Shorinji Kempo Monterey

07/21/2025

Shorinji Kempo Monterey members demonstrated Shorinji Kempo to introduce Japanese culture at Monterey Obon at Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple(Seaside, California, U.S.A.) on July 13th, 2025 (Sun).
We demonstrated Chinkon (Zen meditation), Basic punch & kick, Goho & Juho techniques, and various Embu. In total, 24 members of Monterey Branch participated in the demo.
The weather was very fine and we could demonstrate with a good feeling.
Thank you very much for the precious time and great kindness for all the participants.

２０２５年７月１３日(日)に、カリフォルニア州シーサイド市にある「モントレー仏教寺院」の「お盆祭り」で、日本文化の１つとして日本の武道を紹介するために、少林寺拳法の演武を行いました。合計２４人のモントレー支部拳士が参加しました。
演武内容は、鎮魂・基本突蹴・剛法演武・柔法演武・各種演武でした。
天気も良く、気持ちよく演武ができました。ご協力有難うございました。

06/30/2025

Following the 2-day-WSKO Shorinji Kempo Study Session on June 27 & 28, 0n June 29, 2025 (Sun), the 1st Pan-American Shorinji Kempo Taikai was held at the Yoshida Event Center of the Mt. Hood Community College in Portland, Oregon on June 29, 2025 (Sun). There were 190 participants in total from North, Central, and South America. All the participants enjoyed the events for 3 days. We are very happy that Kawashima sensei and Arai sensei came to the study session from Japan and taught us. We really appreciate very much that Tanaka sensei, Semprevivo sensei, Tanabe sensei, and McMullin sensei worked very hard to prepare for this big event.Thank you very much for their precious time and great kindness for the preparation!

2025年6月27日・28日の2日間のWSKO少林寺拳法講習会に続き、2025年6月29日（日）、第1回パン・アメリカン少林寺拳法大会がオレゴン州ポートランドのマウントフッド・コミュニティカレッジの吉田イベントセンターで開催されました。
北米、中米、南米から合計190名の参加者がありました。すべての参加者は、講習会・大会の3日間のイベントを楽しみました。日本から川島先生と荒井先生がこの講習会にお越し頂き、ご指導頂いたことをとても嬉しく思います。
田中先生、センプレビボ先生、田辺先生、マクマリン先生には、この大きなイベントのために一生懸命準備してくださったことに心から感謝しています。準備のための貴重な時間と親切に本当に感謝しています。

02/01/2025

&

(the 7th Shorinji Kempo North American Taikai)

Date:
(June 26 (Thu), 2025: Dan Special Grading Examination / Grading Examination.)
June 27 (Fri), 2025: Shorinji Kempo WSKO Study Session (1st day), Dinner Party.
June 28 (Sat), 2025: Shorinji Kempo WSKO Study Session (2nd day).
June 29 (Sun), 2025: 1st Shorinji Kempo Pan-American Taikai (the 7th Shorinji Kempo North American Taikai)

Place:
Mt Hood Community College (MHCC)
Yoshida Event Center,
26000 SE Stark Street,
Gresham, Oregon 97030, USA

Participants: The study session & the Taikai are only for active Shorinji Kempo members.

Application: Please apply through your Branch Master.

--------------------------------------------------
「２０２５年少林寺拳法WSKO講習会」
「第１回少林寺拳法　パン・アメリカン大会」
（第７回少林寺拳法北米大会）

日程：
(２０２５年６月２６日（木）：特別昇格考試
６月２７日（金）少林寺拳法WSKO講習会第１日目
ディナーパーティ
６月２８日（土）少林寺拳法WSKO講習会第２日目
６月２９日（日）第１回少林寺拳法パン・アメリカン大会

場所：アメリカ合衆国・オレゴン州・ポートランド市
マウントフッド・コミュニティカレッジ
ヨシダ・イベントセンター

参加資格：少林寺拳法の現役会員のみ。

参加申し込み：所属支部長・道院長を通じて申し込み下さい。

01/01/2025

Happy New Year in 2025 from Monterey, California, U.S.A.!
I wish from the bottom of my heart that 2025 will be a more peaceful and happier year of “No War” for all people in the world!

I would like to present an English translation entitled "True Peace, an Ideal Society" that was lectured in 1977 by So Doshin sensei, the founder of Shorinji Kempo. I believe that it is a strong suggestion for us who live in today's chaotic world.



"True peace, an ideal society"

The development of science has shortened time and space. So, I think that our human society, which we live in this region, and which is nothing more than one tiny star in the Universe, will eventually converge into one community. I don't know how many hundreds of years it will take, but I believe that it is a natural consequence.

