July 27 & August 3, 2008
Kizan & Hombu Practice

On July 27th and August 3rd, 2008, Kizan & Hombu Practice event was held at Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji and the Headquarters of the Shorinji Kempo Federation, attended by more than 500 people each time from 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 This event is attended by more people in summer vacation season every year. We had this program on July 27 and August 3 for this summer holiday season.

The participants enter the premises through Nio Gate with gassho-rei, and took group photographs with the statue of Kaiso, then gathered in Hondo. Chinkon-gyo started at 9:00 am attended by the young participants and also their parents. Messages were given by Mr. Tsunehiro Arai, President of the Shorinji Kempo Federation on July 27th, and from Mr. Takehisa Urata, Representative of Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji on August 3rd, on topics about how important to appreciate the lives of their own and people around them. Then the participants watched a video message from Ms. Yuuki So, Shorinji Kempo Group Chairperson, who encouraged them to believe in their potential, never fear to make mistakes, and act what they think is right and helpful to others.

Participating kenshi were then divided into 4 dojo for practice. Children learned to use the whole body to perform tsuki, keri and uke, and were encouraged to pair up with someone who are from other branches, and try to make friends with as many kenshi as possible through the practice. They also learned to look carefully the hokei performed by the instructors and imitate them as close and as many as they can until their bodies master the movements. The instructors gave the children the mindset required for practicing. Adult kenshi learned techniques based on the principles for easier understanding. All the participants enjoyed learning in each dojo.

The hombu staff presented embu demonstration at the end of the event.

The event was for a short time, but the participants made a good memory of their hot summer holiday.

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