From 28 February to 2 March the annual UK Federation University Branch Gasshuku was held in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Secretary General Mr Kazusumi Ohara, and WSKO staff Mr Akira Kato. Ms So, Mr Ohara and Mr Kato flew straight on up to Edinburgh from London Heathrow to support the event. All participants were very grateful for them adding this event to their very busy schedule.
Alongside UBG Instructors Mr Steve Williams (UK Federation President) and Mr James Woodward (UK Federation Secretary General), Mr Paul Barnes (UK Federation Treasurer) and Mr Chris Lloyd (Oxford University Branch Master) travelled to assist with teaching kenshi. Mr Lloyd also provided excellent photographs of the event (shown below)!
On Saturday morning, Ms Yuuki So spoke to kenshi about the importance of the philosophy of Shorinji Kempo. It was clear that both kenshi and sensei appreciated seeing WSKO President an hearing her informative and engaging talk. Technical training was enjoyed by kenshi who were very happy to have the opportunity to practice together and learn embu techniques. Mr Steve Williams asked kenshi why they had started Shorinji Kempo and why they still do. Mr Williams emphasised the importance of making friends and helping each other and that he now has close friends that he would not have had other than for Shorinji Kempo.
In the evening there was a party and all the kenshi enjoyed singing to karaoke. Ms Yuuki So, Mr Ohara and Mr Kato came along and were very happy to be at the party.
Mr Kato showed his karaoke skill and sang with Mr Woodward and Mr Williams. Many kenshi joined in and it was most enjoyable.
On Sunday the gasskuku continued with emphasis on randori and an embu competition with all kenshi participating. Mr Steve Williams taught students that randori was a very enjoyable part of Shorinji Kempo and there were many smiles as kenshi trained together.
WSKO President Yuuki So speaks to kenshi about the importance of Shorinji Kempo philosophy.
Kenshi from all over the UK training together and enjoying Shorinji Kempo.
Mr. James Woodward (UK Federation Secretary General) instructing kihon.
Mr Paul Barnes (UK Federation Treasurer) explaining important juho principles.
Mr Steve Williams shows kenshi how to correctly perform juho waza!
A formal photograph of all participants.
this year it was a very lovely blue one.
All students received a Shorinji Kempo medal for finishing their run. The top 3 students received a Shorinji Kempo T-shirt.
5km Childrens Class, top three were: Claire T., Christine D., Brandon D.
5km Adult Class, top three were: Keaton B., Songvy N., Connor H.
10km Adult Class, top 3 were Mike H., Justin N. and Gaganjyot A.
Last weekend, the Downtown New York City Branch held our annual New Year’s party to celebrate the coming year and reflect upon last year. Ohashi Sensei generously hosted the party in his home in Brooklyn, and we enjoyed a warm meal and drinks together.
2014 was a year of continued traditions, such as attending the United Nations International School’s Japanese Spring Festival, where we have the opportunity to introduce Shorinji Kempo to middle and high school students around the New York City area.
It was also a year of big changes as our dojo moved to a new location in the spring to the Downtown area of the East Village in New York City. The space is clean and bright, and the area is a bustling locale of Japanese restaurants and small businesses. We have enjoyed the move and hope for more growth in 2015.
With the move, we formally renamed the branch to the Shorinji Kempo Downtown New York City Branch. You can now find us on Facebook, too.
We wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year and look forward to more opportunities in 2015!