The International Training Camp in Saint-Petersburg has happened during the first weekend of April 2019. It was the 6th instalment of the event that Baltika Brunch hosts annually under direction of the branch master Alexander Sofronov (4th dan). For three days, (5-7th April) the northern capital of Russia welcomed Kenshies from all over the country as well as international honored guests:Sensei Didier Camp (6th Dan) from France, Sensei Alex Tilly (5th dan) from Sweden, Sensei Kurt Kammerl (6th dan) and Sensei Manfred Birling (5th dan) from Germany , Sensei Seppo Ruusukivi (5th dan) and Sensei Timo Mäki-Kuutti (5th dan) from Finland. The seminars began on Friday (5th of April) in the evening and finished on Sunday (7th of April) afternoon.

Alongside the 6th International Training Camp, the first Russian Embukai has happened. In the morning of the 6th of April Russian Kenshi took part at the Embukai at the categories Kyu-Kenshi and Dan-kenshi. The judges were the branch masters and key instructors of the main brunches in Russia and included Alexey Rokitsky (5th dan), Makoto Hamakava (5th dan), Anatoly Lukutin (4th dan), Alexander Kramar (3rd dan) and Anton Kozlov (3rd dan).

The first place winners of the Russian Embukai are Natalia Sotnikova and Igor Titov (Baltika Brunch) – category Dan-kenshi; Alexander Semchenko and Eugeny Khukhryantsky (Moscow Brunch) – category Kyu-Kenshi.

The Seminar and Russian Embukai have been included into the program of events that celebrates cross-cultural Year of cooperation between Russia and Japan and became part of the 19th Festival «Japanese Spring in Saint-Petersburg» organized by Japanese embassy. For the award ceremony Russian Embukai has been delighted to welcome the general consul of Japan in Saint-Petersburg – Mr. Yasumasa Iijima. 

For russian Kenshis and Senseis it was, as always, a remarkable experience that boost their motivation and confidence to deepen their knowledge in Shorinji Kempo, to connect more with like-minded people from all over the world, to contribute for the spreading of Kaiso’s teaching in their hometowns and for general development of Shorinji Kempo in Russia.  Russian Kenshis and Senseis are extremely grateful to international guests for their support and master-classes and hope to engage with more techniques and practices next year! 

We plan to hold WSKO Hombu Training Camp as detailed below. We look forward to seeing many of you at this event.
We sent detailed information to branch masters on December 20, 2018.
If you have any questions, please ask the WSKO Secretariat trough your branch master.

Event Information
1. Date: March 26th (Thu.), 27th (Fri.), and 28th (Sat.), 2020
Note 1: Dan Grading / Special Dan Grading Examinations are scheduled on March 25th (Wed.); however, they may be rescheduled to be held during the program of the training camp in case the number of applicants is small.
Note 2: There will be an optional training session for questions and answers on March 29th (Sun).

2. Site: Headquarters of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization
3-1 Hondori, Tadotsu-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa-ken, 764-8511 Japan

3. Contents: (1) Lectures – Lecture by President Yuuki So
– Lecture by Secretary-General
– Lecture on the Intellectual Property of Shorinji Kempo
– Hokai Seminar (optional)
(2) Techniques – Techniques (Kihon and Hokei) by all participants and in rank groups
(3) Friendship Party
(4) Others 1) Branch Master Qualification Certification Seminar (for members from countries without a national federation, free of charge)
2) Dan Examination (3rd Dan, for members without national federation)
3) Special Dan Examination
Note: If you / your member wish(s) to take an examination of the above Items 2) and 3), please ask the WSKO Secretariat for possibility. We will announce the closing date for application on a later day.

4. Eligibility: WSKO members with rank of 1st kyu or above and age 16 or older.
Note: If there is any kenshi who are 2nd kyu or lower, please ask the WSKO Secretariat for advice.

5. Languages: Events will basically be conducted in Japanese and English. If you think it difficult to attend the event spoken in Japanese and English, you are requested to bring a kenshi who will help you with translation.

6. Lectures and Instructors: President Yuuki So, Secretary-General Kazuhiro Kawashima, and WSKO Instructors

7. Attendance Record:
(1) If you attend the Hokai Seminar during this Training Camp:
Your attendance will be recorded as one UNITY Study Session attendance.
(2) If you do not attend the Hokai Seminar during this Training Camp:
Your attendance will be recorded as one WSKO Study Session attendance.

8. Other: How to apply and closing date for the event, as well as the closing date for exam applications, will be announced at our next correspondence to branch masters.

WSKO Secretariat office will be closed from 12:00 on December 28, 2018, to 9:00 on January 4, 2019 Japan time.
Please understand all replies to any e-mails received during this period will be sent to you one by one on and after January 4th, 2019. Best wishes for splendid New Year and your great health.

WSKO Secretariat.

From 8th to 11th November 2018, the following activities are celebrated by the Spanish Shorinji Kempo Federation (FESK) in collaboration with the SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY.
1) On 8th November 2018, Special Examination Seikenshi 4th Dan
2) On 9th November 2018, Examiner & Judge Qualification Seminar
3) From 9th to 11th November 2018, Spanish Federation SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY Study Session.

