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 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 philosophy.
- 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 is suitable for most people, regardless of gender, age or fitness.
Cambridge Dojo Information
- We train from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Mondays and Thursdays at Arbury Community Centre
- 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
