August 30 - September 1, 2003
2003 Western North America Regional Study Session
From August 30 to September 1, the 2003 Western North America Regional Study Session was hosted in Calgary, Canada. The three instructors sent were WSKO Board Chairperson and Official Instructor Tsunehiro Arai (Seihanshi 8th Dan), WSKO Official Instructor Kenji Sato (Seihanshi 7th Dan), and Zenrin Gakuen Instructor Michiru Matsuura (Daikenshi 5th Dan). It was attended by 114 Kenshi from 19 branches in Canada and the U.S.A.
Technical lessons were given to three divided groups. Kenshi with 3rd Dan and above were taught by Mr. Arai, 1st and 2nd Dan Kenshi by Mr. Sato, and Kyu Kenshi were taught by Mr. Matsuura. All the participants showed great interests and enthusiasm. They kept asking questions of the instructors visiting from Japan. Mr. Arai and Mr. Sato both gave lectures during the study session. Mr. Arai talked passionately about what the fundamental principle was in founding Shorinji Kempo.
Mr. Arai, WSKO Board Chairperson |
Dan grading examinations were conducted during the seminar. Four Kenshi passed the 3rd Dan, and eight kenshi passed the 4th Dan grading. Qualification Certification Seminar for new Branch Masters was attended by hopeful kenshi who will start their own branches in this region in the near future.
Alberta Branch Master Noda, host of this study session |
Mr. Sato, WSKO Official Instructor, teaching female members |