At that time, each ethnic group will cooperate and harmonize with each other while living a life based on their own traditions and culture, and will not be dominated by power, even if they are any kind of humans, but will utilize the infinite wealth created by the latest science to establish a rich life, and will be harmonious with a high sense of morality based on human spirituality, and will develop into a peaceful and rich ideal society - that is the ultimate ideal and true form of humanity. This is the world I dream of as the "ideal world".

No one should like war, where humans hate and kill each other. However, even after the two world wars that took countless lives and materials, there has not been a single day without artillery fire in the world, and even now armed conflicts continue all over the world over resources such as food, energy, and minerals, or over the ownership of small pieces of territory.

If things continue as they are, there is no guarantee that the final world war with nuclear weapons will not break out at any time.

The only way to change this is to increase the number of people with strong consciences, and people who can say that certain things are wrong. This is what I believe, and it is why I have been saying and doing what I do now.

I believe that true peace and a truly ideal society can only be brought about by higher ideals that transcend these ideologies.

What we who live in these times and circumstances must do is to create a truly peaceful and bright society and country, first of all, by clarifying the spiritual roots of human beings so that they can live properly as human beings, elevating each individual's character, discarding the desire to achieve one's own happiness at the expense of others, deepening mutual trust and affection among people, understanding, helping each other, holding hands, and striving to establish an ideal paradise that is rich in both material and spiritual enjoyment in this Japan that we love. I believe that the way to achieve this is to willingly devote ourselves to this movement.

(August 1977, Study Session for Shorinji Kempo Branch Masters)
("A-Un," Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji, Vol. 83, July 1st, 2022)

アメリカ・カリフォルニア州・モントレーより、２０２５年、新年明けましておめでとう御座います！
２０２５年は、世界中の皆様にとって、「戦争のない」、より平和で幸せな年になることを
心から祈念しております。

少林寺拳法開祖宗道臣先生が、１９７７年にお話しされた法話「真の平和、理想社会」をお送りします。現代の混沌とした世界に生きている私達への提言であると思っております。



「真の平和、理想社会」

科学の発達は、時間と空間を短縮しましたね。で、大宇宙日一つのちっぽけな星に過ぎない、この地域に住んでいる我々人類の社会は、いずれ一つの共同体に収斂されていくことになると、私は思う。何百年かかるか、それはわからんが、これは必然だと信じています。その時にです。各々の民族は、それぞれの伝統や文化に基づく生活を営みながらも、相互に協調し、融和し、しかもそれがなに人といえども権力によって支配せず、最新科学の生み出す無限の富を活用して、豊かな生活を確立し、人間の霊性に基づく高い道義心によって調和され、平和で豊かな理想社会まで発展するーそれが、人類最高最終の理想、本当の姿であってほしいということですね。私が夢見ている「理想境」とはこういう世界なのです。

人間が人間を憎しみ合い、殺し合う戦争は、誰もが好んでいないはずです。しかし、おびただしい人命と物資を奪い去った２度にわたる世界大戦が終わった後でも、世界に一日として砲火の絶える間がなかったし、また今も食糧、エネルギー、鉱物などの資源の争奪をめぐって、あるいは零細な領土の領有をめぐり、いたるところで武力紛争が絶えませんね。

このまま推移すれば、いついかなる時に、核兵器による世界最終戦争が起こらないという保証はどこにもありません。

これを変えるのはやはり、良心の働きの強い人、こういうことはいけないんだと言えるような人を増やす以外に方法がない。私はそう信じて今、こういうことを言うたりしたりしてきているわけです。

真の平和、真の理想社会は、これらのイデオロギーを越えるより高い理想によってのみもたらされるものと考えます。

このような時代のこういう情勢の中に生きている我々がなすべきことは、真に平和で明るい社会や国を作るために、まず人間が人間として正しく生きるために人の霊止たる所以を明らかにして、個々の人格を高め、他人の犠牲において自分の幸福を得ようとする心を捨て去り、人間同士の相互の信頼と愛情を深めて、理解し合い、助け合い、手を握り合って、物心両面の楽しく豊かな理想の楽土をまず我々が愛しているこの日本に確立するよう努力する。そのためには、進んでこの運動に身を挺することにあると私は信じている。

（１９７７年８月　指導者講習会）
（金剛禅総本山少林寺公報誌「あ・うん」Vol. ８３, ２０２２年７月１日発行

12/24/2024

People are the seeds of potential, and everyone has the potential to grow. We live in a world where all things are impermanent, and even small changes continue to occur. And the accumulation of small changes leads to big changes and growth.

