WHAT IS SHORINJI KEMPO


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.
Generally, 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.