About Shorinji Kempo

Motivation and Goals of Founding Shorinji Kempo

Amidst the postwar turmoil, Doshin So, Kaiso or founder of Shorinji Kempo, discovered that events were greatly affected by the character and way of thinking of leaders. Accordingly, Kaiso reasoned that leadership should be based on confidence, courage, and vigor. Determined to develop as many individuals as possible who could properly exercise leadership in creating a peaceful and rich society, Doshin So started giving the youth, who were at a loss as to their hopes and life goals in such turmoil, lectures on how to live richly. Simultaneously he taught them about techniques that would effectively nurture their bodies and self-confidence. Shorinji Kempo develops individuals useful to society who possess self-confidence, courage, and vigor through drawing out their pride and conviction, and instilling the awareness of a man’s inherent potential through lectures and training.

Shorinji Kempo Philosophy

The Six Distinguishing Characteristics of Shorinji Kempo:

Ken Zen Ichinyo (Unity of Ken and Zen)

Ken refers to the physical body, while Zen refers to mind and spirit. Body and spirit are not separate entities as they are closely intertwined. In Shorinji Kempo it is deemed important to maintain a balance between physical training and spiritual training.

Riki Ai Funi (Strength and love in harmony)

Even if you are full of a sense of justice and compassion, you cannot help or assist others unless you have strength. Converesely, no matter how strong you might be, your power will not be used correctly unless you have pride and a creed. Harmonization of strength and love with unification of intellect and compassion is the code of conduct of Shorinji Kempo.

Shushu Koju (Defence is primary, offence subordinate)

The technical method of Shorinji Kempo is constructed around defending against any unjustified attack, and after completely protecting oneself, counterattacking. By making your position impregnable, you will be able to calmly observe the condition of your opponent, which you can take advantage of when you deliver an effective counterattack.

Fusatsu Katsujin (Not to kill, but to awaken)

The physical techniques of Shorinji Kempo are not for killing or injuring people. They are for protecting yourself and others and letting both live. People train themselves in the techniques of Shorinji Kempo in order to discover human potential and enjoy their own growth.

Go Ju Ittai (Hard and soft make one whole)

The techniques of Shorinji Kempo are composed of a) goho (hard methods) which are applied when, after receiving and fending off an attacker’s strikes and kicks, one counterattacks with blows to the opponent’s body, and b) juho (soft methods) including throws, releases, and joint reverses against the attacker who grabs your wrist or clothes. When goho and juho are skillfully combined, they supplement and reinforce each other to become even more effective.

Kumite Shutai (Paired practice is primary)

In Shorinji Kempo, training in pairs is the norm. This not only allows you to develop practical skills to respond to your partners movements properly and flexibly but also to improve yourselves together and share the joy with your partner.