What is required for a Shorinji Kempo leader is to believe wholeheartedly that others can definitely grow, and to encourage them to make the first small change.

("A-Un," Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji, Vol. 81 March 1st, 2022)
Copyright Reserved by WSKO.



人は可能性の種子であり、誰もが成長する因子を有している。諸行無常、小さくとも絶えず変化し続けるという法則性の中で、我々は生きている。そして、小さな変化の積み重ねが大きな変化となり、成長へつながる。

指導者に求められるのは、相手が必ず成長できると心の底から信じ、最初の小さな変化を促すよう後押しすることである。

金剛禅総本山少林寺公報誌「あ・うん」Vol. ８１, ２０２２年３月１日発行）


#少林寺拳法

11/10/2024

This is an edited video of the Sparring demonstration by the United States Shorinji Kempo Federation at the "Shorinji Kempo World Taikai in Tokyo, Japan" at the Nippon Budo Kan on 10/08/2023.

Here is the explanation announcement:

"The "Unyo-ho" (Sparring) is a training method traditionally known as "randori," in which it is possible to test and refine your finishing touches, such as distance and timing with your opponent, reading of offense and defense, and application changes. Although the purpose of the method is the same throughout the world, there are some differences depending on the history and circumstances of the spread of Shorinji Kempo in each region."

"First, America. Attacks include punches & kicks to all points including the upper, middle, and lower positions, but for safety reasons, attacks that are considered difficult to control, side kicks to the upper positions, and back roundhouse kicks to the upper positions are prohibited. Scoring will be determined by the total points of "Effective Striking Points'' in punches & kicks and "Technical Points'' such as stance, timing, combination, walking, and spirit. Additionally, there are two referees: the chief referee and the assistant referee."

We have to make sure that Sparring is NOT for winning or losing, but only for training purposes. All movements are based on the Shorinji Kempo Philosophy. All strikes are controlled, which presents respect for the other. It is really "Jita Kyouraku" (Half for our own happiness, half for the happiness of others), which is one of Shorinji Kempo philosophy.

I was shocked to see a recent video on the news in Japan showing a child karate tournament in which a fighter did a powerful kick to an opponent who had turned away, leaving the child unable to move and curled up in a hall. It is truly sad that the video has been spread around the world on the Internet, and that a rare example of Martial Arts training in Japan, the birthplace of martial arts, where the training of martial arts is to "Develop one's skills while cultivating one's mind" has been forgotten and Martial Arts has become nothing more than a "Practice class for violence" has been highlighted.

２０２３年１０月８日に日本武道館で行われた「２０２３少林寺拳法世界大会」でアメリカ連盟が行った運用法デモンストレーションのビデオです。以下が説明のアナウンスです。

「運用法は、旧来より乱捕と言われる修練法で、相手との間合いやタイミング、攻防の読み、応用変化などの仕上がりを試し、そして磨きます。運用法の目的は世界共通ですが、各地での少林寺拳法普及の歴史や事情によって要領が異なる部分もあります。初めに、アメリカです。攻撃は、上段・中段・下段全てへの突き蹴りが可能ですが、安全の為コントロールが難しいと思われる攻撃、上段への足刀蹴り、後ろ回し蹴りは禁止されています。採点は、突蹴での「有効な打撃点」と、構え・タイミング・コンビネーション・運歩・気合などの「技術点」の合計ポイントで順位を決めます。また、レフリーは主審と副審の２名がいます。」

この運用法は、勝敗を決めるものではなく、あくまで練習の１つです。全ての動きは少林寺拳法の思想を基にしています。全ての打撃はコントロールして行われますが、これは「他者への思いやり」を表しています。これは正しく、「自他共楽」（半ばは我が身の幸せを、半ばは他人の幸せを）という少林寺拳法の思想を具現化しています。

最近の日本のニュース映像で、子供の空手の大会で、後ろを向いた相手に思いっきり蹴りを入れ、その相手の子供が動けなくなってうずくまっているビデオを見て、愕然としました。そのビデオがインターネットで世界中に広がってしまい、「武道発祥の地・日本」で、「技を磨きながら、心を修める」という武道の修練が忘れられて、単なる「暴力の練習教室」に成り下がった稀な例がクローズアップされるのは、本当に悲しいことです。

08/07/2024

Shorinji Kempo Monterey members demonstrated Shorinji Kempo to introduce Japanese culture at Monterey Obon at Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple(Seaside, California, U.S.A.) on July 14th, 2024 (Sun).
We demonstrated Chinkon (Zen meditation), Basic punch & kick, Goho & Juho techniques, and various Embu.
The weather was very fine and we could demonstrate with a good feeling.
Thank you very much for the precious time and great kindness for all the participants.

