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[Photo:two kenshi performing a juho technique.] [Photo:head shot of the founder of Shorinji Kempo, Doshin So.] [Photo:two kenshi, dressed in hoi, performing a juho technique.] [Photo:Mizuno sensei, head of the British Shorinji Kempo Federation, pins another kenshi to the floor.]
Calligraphy, which reads "half for your own happiness, half for the happiness of others"

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Budo for Peace - Making a Difference

Written by D. Marc sensei and A. Bennett sensei.

This project, the pilot event of an ongoing series of festivals which will be held around the world was conceived as a practical means to bring together kids (and their teachers), particularly from troubled areas of the world, to practice Budo with international Budo masters and instructors. The aim of this festival is to give the kids an opportunity to make contact with other kids who also practice Budo, who also come from troubled areas of the world, and to make the realization that they are the same and that they can be friends and practice together. Ultimately the aim is to work for peace; in the Middle East and in other troubled areas of the world.

[Photo: Two practicioners bow to each other.]

The event was held in Delphi, Greece from the 22nd to the 25th of July 2004. All of the kids had some experience of the martial arts, many were black belts. Those who came had a great time playing together and practicing a number of different Budo. Most of the kids had a Karate background. They were able to have a go at Aikido, Judo, Kendo, Karate, and Shorinji Kempo. The kids were able to try out new arts where none of them had any experience, thus putting them all in the same position. This sense of being in the same boat and sharing a new experience is very important for forming bonds and friendships. Also, due to the dangerous nature of some of the techniques used in Budo, obviously a lot of mutual trust is required to train together safely, again strengthening bonds. To quote one of the kids "I learned something. We all want peace. We just played together; it was normal." This experience and realization is vital for kids to have and to treasure if they are to make an impact on peace in areas of conflict when they grow up.

The image of fighting often as portrayed by a number of 'stars' in the movies is very strong. However, the purpose of Budo is, to quote the Budo Charter: "... to build character, enhance their sense of judgement, and to become disciplined individuals capable of making a contribution to society at large." One of the fundamental principles of practice in Budo is to leave everything, all of your troubles and worries, outside the dojo and to just practice "... with respect, courtesy, to adhere to the prescribed fundamentals of the art..." (Budo Charter)

Budo for Peace is an organization which aims to work towards peace by organizing Budo festivals and seminars. These are a means to experience a range of activities designed to promote peaceful co-existence, to meet and make friends with practitioners from communities around the world, to learn to resolve both internal and external conflicts, and to bridge perceived gaps and differences through respect and harmony. You can find out more at the website: www.budoforpeace.org

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