For a good definition of Kangeiko, it means to train in the coldest weather of training dates, which would usually be February.  Attending Kangeiko training in Japan would be an entire week.

The purpose of course is to improve techniques, but the more spiritual purpose is called serendipity:

1. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.

2. The fact or occurrence of such discoveries.

3. An instance of making such a discovery.

If you participate you can achieve serendipity.  Each person is different because of different circumstances. 

When I was young and still a university student, my experience began at 6:00 a.m.  But in Japan, I did not have a car.  Some people would train for one year or more, but because of the lack of transportation, would have to discontinue training. 

For Kangeiko, the Dojo would begin classes at 6:00 a.m., and of course everyone was training barefoot; we would train beside a river, and basic training would begin.  A Club Member would contact the local news company and explained what Kangeiko was, and tell them “if you are interested, please send your cameras and reporters to record it.”  At times the newspaper cameraman and representative appeared at the riverside and were recording our training. 

This day, our Club Captain ordered us to take off our gi, and get into the water about chest high in Kibadachi stance, and continue punching while in the water.  That morning we (the students) did not expect the news people, and therefore we did not wear bathing suits under our gis.  Everyone entered the water only wearing their underwear pants.

Once we finished and got out of the water, we all threw away our underwear because they were so cold and wet, and we were freezing.  The pants began floating in the cold water looking like jellyfish bobbing in the water.   Once we had put our gis back on, we had to run back to the dojo.  The Captain was very mad at us for throwing wet underwear pants into the water.  He said if the newspaper people were there, that would have been a very shameful thing.  Because of our indiscretion, we had to sit in Seiza for one hour, and as cold as it was, it was a very painful thing.  Now, each winter when Kangeiko time comes, I remember that day and that time.  I never complain now because I always remember that day.

Japanese proverb says:  “When you are young never sweat.  When you get old, you will cry.”  I am now 75 years old.  When people get old it is very interesting, old memories come from our youth.   When I was young I was very mad about this situation, but now I am laughing at this memory.  Also, you never really forget such an experience.

When I came to the USA, I did not speak English and did not have much money, but I still remember this memory.  I never give up.  I learned serendipity from experiences such as these.

I hope you will participate in our Kangeiko, and you will find your own serendipity.   Please join us in this celebration of Winter Training.  We are hoping to have students from Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson), Imperial Valley, CA,  El Paso Texas, Hermosillo Mexico, and Chihuahua Mexico.  This is a great opportunity to train with old friends once again.

The training schedule will be as follows:

Friday1 hour6 to 7 a.m.

Friday2 hours4 to 6 p.m.

Saturday1 hour6 to 7 a.m.

Saturday2 hours4 to 6 p.m.

Sunday2 hours6 to 8 a.m.