September 16 & 17, 2006
2006 Eastern North-American Regional
Instructors' Study Session
2006 Eastern North-American Regional Instructors' Study Session of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization was held for two days from 9:00 to 17:00 on September 16th, and from 8:45 - 17:00 on September 17, 2006, at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Center (JCCC), Toronto, Canada.
It was attended by 66 participants; 25 from Canada, 36 from the U.S.A., 2 from U.K., 2 from Chile, and 1 from Japan.
Three WSKO instructors were dispatched to the event; Mr. Yoshimi Akiyoshi (8th Dan), Mr. Kazuhiro Kawashima (7th Dan), and WSKO Asst. Secretary-General Takashi So (6th Dan).
Starting this year, WSKO Regional Study Sessions are aimed for Dan holders who are to be instructors. This 2-day study session contains various kinds of information necessary for instructors; safety measures, evaluation standards for judges and examiners, and teaching skills.
At the class of the basic techniques on the first day, they confirmed stances, steps, postures not only the basic of tsuki and keri, and practiced various pair forms.
Lectures were given on various sections listed in the distributed handbook; philosophy of Shorinji Kempo, study of Kaiso's words, intellectual property of Shorinji Kempo, daily trainings, branch operation, evaluation of Dan grading tests, how to judge embu, and activities to promote Shorinji Kempo.
Techniques classes were given to participants in 3 rank groups; 1st Kyu & 1st Dan, 2nd & 3rd Dan, and 4th Dan & above. The dispatched three instructors taught the classes for two days.
On the night of the Day 1, the instructors and participants had a party to exchange friendship. At the opening, Branch Master Tetsuyasu Uekuma of the South Bay Branch expressed his mourning for the late Mr. Hirokazu Yamamori, former Branch Master of the Los Angeles Branch. Mr. Uekuma was received by a warm applause. Then the host branch masters in Toronto area gave their addresses to welcome the visitors. Everyone present enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere of the party.
On the Day 2, we practiced un'yo-ho and various judging methods. We studied various application techniques including counterattacks with limitation using hokei mastered by the defenders. In the practice of randori judging, there were some participants who could not move their hands and legs smoothly to make signals. After some practices they mastered the movements and could direct the performers as a judge smoothly. Participants were working very hard on this activity so that they can use this method at their own branches.
Participants practiced marking embu by watching video to study judging, evaluation, and marking. There were many members who have never experienced marking an embu, and it seemed difficult for them at first. However, many of them said they understood how to evaluate an embu.
WSKO study sessions are held every few years. Participants do not have chances to gather at one place very often. Participants were divided into small groups for discussion. They discussed how to teach at their branches and the problems, making the discussion a good chance to exchange opinions. Branch Masters talked about establishing national federations in Canada and the U.S.A. Their discussions were centered on the
rising demands for more organizational activities in the region.
Branch Masters Certification Seminar was given during the event, attended by 8 applicants. As of September 2006, there are 8 branches in Canada and 33 branches in the U.S.A. These two countries combined is 50 times bigger than the land of Japan. We can expect more branches in these countries.
At the closing ceremony, examiners announced that 1 kenshi passed the 4th Dan and 2 passed the 3rd Dan during the event. All the participants showed their appreciation to the host branch masters and the interpreters.
After taking a group photo with everyone together, the participants promised to help Shorinji Kempo develop further in each area and to meet again in the future as they leave for respective destinations.
Contributed by Takashi So, WSKO Assistant Secretary-General
