June 15-17, 2007
Japan Foundation Sponsorship Program
Shorinji Kempo Demonstration in Chile
and Chilean Regional Study Session
Supported by the Japan Foundation, the Shorinji Kempo Federation dispatched 3 instructors to Brazil and Chile from Japan in June 2007. The instructors dispatched are Mr. Yoshimi Akiyoshi, WSKO Instructor, Seihanshi 8th Dan, Mr. Masakazu Toyama, WSKO Instructor, Junhanshi 7th Dan, Mr. Yuki Tanaka, Shorinji Kempo Federation staff, Seikenshi 5th Dan.
Demonstration in Osorno
Shorinji Kempo Demonstration in Chile was held at the Theatre Hall of the Osorno City, Chile, in the evening of June 15, 2007. It was a big success, attended by 350 audience despite the seats were only 250. At this time of the year, with the temperature below the degree of frost, most people stay indoors. However, for this demonstration, all the 250 seats were occupied by 10 minutes before the opening of the demonsrtaiton, and also after the opening, more people gathered for the event and finally 350 people had gathered by the end of it.
The demonstration was followed by Q & A session, with Mr. Akiyoshi answering questions. Among the questions was from a young man asking him if the techniques really work on people. Mr. Akiyoshi performed techniques for him. Others asked if women and elderly people can practice Shorinji Kempo. South American people showed much interests in martial arts.
Study Session in Osorno
Chilean Regional Study Session was held at the Olympica Gymnasium of Osorno, Chile, attended by around 30 local kenshi from 3 branches, for three days from June 15 to 17, 2007.
Most of the kenshi in this area are in kyu levels. The instructors mainly taught basic techniques.
Shorinji Kempo in Chile has just begun, with only 3 branches in a vast country with three branch masters in good and strong relationship. We can hope for a bright future of Shorinji Kempo in Chile.
