Tekken Ryu's roots touch Japan once again...

The Shindenkan hombu staff have been making yearly training trips back to Japan for the past three years.
To date a total of five trips have been logged!

These trips would not be possible if not for the dedicated spirit and drive of Derek Morris, sensei.
Derek is invaluable to Petit sensei in all aspects of the operation of Shorinji Tekken Ryu and the
Shindenkan Budo Renmei. Derek reads and speaks Japanese fluently, having lived in Japan
some years ago, and acts as interpreter for all Shorinji Tekken Ryu training groups that visit Japan.

The 2009 training trip to Japan included Petit sensei, Derek Morris and Donald Burke.
While in Toda City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan on November 24-25, 2009, Petit sensei
and Derek Morris met to discuss critical details concerning the Shorinji Tekken Ryu system, its
expansion and ensuring that teaching methods are in place that will help sustain the
quality of technique that will allow this system to stand the test of time.

Donald Burke documented the meeting with photography.

This meeting was especially important to Petit sensei to honor Albert C. Church, Jr.
The system of Shorinji Tekken Ryu was recognized in Japan with Mr. Church as its
Head Family in 1968. Now because of this meeting, the system has once again,
symbolically established its roots back in Japan with its current
Head Family, Ted Petit!

Derek Morris (left) and Ted Petit