２０２４年７月１４日(日)に、カリフォルニア州シーサイド市にある「モントレー仏教寺院」の「お盆祭り」で、日本文化の１つとして日本の武道を紹介するために、少林寺拳法の演武を行いました。
演武内容は、鎮魂・基本突蹴・剛法演武・柔法演武・各種演武でした。
天気も良く、気持ちよく演武ができました。ご協力有難うございました。

07/02/2024

“2024 Shorinji Kempo Training Camp in Monterey, California, U.S.A” was held at the Main Gym of Monterey High School in Monterey, California, U.S.A. on June 29 & 30, 2024.

There were 161 participants from 19 branches from the U.S. & Canada. Fortunately, we could invite Mr. Shoji Arai sensei (Seihanshi 7th Dan) as the WSKO Instructor from Japan. He is a Secretary General of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization in Japan.

On June 29th (Sat), 2024, the Day 1 of the Camp started from the opening ceremony following the Chinkon. After that, we did warming-up and Kihon led by Arai sensei, and techniques practice sessions divided into 4 groups based on ranks led by Arai sensei and 4 WSKO instructors. All the participants enjoyed practicing techniques with various kenshi from different branches together. We had Lecture by Arai sensei. He explained about “Jiko Kakuritsu (自己確立: Self-Establishment).” After the lecture, we had 2 more technique practice sessions until 5 p.m.

In the evening, 190 participants attended the Welcome Party at a restaurant in the Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey with enjoyable great entertainment cooking, talking and laughing.

On June 30th (Sun), 2024, the Day 2 also started warming up led by Harada sensei of San Francisco Branch. After that, we conducted 2 technique practices divided into 4 groups based on ranks led by Arai sensei and 4 WSKO instructors.

From 1:45 p.m., we conducted an "Embu Presentation." The purpose of the Embu Presentation was to have a good opportunity for many kenshi to do Embu in front of many other kenshi. The last North American Taikai was held in Seattle in 2018. After it, because of the influence of the Covid-19, there was not any opportunity for Kenshi in North America to do Embu in the Taikai for 6 years. Also, it would be good preparation for Kenshi to do Embu for the "Pan American Shorinji Kempo Taikai" in Portland in 2025. In this "Embu Presentation," many kenshi attended and performed Embu in 2 courts from all ranks and all ages.

During the Embu Presentation, the 1st and 2nd Class Judges in the U.S. and Canada practiced scoring each Embu.

After the closing ceremony, many participants took pictures of each other and promised to reunite at the next Study Session or Camp next year again.

All the Monterey Branch members and volunteers are very happy to see that many of the participants could enjoy the Training camp with big smiles. We would like to express the greatest appreciation to the precious time and passion to participate and cooperate from Arai sensei, all WSKO Instructors, all the Branch Masters, and all the participants. Thank you very much.

Regards & Kesshu,
Kazuki Arita
Branch Master of Shorinji Kempo Monterey

06/28/2024

Shorinji Kempo Monterey Branch members and supporters finished the preparation for "Shorinji Kempo Training Camp in Monterey"! We are ready to start!

On 6/28 (Fri), the special promotion examination and the Branch masters' Qualification Seminar will start at 1 p.m.

03/20/2024

https://shorinjikempo-monterey.com/2024-monterey.html

The United States Shorinji Kempo Federation will conduct "2024 Shorinji Kempo Training Camp in Monterey, California" on June 29 & 30, 2024.

Preview of the schedule:
at Main Gym, Monterey High School (101 Herrmann Dr, Monterey, CA 93940)
(1) 3rd Dan Examination by USSKF (Application Form by 4/14/2024)
(2) 4th Dan Examination by WSKO (Application Form by 4/14/2024)
(3) 5th Dan Examination by WSKO (Application Form by 4/14/2024)
(4) Branch Masters' Qualification Seminar by USSKF (Email Arita by 4/14/2024)

(Training Camp 1st Day)
at Main Gym, Monterey High School (101 Herrmann Dr, Monterey, CA 93940)
A.M. & P.M.: Technique and Philosophy
7 p.m.: Welcome Party at "Benihana Monterey"
(136 Oliver Street, Monterey, CA 93940)

(Training Camp 2nd Day) at Main Gym, Monterey High School (101 Herrmann Dr, Monterey, CA 93940)
A.M.: Technique
P.M.: Embu Presentation, Closing Ceremony


Please apply through your Branch Master.
*Only active Shorinji Kempo members can apply.

