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An Official Branch of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization (est. 2004) |
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Shorinji Kempo Huronia Branch |
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A statue of the founder of Shorinji Kempo, So Doshin, located on the grounds of Shorinji Kempo headquarters in Tadotsu, Japan. |
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About Shorinji Kempo |
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Origins
Shorinji Kempo was established in Japan by So Doshin on October 25th, 1947. Referred to as "Kaiso" (The Founder) by Shorinji Kempo practitioners, So Doshin had found himself in Manchuria at the conclusion of the war, and lived for a time under the occupying Soviet forces. When he returned to Japan in the early summer of 1946, he found a defeated nation with its social and moral fabric in tatters.
Kaiso resolved to devote the remainder of his life to training young people with courage,strength, mercy and a sense of justice. He founded a dojo in the town of Tadotsu and began teaching people how to fulfil their human potential, combining moral philosophy with martial arts training.
More detailed information about the founding of Shorinji Kempo and Kaiso's mission can be found on the World Shorinji Kempo Organization Headquarters' website.
Techniques
The physical techniques of Shorinji Kempo are organized into three specific systems: Goho, Juho and Seiho. An important consideration in the application of all Shorinji Kempo techniques is the primacy of defense.
Goho, sometimes crudely referred to as hard techniques, include a wide variety of strikes, kicks, body techniques, blocks and deflections and short and long staff techniques.
Juho techniques are those used when in contact with an opponent. They include escaping techniques, joint reverses and throws, chokes, pins, pressure techniques and binding techniques.
Seiho, or healing techniques, are used to balance and adjust the body. They include balancing the central and peripheral meridians, correcting bone position and resuscitation.
The Philosophical Basis of Shorinji Kempo
Shorinji Kempo seeks to develop people while providing benefits in three areas: improved physical health, spiritual development, and self-defense.
Shorinji Kempo is based on the idea of living half for oneself, and half for others. This idea is developed both through the technical practice of Shorinji Kempo as well as by discussing and applying the principles learned in the dojo to life as a whole. Shorinji Kempo aims to develop people who are self-reliant and who help others.
Some other key principles of Shorinji Kempo include:
Riki Ai Fu Ni: The unity of strength and love.
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Shorinji Kempo juho techniques include pinning and control techniques, as practiced in this photo taken during a 2003 study session in Calgary, Alberta. |
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Training with a partner is an important part of Shorinji Kempo practice. |
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Shorinji Kempo goho techniques include blocks, parries and a variety of strikes and kicks. |
