan

Make your dreams a reality!

In the beginning...... in February 1994 I started University and after watching an impressive demonstration of a big Australian kenshi being launched over the shoulder of a tiny Japanese girl I decided to give Shorinji Kempo a go. Over 10 years later I am still enjoying it as much as when I started and now will share with you my story from the last year of training.

At the 1997, 50th anniversary taikai in Tokyo, I was fortunate to meet a Japanese Sensei who was planning a retirement holiday to Australia in the coming months. Soon after he visited Australia and at our insistence came and visited us and trained with us for a little while. From this encounter a wonderful friendship was formed in which we have regularly welcomed this man into our lives as a family member, not just as a friend. Over the past seven years he has helped us and the Brisbane Branch improve in our Shorinji Kempo and develop a far greater understanding of Japan and its people.

This past year we came to Japan specifically to further our studies in Shorinji Kempo and human understanding. We landed in Japan on March 25, 2003 with virtually no local language skills and a real sense of anticipation and nervousness with little idea what to expect. Wandering arround in Tokyo, made our city of Brisbane feel like a small country town, the sounds and smells and sheer motion of people, lights and vehicles overwhelms the senses and makes your mind race. Soon after we met our friend, lined up some part-time jobs and started training.

Kenshi are the same everywhere ..... on walking into Konosu doin, I felt a sense of relief. All around me were smiling faces, seemingly putting aside their daily worries and comming together to train and help each other. It felt like I had returned home and was back in my local dojo but with a whole lot of kenshi I didn't yet know. Shorinji Kempo kenshi are the same the world over, all want to help each other and improve themselves. The feeling of joy in training and in their everyday lives is a general reflection of their character and attitute towards life. The main difference I have found in Japan has been the existance of "big people training". At 100kg and 192cm many kenshi have seen me as an training opportunity to big to miss and rushed for the chance to try their techniques. My hint for all is that kagite and kazushi need to be applied instantly, else it's too late.

The training ...... everyone is different, but the same. Training in a number of Japanese branches and with differing Sensei's, it has been interesting to see both the differences and the similarities. It has been an excellent learning opportunity to see both the character and characteristics of the person and their way of thinking reflected in their techniques. I have trained myself to try and see the fundamental waza, without basis towards any one particular Sensei's variation and at the same time constantly ask why? I believe this is a necessity to learn anything. If you don't and you dismiss what you are been shown then you have just missed an opportunity that may never come your way again. While the differences I have seen in different technical variations have been interesting the similarities have been just as revealing. Having now seen these Sensei's and analysing the similarities I have greatly improved my understanding of the core motions and principles that make the techniques work. Not having access to an English Kyohan and therefore no real reference point against which to check the core structure, I have seized this opportunity to make copious notes in a bid to keep them fresh in my mind.

My Sensei has expressed his surprise at the large number of questions (in particular Why? Why? Why?) I ask about technique, philosophy, buddhism, the structure of Shorinji Kempo, how gradings are conducted and how to run a taiki. I think there are some cultural differences with Australians being very direct in their communication and manners, but at all times respect for others and a smile will make sure you don't offend anyone. For anyone thinking about developing your Shorinji Kempo through practice, or action in other fields I would highly recommend it. This year I have pushed my limits further and improved my general understanding of people and Shorinji Kempo. I also got to train at Hombu in one of the Spring camps and was again delighted to train with so many other enthauaistic kenshi from France and Kyoto and other Universities. At Hombu I also had many of my questions answered and the chance to receive training in some of the administrative and other processes from the WSKO secretariat which I am thankful.

Opportunities....... When we (my wife and I) return to Australia next month we will have left behind a Japan where we have made many friends, climbed 25 mountains including Mt Fuji, riden bicycles throughout Tokyo, travelled through 45 of the 47 prefectures, visited Hombu again, passed our 1st and 2nd Dan examinations and not missed a Shorinji Kempo training session when we were in our home town. If you wait, or put things off that's exactly what your dreams will do also. In closing, "don't miss any opportunity, make your dreams a reality", if you want to do something, set a goal and just go for it. My next kempo goal..... Brisbane Branch's first taiki, April 2005, all are welcome, we hope to see you there!

 

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