What is Shorinji Kempo?
Shorinji Kempo is a self-defence martial art that originated in Japan, with roots in Buddhism and the practices of the Chinese Shaolin monks. The name is Japanese, and translates literally as “Shaolin Temple Fist Law”. Shorinji Kempo is composed of three major parts: • Goho (Hard Techniques): Punches, Kicks, Hooks, Blocks • Juho (Soft Techniques): Locks, Pins, Escapes, Throws • Seiho (Healing Techniques): Massages Techniques are always directed at one or more of the many pressure points that line the human body, exploiting an opponent’s weaknesses regardless of his strength or size. Although hand-to-hand techniques are at the heart of Shorinji Kempo, certain weapons also play a supplementary role. Such weapons include six-foot staves (“Bo”), shorter staves, and a bit of defence against knives. Participants will also learn about the philosophy on which this martial art is based. Find out more about Shorinji Kempo’s history.
