May 26, 2002
2002 Japan Foundation Athletic Instructors Short Dispatch Program
As a part of the "2002 Japan Foundation Athletic Instructors Short Dispatch Program," Shorinji Kempo held its demonstration in the Republic of Cuba and the Federal Republic of Brazil with financial assistance from the Japan Foundation. In the Federal Republic of Brazil, where branches of Shorinji Kempo have already been active, study sessions were also held in conjunction with the demonstration.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan Foundation is a specialized institution for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding and friendship on the international scene through cultural exchanges such as academic pursuits, arts, sports and media. The Shorinji Kempo Federation Foundation has participated in and supported this program every time in these recent years and this year amounted to its third time to visit South America. The dispatched personnel this year included WSKO President Yuuki So, WSKO Instructor Masanori Nagata, Shorinji Kempo Federation staff member Kosaku Tanaka, Shorinji Kempo Federation staff member Masaki Nagayasu and WSKO staff member Nobuyasu Kuramoto.
On May 23, the Shorinji Kempo delegation entered Havana, the capital of the Republic of Cuba, and held its demonstration in the city on May 26. Many martial arts organizations have already been active in the Republic of Cuba, with its citizens having extremely high interest in martial arts. The Cuban National Martial Arts Federation, which consists of 18 martial arts organizations, has already been established. Partly because of the support from the Federation, the demonstration became a spectacular event.
The venue, Cuba Deportiva, is boasting of a scale of capacity of about 10,000 spectators. While the Japanese Ambassador to Cuba His Excellency Mutsuo Mabuchi and many other guests of honor were watching, the dispatched personnel carried out the demonstration of Shorinji Kempo for about one hour.
[Demonstration of "static and dynamic"]
Firstly, Instructor Masanori Nagata conducted "Chinkon-gyo" with him taking the role of Shuza. Chinkon-gyo is a mental cultivation method unique to Shorinji Kempo and is conducted in conjunction with the physical training. The content of "Dokun" resounded within the venue and Embu demonstrators closed their eyes after the chanting. During that meditation, an introductory essay on Shorinji Kempo was read out in Spanish to help its understanding by the Cuban citizens.
In the subsequent technical demonstration, each kind of technique was demonstrated according to the proceedings and explanations by Instructor Masanori Nagata (8th Dan). Firstly, Tandoku (solo) Embu was performed followed by Sotai (Kumite) Enren (practice in a pair) that applies to the Tandoku Kihon form, Hokei (Go and Ju) that is principal offence and defense techniques, technical experience provided to those who desired it within the venue and finally the demonstration of Jiyu (free) Kumi Embu, with the completion of the entire demonstration lasting about an hour. Especially as for the offense and defense techniques performed in a pair, while considering the size of the venue, the process from the offense to the counterattack was introduced once in slow motion and subsequently the techniques were demonstrated in the actual speed. The commentary was also interpreted into Spanish by an interpreter, thus the citizens visiting to see the demonstration seemed to have deepened their understanding of Shorinji Kempo.
[About 80 children experienced Shorinji Kempo]
About 80 children participated in the technical experience that was conducted targeting the spectators in the venue. They practiced primary techniques in pairs. When the announcement was broadcast saying, "Please come to the arena if you wish to participate...," children rushed to it all at once without needing any further encouragement. As Karate was quite expanded in Cuba, some participants were used to punching and kicking. However, they were tackling with Juho (Nuki Waza or Gyaku Waza) that is unique to Shorinji Kempo with open-eyed amazement. In particular, when the instructor introduced "Kagite Shuho," which disturbs the balance of the other person who grabbed by the wrist just by a slight movement, many children queued to directly grab the wrist of the instructor. Thus, the technical experience achieved great popularity.
