European taikai in Lisbon 2015, Day 3

So my friends all over Europe, finally the last pictures from European Taikai 2015 in Lisbon, Portugal are here. The third day aka Sunday in Lisbon opened up with some great teaching from Arai Sensei, the Chairman of Shorinji Kempo Unity. He is a fabulous sensei of course and we were very privilaged to enjoy the teaching of what was probably one of the last times he will be in Europe, as he is retiring from his position soon. He is almost 70 years old. If any one of us are seventy and move like that... Well, let's just say he's very impressive.

On Sunday I tried to spend a lot of time training instead of photographing so you can see how that generates pictures where people are mainly just standing around on water breaks...

The last day of Taikai is also the time to take all the pictures with friends that you've been missing. This bunch of senseis pulled me into a multicultural picture with them, but didn't quite know how to keep poker face in the actual shot...

At lunch I asked David if he would demonstrate one of his famous kicks to me... Jonatan was selected as a suitable target.

Now then, how do we fit 500+ kenshis into one picture..? Luckily the arena was just about big enough. This picture has not been taken by me, I'm one of those needles in the haystack (Blink and you miss me). Thank you for the kind individual who took the picture:)

Just when you get all of your old friends back, it's time to start saying goodbyes again. Benedict I met in Japan last and now reunited in Lisbon... Yeah, he is German. No, we've never met in Germany or Finland. This is the best part of Shorinji Kempo. You meet your friends all over the world and they feel like your extended family, even though you've never even been to their home branches to train.

In the afternoon, the third dan and above were taken into a room without any airconditioning for some Howa...

The philosophy was translated from Japan to English to Portugese and then also Italian and I think possibly to French too... So you can imagine how possible it is to stay awake in a room without oxygen when listening to languages one does not understand...

In the afternoon it was time to reward those who had worked the hardest on this gasshuku: The Fourth and Fifth Dan examinees. Below Rossi sensei, who was my uncles's training partner during the exam. Cogratulations!

And then the moment that certainly put me into tears... I am so super proud of my uncle, my spare dad, my embu partner and my sensei. The journey he had towards this day was not the easiest, but one thing was clear, even with the darkest days, he never gave up. You are such an inspiration to us all - Well done Timo!

Witnessing the fifth dan examination of the lady below was also a special moment in my SK life. Christina, congratulations to you as well, great to see you blossom in your home taikai and exceed all expectations.

When you reach a certain level...

I have said it often: Shorinji Kempo for me is not a hobby. It's not a sport. It's a way of life. And it is a family that supports you in whatever comes accross your way in your journey. I am lucky to have my family within the big family of SK. Currently actively training members of Mäki-Kuutti family:

When reaching 5th dan, also SK pin hits you.

I have often brought my son to SK Gasshukus. This time it was Letizia's turn. Her and Massimilliano's son was the smallest star of this weekend. What a cutie!

My swedish friends posing with their 4th dan certificates. Congratulations also to Per and Erik!

It was starting to be the time to say our goodbyes again. But what would the gasshuku be without some extra fun with the Götegorg kenshis...

Henrik asked me to take some pictures for the wall of theis dojo, but I think we will have to make another photoshoot session next year, these are just mainly funny...:)

Italians can't stop either...

Luckily there was a bus to catch, otherwise novelty shots of friends would have gone on forever...

In the evening, we gathered around our hotel on the other side of town.

And went to eat at the nearby sushi buffet...

Food 'resembled' japanese and thai, but you know how those restaurants are in Europe... Hungry kenshis don't care. It's more about having fun with friends from all over the world.

And some beers of course.

That concludes my reports from three days of training in European Taikai in Lisbon 2015. There's some Taikai gala pictures still coming up from Saturday night, though...

Thank you for the great company my extended Shorinji Kempo family!

Previous posts of this topic can be found:
European Taikai Lisbon 2015 Day 1
European Taikai Lisbon 2015 Day 2