Bournemouth Members

Ian Hart - 3rd Dan (Black Belt)

I started training 20 years ago when I was 30. At the time I was going through an unsettled period in my life, and felt I needed something to relieve tension and stress.

From training I have gained fitness, self defence knowledge, a better state of mind, patience and a different outlook on life. I continue to train because I want to better my knowledge of Shorinji Kempo and hopefully pass on to others what I have learnt.

Steve Miller - 1st Dan (Black Belt)

I started training when I was 44, because I felt I'd like to have a new focus/experience. I had done a lot of team and individual sports in the past . I thought that the challenge offered by doing a martial art could fulfil a need for discipline, fitness and self defence. Shorinji Kempo was recommended to me by a friend whose opinions I respect. 

Training is both useful and enjoyable. Apart from the obvious physical benefits of a greater level of fitness and coordination, the co-operative atmosphere is such a positive aspect of the training. Kenshi (Shorinji Kempo students) are encouraged to be objective and supportive. It offers people the opportunity to search for and find inner strength and it is generally good for self development. Being with positive people going in the same direction is energising.

Nicky Geldart - 2nd Dan (Black Belt)

I started training when I was 28, because I wanted to do some sort of physical activity but I couldn't see my self going to the gym or joining some aerobics class. I was interested in learning a Martial Art so I picked up a lot of leaflets from the Littledown Centre while my son was having a swimming lesson. 

A lot of the other Martial Arts put me off because they involved competition and I wasn't interested in that. Shorinji Kempo seemed different there was no competition and its techniques don't rely on strength and a persons size doesn't matter. Well I'm only 5'2" so this seemed ideal to me at the time so I started training the following week and I haven't looked back.

What encouraged me most when I first started was that there were always others around to help, and everyone was friendly. It never matters if you get something wrong because someone will always help you to get it right. Shorinji Kempo teaches you more than self defence, it changes your outlook on life and helps you become a better person, and above all it's FUN!

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