KAWASHIMA Kazuhiro WSKO Official Instructor Manager of Shorinji Kempo Promotion Division, Shorinji Kempo Federation Manager of Advisory Division, WSKO Secretariat

-- What countries have you been to teach?
Well, Indonesia, France, U.K., New Zealand, Australia... Switzerland as well. Also to the west coast of the U.S.A, Los Angeles, and Boston in East Coast. When I went to Boston, I was in the Budo Representatives Delegation. In the delegation we went to some countries where we do not have Shorinji Kempo branches. I visited Vancouver and Calgary in Canada. And this time, I am now visiting the South America. I was supposed to be sent to South America before, which was cancelled due to my other business schedule. This is my first time to be in the South America.

-- You went to the Northern Europe.
Yes. It was in 2001 when I went there, sponsored by the Japan Foundation, to Russia, Ukraine, and Finland. Oh, I have been to India and Malaysia.

-- It sounds like listing the countries where you have never been to is much easier.
It maybe so. I have given chances to visit countries where we have branches, but I have never been to Africa, and Portugal, Spain, and Italy in Europe.

-- You are "Doin-cho (master)" of Hombu Doin. I know many kenshi from abroad visit Hombu Doin.
Almost every time I had guests from branches overseas, I used to take them out for dinner after practice, to deepen our friendship. Recently, it is not "every time" to my regret.

Study Session in Brazil

Because it is a Doin of Hombu, I consider such relationship is very important. I want to keep good relationship with people. When we see each other again, we say "Oh, hi!" and enjoy the reunion. That's the same when I visit the country of theirs. Sometimes I cannot remember the names, but I remember those whom I have met before when I see their faces.

When I am given an opportunity to teach abroad, I consider it is a mission to make more comrades. Because Shorinji Kempo is only one. The relationship is my joy. And succeed the relationship to the juniors on both sides... this is important.

-- What do you think is important for Shorinji Kempo in the future?
As the Hombu's policy goes, there should be "changing parts of Shorinji Kempo" and "unchanging parts of Shorinji Kempo." The purpose of founding, philosophy, and techniques should never be modified. However, the way to transmit and the systems should be improved positively. This "improvement" is sometimes very difficult, though...

And, we have to keep our best efforts to maintain Hombu attractive to Kenshi. I strongly feel that we have to develop instructors who are able to fully transmit the wonderful essence of our techniques and philosophy, and who give favorable impressions, so that we can keep Hombu where people want to come to meet. We have to ask ourselves what we have to do now.

-- What do you keep in mind in order to improve your techniques?
It is, of course, going to teach as often as I can. I consider teaching others is training myself. People say "You don't have enough time for your own practice, do you?" But, when I am in a dojo to teach, I show techniques, explain them, and perform them on kenshi... repeated sessions of this is my best training.

-- What is your favorite technique?
Well, my favorite technique... I don't have any particular favorite, but as I get older, I came to realize that Juho is more interesting to me than before. Others see me as "you are good at goho." Of course the movement of goho is attractive, and techniques should be "go ju ittai." Therefore, I could say my favorite "kenkei" is "goka ken."

-- What part of Shorinji Kempo attracts you?
Not "attracts" but what motivates me now is, maybe, "sense of mission as Hombu staff." I was admitted to come to Hombu by Kaiso just before he died, and I became the last "sanmon-shu"(mountain gate clew), which I am very proud of. Therefore I have to transmit what I learned to my juniors. I have to improve things here. And now it is also the time for Shorinji Kempo to launch on a new challenge. I have so many things to do, and I feel the sense of mission that I am responsible for some of them. Of course, not everything is going easily.

-- Lastly, please give your words to WSKO kenshi. We will have the International Taikai next year.
The International Friendship Taikai '85 was held in the year I got married, and we were celebrated by everyone (laughter).
I understand that people have jobs and economical situation. But it is a festival once in four years. I want as many kenshi as possible can attend. After the International Taikai, we will have an international study session at Hombu, and we are planning some special events. I am looking forward to sweating together with you and exchange good friendship. Please make time to come.

And, lastly, I receive many letters from kenshi abroad. I would like to apologize for not replying to them, but I sure read all the letters. Thank you very much, everyone.

-- Thank you very much.

(July 2004, at the Vancouver Airport, on the way back to Japan from the Central & South America)

 

TOP