June 2, 2002
2002 Japan Foundation Athletic Instructors Short Dispatch Program
As a part of the "2002 Japan Foundation Athletic Instructors Short Dispatch Program," Shorinji Kempo held its demonstration in the Republic of Cuba and the Federal Republic of Brazil with financial assistance from the Japan Foundation. In the Federal Republic of Brazil, where branches of Shorinji Kempo have already been active, study sessions were also held in conjunction with the demonstration.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan Foundation is a specialized institution for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding and friendship on the international scene through cultural exchanges such as academic pursuits, arts, sports and media. The Shorinji Kempo Federation Foundation has participated in and supported this program every time in these recent years and this year amounted to its third time to visit South America. The dispatched personnel this year included WSKO President Yuuki So, WSKO Instructor Masanori Nagata, Shorinji Kempo Federation staff member Kosaku Tanaka, Shorinji Kempo Federation staff member Masaki Nagayasu and WSKO staff member Nobuyasu Kuramoto.
The Brazilian regional demonstration was held in Porto Alegre in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The spectacular Embu demonstration was held by the delegation, local Branch Masters and Kenshi while having the pleasure of the company of the Japanese Consulate General in Porto Alegre Mr. Kanji Tsushima and his wife.
Firstly, all the delegation, local Branch Masters and Kenshi demonstrated Chinkon-gyo and principle offense and defense techniques. The piece de resistance was the Kiai with a total of 150 people echoing in the venue.
Subsequently, great diversity of Embu were performed such as Shuteki-toho to solely combat with several Kenshi, Goshin-jutsu envisioned a thug and Tandoku Embu to perform offense and defense techniques solely while assuming enemies on every side. In an interval of Embu, a traditional folk dance by a local dance team was also introduced as icing on the cake. Finally, Jiyu Kumi Embu in a pair by freely combining the offense and defense techniques was performed to complete the demonstration lasting about an hour amidst the applause.
The demonstration was given the aspect of a charity volunteer following an idea from local Kenshi for each audience member to bring living goods or clothing items instead of an admission ticket. The gathered goods were donated to local childcare centers and other facilities as a part of the event. We heard that a truck was fully loaded up with the donations including those brought by Kenshi who participated in the demonstration.
