Dojo Outreach: Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae Keiki Day, by Cathy Kawano-Ching
Chozen-ji continues to offer shugyo in many forms. This year, we also began working with new communities across Hawaii, providing entry points to Chozen-ji training they might not otherwise encounter. Read on for accounts from those who organized this outreach.
Alani Apio leads the children in a breathing exercise.
By Cathy Kawano-Ching
On Sunday, July 15, Chozen-ji and Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae—the largest and longest standing houseless encampment in Hawaii—co-hosted a day of activities at the Dojo. As part of an ongoing relationship with the Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae community, we dove into training, serving and learning FUN, with a special focus on experiences for our keiki from Waiʻanae and Chozen-ji families.
Teshima Sensei keeps an eye on the Kendo drills.
Over 60 keiki and adults from Waiʻanae and the Dojo planned and participated in aikido, archery, kendo, tai chi, hitsuzendo, ceramics, massage and leadership sessions. Kitchen training included preparing and serving a yummy assortment of potluck dishes. Even toddlers and babies had “nap training” on zabutons under the watchful eyes of aunties and moms.
Sayama Roshi began the day with a welcoming teisho and led us in practicing zazen basics. He also had us individually gather kiai and blast it forth one by one in resounding, unique “YAAAH-AE”s for everyone to feel and hear.
At the end of the day, the beautiful mix of our kiai was vibrantly alive at Chozen-ji and brought home to Waiʻanae. Mahalo to all who participated. Hana hou in 2019!