Around 200 Kenshi from Spain, as well as Portugal, France, Holland, Italy and the United Kingdom attended the Study Session instructed by invited instructors; Hiromichi Yamasaki Sensei from Japan and Hiroshi Aosaka Sensei from France.

The activities were carried out successfully and participants expressed their satisfaction while they could have an opportunity to spend valuable time together and become a bridge.

The Honorary Consul of Japan in Seville, Mr. José Japón Sevilla (descendant of the Keicho embassy, Hasekura Tsunenaga) honored us with his presence at various moments.

The activities were echoed by the media in the city of Seville:

https://sevilla.abc.es/sevilla/sevi-sevilla-celebra-cuarenta-aniversario-llegada-shorinji-kempo-201811100809_noticia.html

On November 24, 2018 (local time), Branch Master Kazuhiro Kawashima passed away. He has led the Midtown New York Branch of the United States Shorinji Kempo Federation.
As a branch master since 2014, he has made a great contribution to promotion of Shorinji Kempo and development of Kenshi.
We pray that his soul rest in peace.

Secretariat, World Shorinji Kempo Organization

Related Information: http://www.reddenfuneralhome.net/book-of-memories/3664595/Kawashima-Kazuhiro/service-details.php

Brazilian Federation SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY Study Session 2018 was held in CETE, Porto Alegre of Brazil, for three days from October 12th to October 14th, 2018. About 90 kenshi from across the country of Brazil gathered together to learn more about Shorinji Kempo.

In the afternoon of the same day, the Study Session started. All the participants enjoyed learning, practicing and sweating together. Instructor Hirayama taught the participants that technical practice is to be enjoyed; true to his principle, Instructor Hirayama enjoyed the training himself, while involving all the participants in the fun of his leadership. Instructor Umeno taught that precision and speed are the important factors for connecting each movement, a lesson that must be kept in mind to improve skills.

As Hokai Seminar, two lectures were given by Instructor Umeno on the theme “How to live a life having faith in Dharma.”

The Goho un’yoho on the last day showed the participants how it is conducted in Japan, and they learned that, while the practice decides the winner of the pair, the respect to each other and improvement of techniques must always be the true reason of this type of practice.

The Study Session made almost all Brazilian branches strengthen their ties.

With the help of a large number of branch masters and kenshis the event was a success and showed that Shorinji Kempo is not only inside the dojo, but in our lives.

The Study Session made almost all Brazilian branches strengthen their ties.

With the help of a large number of branch masters and kenshis the event was a success and showed that Shorinji Kempo is not only inside the dojo, but in our lives.

 Kesshu.

 Daniel Osowski, Brazilian Federation

To: Federation Presidents, Branch Masters, and Coaches

Thank you for your continuing support for and understanding of WSKO.

The earthquake that hit Sulawesi Island, Indonesia may have been of your knowledge and concern. 

WSKO has tried to get in communication with the Indonesian Shorinji Kempo Federation to gather information concerning the damages.  It was only recently that we have confirmed the situation in the areas due to great confusions and damaged communication infrastructures.  Fortunately, all the members and related personals of the Indonesian Shorinji Kempo Federation have been reported to be safe.  The Indonesian Federation has started sending Shorinji Kempo members to provide humanitarian supports in the damaged areas. 

WSKO has decided to send a special funding to support the humanitarian supports provided by the Indonesian Federation.  We also ask each federation and branch to support the Indonesian Federation in helping people in distress. 

Please read the information below.  We ask you for your help. 

Notes

1. Request: Provide funding to support humanitarian works of the Indonesian Federation. Each federation should decide the unit (federation or branch) for providing funding. Please keep this within a reasonable and possible range. 
2. Beneficiary’s Name: PB PERKEMI
3. Address: Pusdiklat Shorinji Kempo, Jl. C.62 RT 03 RW.06, Jatimakmur, Pondok Gede, Bekasi 17431, INDONESIA
4. Account Number: 0004467787
5. Bank Name: BNI
6. Branch: BNI RATU PLAZA SENAYAN
7. Swift Code: BNINIDJA
8. Bank Address: Jl. Jend .Sudirman Kav 09, Grand Floor, Jakarta pusat, Jakarta 10720, Indonesia (For this request, we only accept bank wire transactions. Please make direct transactions to the bank account of the Indonesian Federation to reduce the handling fees. )
9. Acceptance: Until the end of November 2018
10. Additional Info.: Please see the pictures provided by the Indonesian Federation.

When the earthquake hit at 17:55 on September 28, 2018, there were about 20 kenshi practicing on the second floor of the dojo. They ran outside to save themselves.

End

In July 2018, Ukrainian Federation SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY Study Session was held in Odessa of Ukraine, with Instructor Kazuhiro Kawashima (WSKO Secretary-General), and Instructor Mitsuru Sakashita (Manager of Religious Affairs Department, Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji).

Study Session was held from 6th to 8^th of July, participated by instructors and kenshi from 10 different countries; Japan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Italy, and Great Britain.

