Shorinji Kempo - a brief introduction for beginners
- Shorinji Kempo is a modern Japanese martial art (gendai budo), founded by a Buddhist monk, Doshin So, in 1947, in the town of Tadotsu.
- The physical training of Shorinji Kempo consists of two complementary systems. The hard (goho) system consists of striking techniques (punching and kicking), as well as blocking and evasion techniques. The soft (juho) system consists of techniques to deal with grappling situations, and includes releases, joint reversals, throwing techniques, use of pressure points and so on. The two branches are ultimately two aspects of the overall system.
- Training also includes Zazen (seated meditation), seiho (acupressure techniques) and the study of the philosophy of Shorinji Kempo.
- The philosophy is rooted in the idea of living half for yourself and half for other people, and consequently the training aims to establish confident people who are also reliable. Thus the focus is on training in pairs.
- Techniques do not rely on brute strength or athleticism, focusing more on exploitation of balance/pressure-points etc., so Shorinji Kempo is suitable for most people, regardless of gender, age or fitness.
Cambridge Dojo Information
- We train from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Monday evenings.
- We're hiring out a little hall (map) from Our Lady and the English Martyrs church, on the Hills Road / Lensfield road junction. (Entrance via the church car park on Lensfield Road.)
- Session fees are £5. Your first session with us is free.
- Beginners always welcome: just come along to watch or bring along some comfortable loose clothing and join in! Contact us first if you prefer:
Contact Information
You can contact us via cambridge.info@shorinji.org.uk or visit our facebook group
