August 19, 2007
Kizan & Hombu Practice

On August 19, 2007, Kizan & Hombu Practice event was held at Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji and the Headquarters of the Shorinji Kempo Federation, attended by 527 people from 21 doin and branches of various parts in Japan. When a Shorinji Kempo Kenshi goes to the headquarters of Shorinji Kempo, we say "going back to Hombu", with the feeling of "going back to the home of Shorinji Kempo," and we call that act "Kizan (returning to Sohonzan)". Hombu offers the program of Kizan & Hombu Practice on fixed days around the year in conjunction with other events at hombu, so that young kenshi can visit hombu for one-day practice experience with various hombu instructors. This event is attended by more people in summer vacation season every year. July 29th and August 19th for this summer vacation season were reserved only for this event to welcome more visitors.

Chinkon-gyo

Each group consisting of 20 to 40 people including kenshi and their parents visited hombu from the Kansai, Kanto, and Kyushu areas of Japan in chartered busses for Kizan program of this time.

The participants gathered in Hondo at 9:00 am, watched the 60th anniversary short film, followed by Chinkon-gyo, then warmly greeted by Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji Representative Yoshitaka Suzuki.

Participating kenshi were divided into 4 dojos for practice. The summer in Tadotsu is very humid and hot this year. The temperature reached 31 degrees even in the morning. The instructors encouraged the participants to drink enough water before and after practice.

Young kenshi learned not only the techniques but also they were reminded of the mindset as a Shorinji Kempo Kenshi and of importance of acting with good manners and having consideration toward others. They promised to the instructors to appreciate these ideas and transmit what they learned today to the juniors.

Embu demonstration by Hombu Staff

Before closing, hombu staff showed their embu in solo form, paired form, hokei with body protective gear, and counterattacks when attacked while seated on a chair, followed by the 60 furiko-zuki (strikes) to celebrate the 60th anniversary by all the participants, which ended at 11:00am. The event itself was about two hours. However, traveling to a far land to the home of Shorinji Kempo, children looked fully motivated.

Hombu staff seeing the visitors off at the gate

After the event, each group enjoyed the day at hombu, taking group pictures on keidai (front yard), having lunch, purchasing souvenirs, and visiting daiganto (tower), in the hot summer weather.

Opening taiko at hondo

Parents participated in chinkon-gyo.

Technical practice at the kyu kenshi class

Young kenshi practicing together

Demonstration by Hombu staff

Dan holders' class

Demonstration by Hombu staff

Relaxing after practice

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