May 31 - June 17, 2008
WSKO President's Visit to Europe

WSKO President Yuuki So visited three countries of France, Spain, and Portuguese, during her three-week trip from May 31st to June 17th, 2008.

= French Shorinji Kempo Federation 35th Anniversary

On May 31st, 2008, the French Federation held a practice session and a ceremony to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the federation in Paris. The French Federation has been active for the past 35 years since WSKO Board Director Hiroshi Aosaka first arrived in France in 1973. Currently there are 21 branches in the country.

During the practice session, the participants learned goho and juho, as well as appo and seiho, from Mr. Aosaka. Before closing, they made pairs instantly and composed paired embu. Each pair practiced for a short time intensively and then showed their embu in front of all the others in a very friendly atmosphere.

The evening ceremony was attended by supporters of the federation and representatives from other European countries. WSKO President Yuuki So congratulated the anniversary, saying "Kaiso promoted Shorinji Kempo for 33 years. Aosaka Sensei started promoting Shorinji Kempo from zero like Kaiso. I hope you will continue practicing and enjoy Shorinji Kempo."

After the speech by Mr. Aosaka, there were greetings from Mr. Frank Baldet, French Federation President, and Mr. Juichi Takahara Japanese Minister in France. As the mood was elevated, people started to raise glasses all over the place saying "kampai!" in Japanese and to dance to the music. On the front wall was the flag of the French Shorinji Kempo Federation, and on the huge screen of the wall was the filmed history of 35 years of the French Federation. The event was celebrated until after midnight.



= Spanish Federation Training Camp

On June 7th and 8th, 2008, the Spanish Federation held the annual federation camp in Granada, Spain. Embu-kai was held in the first morning of the two-day program. Each embu was evaluated by 5 judges. Mr. Fausto Augusto Carrico, Oriental Branch Master of the Portuguese Federation, also joined the judges. The posters and the pamphlets of the event, printed after going through the proper procedure, were promoting the Shorinji Kempo's symbol. The embu-kai finished with the demonstration by Mr. Antonio Gomez Ruiz, Shokema Branch Master, with two other members wearing the Shorinji Kempo's official protective gear.

The dinner party was held on a terrace from where you see the Alhambra Palace, a world heritage and the country's most famous Islamic architecture. The party started with a kumi embu by Mr. Carlos Garcia Cruz and his son, followed by various attractions including traditional Spanish flamenco. The joyous party continued until after midnight.

The Spanish Federation is currently working on publishing the Spanish version of Shorinji Kempo Tokuhon. A sample of it was handed to WSKO President. It will go through the procedure to be approved and published by the Spanish Federation.







































= Portuguese Federation Training Camp

On June 13th to 15th, 2008, the Portuguese Federation held the federation's training camp in Salvaterra de Magos, Portugal. WSKO President visited the headquarters of the Portuguese Fedderation and learned their activities. The federation is working together with the open school and the community to provide education to children by teaching Shorinji Kempo to children whose family members are not at home when they get home. The city government appreciates this activity, and offers their facility to be used as dojo. The mayor of the Salvaterra de Magos attended the closing ceremony, and said, "I appreciate the youth education of Shorinji Kempo. I am happy that I came to contact with Shorinji Kempo." During the training camp, the federation, supported by the parents of kenshi, opened an instant food court. Profit from such bazaars goes to the fund for Shorinji Kempo activity such as purchasing a refrigerators or an air conditioner. The Portuguese Federation keeps good relationship with the community and the parents.

Throughout the journey, WSKO Director Hiroshi Aosaka, who provided the foundation of Shorinji Kempo in Europe, expressed his love for the local kenshi in each country, saying "You all are my treasures. I moved to France 35 years ago and the philosophy and the techniques succeeded from Kaiso are rooted in each of you. You are the treasures."


WSKO president said in each country "In the chaos of the aftermath of the lost war, Kaiso realized that the country should not stay that way and thought that the strength can bring people happiness and joy, and such an act makes ourselves happy. People can change. People can be stronger and tougher. One single person carefully nurtured a seed with his whole heart and strong will. It has grown to spread wider. Kaiso said people are treasures. Please keep the good relationship with people and nurture them with special care."

The three countries WSKO President visited during this trip showed the uniqueness in leading respective activities, with the same enthusiasm toward Shorinji Kempo, welcoming the visit of WSKO President. We will see these federations further develop in the future.

(Photos and Report contributed by Akihito Ishii, Hombu staff)

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