米国少林寺拳法連盟は、2024年6月29日・30日に「2024年少林寺拳法トレーニングキャンプ in カリフォルニア州モントレー」を実施します。
スケジュール:
＜6月28日（金）＞ モントレー高校メインジム（101 Herrmann Dr, Monterey, CA 93940）
(1) USSKF による 三段試験 (2024 年 4 月 14 日までに受験申請書）
(2) WSKO四段審査（2024年4月14日までに受験申請書）
(3) WSKO 五段審査会（2024年4月14日までに受験申請書）
(4) USSKF による支部長資格セミナー (2024 年 4 月 14 日までに有田にメールで)

＜6月29日（土）＞（合宿1日目）
モントレー高校メインジム (101 Herrmann Dr, Monterey, CA 93940)
午前。 & P.M.: 技術と哲学
19:00：「Benihanaモントレー」にてウェルカムパーティー
(136 Oliver Street、モントレー、CA 93940)

＜6月30日（日）＞（トレーニングキャンプ2日目） モントレー高校メインジム（101 Herrmann Dr, Monterey, CA 93940）
午前：テクニック
午後：演武発表会、閉会式

＜応募方法＞
支部長を通じてお申込みください。
※ご応募は少林寺拳法現役会員のみとさせていただきます。

10/09/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rFpa3imiac

There is another video of the Sparring demonstration by 4 countries including the U.S. at the "Shorinji Kempo World Taikai in Tokyo, Japan" at the Nippon Budo Kan on 10/08/2023.
There is a clear difference among 4 countries. Here is the explanation announcement:
The "Unyo-ho" (Sparring) is a training method traditionally known as "randori," in which it is possible to test and refine your finishing touches, such as distance and timing with your opponent, reading of offense and defense, and application changes. Although the purpose of the method is the same throughout the world, there are some differences depending on the history and circumstances of the spread of Shorinji Kempo in each region.
"First, America. Attacks include punches & kicks to all points including the upper, middle, and lower positions, but for safety reasons, attacks that are considered difficult to control, side kicks to the upper positions, and back roundhouse kicks to the upper positions are prohibited. Scoring will be determined by the total points of "Effective Striking Points'' in punches & kicks and "Technical Points'' such as stance, timing, combination, walking, and spirit. Additionally, there are two referees: the chief referee and the assistant referee."

We have to make sure that Sparring is NOT for win or lose, but only for training purpose. All movements are based on the Shorinji Kempo Philosophy. All striking are controlled, which presents respect for the other. It is really "Jita Kyouraku" (Half for our own happiness, half for the happiness of others), which is one of Shorinji Kempo philosophy.

２０２３年１０月８日に日本武道館で行われた「２０２３少林寺拳法世界大会」での運用法デモンストレーションの別のビデオです。
４カ国の間には、明らかな相違点があります。以下が説明のアナウンスです。
「運用法は、旧来より乱捕と言われる修練法で、相手との間合いやタイミング、攻防の読み、応用変化などの仕上がりを試し、そして磨きます。運用法の目的は世界共通ですが、各地での少林寺拳法普及の歴史や事情によって要領が異なる部分もあります。
初めに、アメリカです。攻撃は、上段・中段・下段全てへの突き蹴りが可能ですが、安全の為コントロールが難しいと思われる攻撃、上段への足刀蹴り、後ろ回し蹴りは禁止されています。採点は、突蹴での「有効な打撃点」と、構え・タイミング・コンビネーション・運歩・気合などの「技術点」の合計ポイントで順位を決めます。また、レフリーは主審と副審の２名がいます。」

この運用法は、勝敗を決めるものではなく、あくまで練習の１つです。全ての動きは少林寺拳法の思想を基にしています。全ての打撃はコントロールして行われますが、これは「他者への思いやり」を表しています。これは正しく、「自他共楽」（半ばは我が身の幸せを、半ばは他人の幸せを）という少林寺拳法の思想を具現化しています。

2023年少林寺拳法世界大会 in Tokyo, Japan大会2日目　4カ国 運用法披露　錫杖披露 アメリカ、インドネシア、フランス、日本2023 SHORINJI KEMPO World Taikai in Tokyo, JapanDay 2 4 countries Operation method pre...

10/08/2023