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a brief history of our branches

Shorinji Kempo in Vancouver was developed by Masaaki Hashimoto Sensei who is currently the director of Shorinji Kempo Canada.

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  • Masaaki Hashimoto sensei was born in Tokyo, Japan 1946. He began his early training in Karate.

  • In 1973, his first visit to the United States . On the same year, Hashimoto sensei entered Shorinji Kempo training, and studied Shorinji Kempo under Hirokazu Yamamori sensei, a seventh dan and the chief instructor of the L.A. branch in the U.S.  Yamamori sensei was a pioneer of U.S.A Shorinji Kempo.

  • In 1982, Hashimoto sensei passed 3rd dan exam, and established a dojo in Vancouver under the name South Side Vancouver Shorinji Kempo Society.

  • In 1986, Shorinji Kempo demonstration was performed at EXPO 86 Vancouver. In the same year, a new year's practice was started, and Shorinji Kempo has been incorporated under the Society Act of Province of British Columbia. Yuuki So, President of World Shorinji Kempo Organization (W.S.K.O), visited Vancouver branch.

  • In 1989, Hashimoto sensei passed 5th dan exam in Japan, and Shorinji Kempo magazine interviewed him with President of W.S.K.O.

  • In 1990, the official organization name changed to Shorinji Kempo Vancouver Branch.

  • 1989-The Zen Temple Tozenji in Coquitlam begins use as a second Vancouver Branch with Masateru Okuma as Sensei

  • In 1992 - 1996, Vancouver seminar was hosted by W.S.K.O.

  • 2002-BC Tozenji Branch is officially established

  • In 2005, Hashimoto sensei passed 7th dan exam in Japan.

  • In 2012, The 3rd North America Taikai was held in Vancouver.

  • 2017-Okuma Sensei receives 6th degree black belt, Ozols Sensei receives 5th degree black belt

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