I was interested to see that the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan So-Hombu Dojo in Tokyo is being renovated. The Shorinjiryu Kenkokan headmaster (and my former teacher), So Shihan Masayuki Hisataka (Hanshi 9th Dan) has recorded a short video showing the work in progress.
I spent 2 years training at the Kenkokan So-Hombu Dojo, and it is interesting to see the renovations. Operating since 1955 in the current location (near Waseda in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward), the Dojo was quite small but had a great atmosphere. I loved every minute of my time training there.
It looks like the new dojo will be larger and will have sprung wooden floors and walls, with tatami mats to allow for practice of throwing techniques and ground fighting.
Congratulations to Hisataka Sensei and all at the Kenkokan on the new dojo. I look forward to seeing news from the official re-opening in October.
Sensei Hisataka,
I wish you much luck with your new dojo. I will be looking forward to seeing pictures of it when it is completed. I also wanted to say ‘hello’. It has been many years since we have spoken and I wanted to congratulate you on your many new schools and instructors all over the world. I am proud to have been part of it. Domo Arigato…..
Sincerely
Jim Slack (formerly from New Jersey dojo) USA
Hanshi,
Congradulations on the renovation of the dojo.
John A. Mirrione Sr. Boca Raton, Florida