Shorinji Kempo is a modern Japanese martial art. It was founded in Japan in 1947 by Doshin So.
Whilst Shorinji Kempo is not well-known in the UK, in Japan it is popular on a par with Judo, Karate, Kendo and Aikido.
As a fighting style, it features striking techniques (eg: punching, blocking and kicking, like Karate), as well as escape, throwing and pinning techniques (similar to Aikido and traditional Ju-Jitsu). Techniques use mechanical principles as well as a system of nerve and pressure points to maximise effect with minimal effort (and causing minimal damage).
It is suitable for all ages and abilities, and can be a martial art for life – if you start when you are 8 you can still be training when you are 80!
But there’s more to Shorinji Kempo than fighting.
Meditation is an important part of the practice to help students to learn self-control, and every student is tested on theory during belt gradings that covers technical, ethical and philosophical aspects of training.
Furthermore, Shorinji Kempo has a strong community ethos, often socialising together after and outside of training. It often creates friends for life!
The aim of Shorinji Kempo is to help it’s practitioners become stronger, stable and more thoughtful individuals so that they can be better members of society.
For more information, visit our website: www.rugbyshorinjikempo.com
