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Home> What Is Shorinji Kempo>
Creating a Healthy Body and a Healthy Mind
Founding of Shorinji Kempo
Shorinji Kempo was founded in Japan after the second world war by Doshin So (left)
During the second world war, he studied Martial Arts and philosophical teachings in China
in various schools, eventually becoming the 20th master of Northern
Shorinji Giwamonken school.
When he returned to Japan, Doshin So decided to
devote the remainder of his life to developing the kind of people that would
help to create a better society. With this aim he set up a Dojo where he
refined his techniques and philosophies, establishing the Shorinji Kempo
practiced today.
Today Shorinji Kempo is the most popular form of martial art in Japan and
is practiced by over 1.4 million people in 28 countries around the world.
Shorinji Kempo - Training the Body & Mind
Shorinji Kempo is a martial art than can be enjoyed by anyone of any age,
sex or size. The techniques exploit the use of balance and specific pressure
points (vital points) of the body. This means that strength is not required
to perform any of the techniques.
But Shorinji Kempo goes beyond the limits of Self-defence. It's main practice
is designed to benefit it's students in three main areas: Self-defence,
improved health and spiritual development.
The physical techniques are split in to two families Juho and
Goho.
Generally
Goho techniques are used against an opponent who attacks with a punch, kick
or strike, and Juho techniques are used when an opponent has grabbed or
pinned the defender.
During his training in China, Doshin So realized that all techniques used in
martial arts consist of three fundamental movements; the circular, the straight
and the curved. These movements can be found in all Shorinji Kempo techniques.
In addition to these physical techniques, Shorinji Kempo teaches the practice of
Seiho and Zazen Meditation.
In Shorinji Kempo it is taught that all are equal no matter what your age,
sex or grade. Higher graded students and instructors are there to help each
other and lower graded or new students. The lower graded and new students are
encouraged to ask questions of the more senior students, and unlike some martial
arts there is no problem in approaching the Sensei to ask a question. The colour
of the belt signifies the amount of experience each person has, not that they
are better than anyone else.
When training together in Shorinji Kempo students do not bow to each other as
in many martial arts, but instead they use the Gasso rei.
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