The Embukai started with Chinkon-gyo, followed by warm-up and some basic practice, led by the branch masters. After a short break, the main part of the Embukai began.

The first section was tantoku-embu, demonstrated by new kenshi from North York branch. Although it was the first demonstration for these kenshi, they all performed proper moves and showed excellent spirit.

A woman’s self defense demonstration was presented by kenshi from Yorkville branch. It included some basic strike techniques such as meuchi and kinteki-geri, as well as some escape techniques. It was a great performance to show the audience how Shorinji Kempo techniques are effective and useful in dangerous situations.

In the kumi-embu section, kenshi of various ages and from all branches performed embu. The pairs symbolized the diversity of Shorinji Kempo kenshi in Ontario, and included male-female, parent-child, brothers, and other pairings. Because the Embukai was not competitive and did not have too many participants, all ranks of kenshi performed their embu in one section. All pairs performed excellent moves for each rank.

After kumi-embu, a dantai-embu was shown by the members of Yorkville Branch. It was an impressive demonstration that included synchronized moves and some shuteki-toho (techniques against many attackers). The Embukai concluded with comments from each of the branch masters.

The Embukai was an “experiment” for Shorinji Kempo Ontario and was successful even though it was the first time many of the kenshi performed embu in front of many people. Based on the positive experiences from this event, we expect to organize a formal Ontario taikai in a few years, which may lead to a national taikai some day.