March 28 - 30, 2003
WSKO Asian Regional Study Session in Malaysia

WSKO Instructor Nagata teaching a Malaysian Kenshi

A WSKO's Asian Regional Study Session was held in Malaysia's Kota Kinabalu, for three days, from March the 28th to the 30th, 2003. WSKO dispatched two of its official instructors; Masanori Nagata, Seihanshi 8th Dan, and Hajime Sawamura, Seihanshi 7th Dan. This was the second time for both of them to visit Kota Kinabalu.

The temperature reached 34 degrees centigrade. The event was held under rainy conditions since the rainy season was still lingering, and was attended by 83 Kenshi from all the 7 branches in Malaysia.

Participants were divided into two groups of Kyu ranks and Dan ranks to practice techniques. Since the WSKO official instructors were visiting Kota Kinabalu for the first time in four years, the participating Kenshi besieged the instructors with inquiries.

Instructor Nagata gave a lecture to all the participants regarding the personal qualities we aim to promote through Shorinji Kempo, and how Shorinji Kempo instructors should act. The attendees reaffirmed their intentions to follow those directions.

Malaysia is a country with several different races including the Malays and the Chinese, among many others. However, the Kenshi were able to deepen their friendship through Shorinji Kempo, their common interest, regardless of race. It was a tough training session filled with smiles of each Kenshi.

Shorinji Kempo in Malaysia started in Sandakan in 1967. Mr. David Wang, who studied there, established the Kota Kinabalu Branch in 1971. Establishment of the Penampang, Tenghilan, Tamparuli, and Inanam Branches followed in the Kota Kinabalu area, which led to the foundation of the Malaysian Shorinji Kempo Federation with Mr. David Wang as its president. Two more branches were established in the Kuala Lumpur area in 1999. Seven branches in total are now actively promoting Shorinji Kempo in Malaysia.

Back