On the day before the study session were held 4^th Dan Special Examination and Branch Master Qualification Certification Seminar for those who wish to open a branch.

During the unforgettable 3 days, kenshi from different countries met and made friends while practicing together, becoming the bridges between the countries.

The atmosphere of the session was constructive; participated kensi could get answers to their interesting questions about philosophy and techniques from the highly respected Shorinji Kempo Instructors such as Kawashima Sensei and Sakashita Sensei.

Two Hokai Lectures were given during the UNITY Study Session. Hokai Lecture participants learn Kongo Zen philosophy, and it aims for WSKO kenshi who do not belong Doin of Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji. Instructor Sakashita (Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji Religious Affairs Department Manager) explained Kongo Zen and Dharma.

At the end of the session, a solemn presentation of certificates was held. Training certificates were given to all the participants, and Dan certificates were presented to those who passed the 4^th Dan examination. A lot of positive emotions were shared, motivating each participant to continue self-improvement and contribute to development of Shorinji Kempo in respective countries.

Contributor: Oleg Krotenko, President, Ukrainian Shorinji Kempo Federation

On June 8th & 9th, 2018, 106 kenshi coming from U.S. and Canada participated in the North American Shorinji Kempo Training Camp at the Astro Gym of Seattle University, Seattle, WA. The branches are: Ann Arbor, Asheville, BC Tozenji, Berkeley, Boston, Downtown New York, East Portland, Los Angeles, Monterey, Mt. Diablo, Northern Utah, Orange County, Peninsula, Portland, Quad Cities, Salem, San Francisco, Seattle, Seattle University, Silicon Valley, South Bay, South Florida, Vancouver, Vancouver Pacific, Yuma, and World Bank. Mr. Kazuhiro Kawashima sensei, Secretary General of the World Shorinji Kempo Federation, was the main instructor. For 2 days, we practiced from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and enjoyed all practice together: Kihon, Hokei, Unyoho, and Embu.

At the evening of June 9th, we had a dinner party at the Chinese Restaurant at the beautiful Seattle Harbor. We enjoyed having delicious meals and drinks as well as enjoying fun conversation together.

<The 6th North American Shorinji Kempo Taikai>
On June 10th (Sun), 2018, the 6th North American Shorinji Kempo Taikai was conducted with 152 kenshi attendees. There were 2 categories: Competition & Exhibition Divisions.
After the Taikai opened at 9 a.m., more than 100 audiences enjoyed watching and were very impressed with techniques with sharp movement and big Kiai. After every Embu or Unyoho was finished, the audiences gave big hands to kenshis.

After the closing ceremony, all kenshi praised each other and promised to meet at the next Study Session and the Taikai next ear.

United States Shorinji Kempo Federation really appreciate all the participants’ precious time and passion to Shorinji Kempo!

Seattle, California, U.S.A / June, 2018
Contributor: Kazuki Arita, Secretary General, United States Shorinji Kempo Federation

On 28 and 29 April 2018 was organized on XXIII Italian National Gasshuku “ITALIA 2018” at the Palazzetto dello Sport “PalaFerraris”, Casale Monferrato (AL).
This event was attended by around 250 people, including Sensei and Kenshi, and friends from other parts of Europe (England, France, Germany, Sweden).
The inevitable presence of all Italian Branch Masters and especially the presence of Hiroshi Aosaka Sensei (9° Dan Daihanshi), from France, always regular guests of all our National events.
This event, being an official Seminar of SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY, in addition to practice, was also given a lot of importance to the philosophical part, personally supervised by Sensei Aosaka that we remember he is the Director of the WSKO European Office.
For the technical practice he was helped by Sensei Nobutaka Mukaida (7° Dan Seihanshi (President of Nara Prefecture – WSKO Instructor) and Sensei Mayumi Okuda (5° Dan Daikenshi (Vice President of Nara Prefecture).

The workouts are started on April 28 afternoon with Chinkon-Gyo then, were performed Kihon and Hokei, alternately, by the various Branch Masters.
Then during the course of the morning there was divided by degrees where everyone has rehearsed its technical program, always under the supervision of Aosaka Sensei and Mukaida Sensei who alternated in and in-depth explanations of the various techniques.
The next day, the workout restarted in the same way on Saturday, always alternating moments of Howa. After the final greetings and gifts delivery, on the afternoon of Sunday 29, the works were completed.

On April 28 morning, Taikai was held. There were all the specialties and this year we introduced the randori / un’yoho. There were about 100 athletes from all over Italy involved in Kumi Embu competitions in pairs, Kumi Embu Tan-en and Randori.

We thank all those who helped for the success of the event, all the teachers and athletes who have come from all over Italy with the hope to meet again in the next European Taikai in Sweden in July 2019.

We were also pleased to host during the time of Solidarity to support the “Associazione Pulmino Amico Onlus” of Casale Monferrato that provides free transportation to patients through the work of professionals and volunteers carefully selected, trained and coordinated with the aim of providing the patient and the his family a human and psychological help.

Thank you all.