What is Shorinji Kempo?

Shorinji Kempo is a very unique fighting style that features some distinct training methods. In this episode we're going to look at how a Japanese master molded Chinese martial arts into his own Kempo system. Shorinji Kempo has a rich history, distinct training methodology, and 3 unique and independent types of ranks.

Produced by Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc.

#kempo
#shorinjikempo
#kenpo

[johnandrewmunroe]

I had the great honor of practicing Shorinji Kempo in Shizuoka from 1981-1985 and was awarded the Shodan or black belt. So many years later, I find myself back in Japan and considering a return to the art I loved so much all those years ago. I wonder what my experience will be as a 66-year-old newbie who once knew how to do the art but couldn't speak much Japanese, whereas I'm now fluent in Japanese but have forgotten most of what I learned back then -- except how to be a decent human being and to honor my friends and colleagues who showed me such kindness in those younger years. Thanks for a great video!

[casualtom]

Shorinji Kempo branch manager here. Greatly appreciated this video. Some other notes I'd like to add are how I've always appreciated that for all juho, you train to learn optimal responses for various situations but for each joint lock you learn an escape first. That way if the lock fails, you can at least release yourself.

There is also a great emphasis placed on not allowing the attacker to connect with the grab on the first attempt, then readjusting and locking your body with kagite shuho to stabilize oneself, followed by a destabilizing atemi or strike at the attacker.

The next step after takedown is to pin them into submission by applying pain to pressure points. This does not typically harm the opponent physically, just makes them lose the will to fight.

After releasing the attacker, we practice zanshin or vigiliance. This is why you see those extra periods of inactivity between opponents at the end. The objective is to keep your eyes on your opponent so that you do not drop your guard.

[bradwilli]

It has been a great experience being a Shorinji Kempo Kenshi since 1976. This was a great explanation of this style. What attracted me when I started at 18 was the emphasis on being strong but also the gentle aspect of power. That we train to be good citizens and to protect the week. That we advance by helping others advance.

[joecephus]

I trained on Okinawa 1971-75 (Okinawa Kenpo & Isshinry), and again in 1982-83 and 96-97 (Gojuryu). In between, I trained in CNY, CA, KY and wherever else the USMC sent me. I found a well established kickboxing school in 1989, and trained there till 1993. I appreciate all martial arts, but put them in 3 categories: Okinawan karate is first an art, second self defense, and third sport (but not always). OTOH, "American karate" is first self defense, second sport, and third art. Kickboxing/MMA is first sport, second self defense and third art. Conceptualizing the three that way, helps me keep it real in what to expect. I am old now, and stopped nearly all MA training over 20 years ago, but have many fond memories of all three of the above. Thanks for an EXCELLENT video.

[TheNewForestObservatory]

I only did Shotokan back as a young lad. Now age 70 (and far too late) I now realise Shorinji Kempo is the style I was looking for.

[artisticsolarninja]

Shorinji Kempo was considered as known as Japanese Kung Fu. Plus shorinji kempo have used the Swastika symbol as their religious Buddhist symbol. Literally meant for well being, peace and good luck. However the Swastika or the Manji as known in japan was considered as connections to hitler but that was not true. People where confused, entitled or do not understand it well, nor they could not research its origin and where the manji(swastika) symbol come from, some trying to troll or obvious they do not care because they pretend they do not understand it and just walk away and get away with it and refuses to go research the source of it. People still hated the symbol to this day because they still think its offensive even that symbol may be a symbol of evil. It is a symbol of peace and good luck and its used in Asia as their Buddhist symbol. The manji had nothing to due with hitler or the N-word. The swastika(manji) does not have no connections to hitler. The manji buddhist symbol had been overshadowed for decades because of the west and europe. The swastika was 1st discovered in Ukraine back then it was called a 4 hooks symbol. It is used in india, china, korea and japan and around east asia. The swastika had been around over like a thousand or a million years or something. Everyone are still in fear of that symbol. Shorinji Kempo have had been used that symbol from time to time. But as of 2024. Many japaness government and tells all tour guides That they must decided to Censored it out, for the tourist map to avoid controversies, though many tourists in japan have causing trouble by vandalized and caused a public disturbance in japan over a manji symbol. Many people or foreigners still would not accepted that religious symbol today. I feel very bad and sorry for the buddhist monks and practitioners of shorinji kempo for defending themselves and speaks out they are proud of it and they would still used the manji symbol regardless if people would not accept it. They are proud of that symbol.

[jamielondon]

Kenshi here.
This is easily and by far the best video by a non-kenshi I've seen on Shorinji – thanks for the great work, Master Dan, up to your usual high standards! :-)

Some answers, additions, and corrections:
- Hokai are always part of the education in SK throughout the world. Every exam, from the first kyu rank includes a written homework on the philosophical teachings, which forms the basis of the rank. From shodan on, this additionally includes a written test during the exam itself. Beyond yondan, the exams are separated, so the kenshi take bukai and hokai in turn.
Sokai can technically also be achieved anywhere, but since Kongozen, the Buddhist practice that forms the foundation of SK is effectively only practised in Japan, it's nearly impossible to do so without going there. Several foreigners hold at least minor ranks, though, having done just that.
- The only major mistake I spotted: So Yuuki, the founder's daughter, retired about 2 years ago. The current head of WSKO and related organisations now is her son, So Kouma. This should be easily verifiable via the official YouTube channel(s) and any current website.
- "Kenshi" is a homonym. The spelling in kanji differs though: For practitioners of e. g. Kendo, the first one means sword, for SK it means fist, the same one as in Kenpo or Ken zen ichinyo.
- As described in the video, the ura and omote manji hold roughly the same meanings as the kanji for riki (strength) and ai (harmony). The principle of Riki ai funi can thus actually also be spelled with the manji instead!
- The principle of Go ju ittai has one more important aspect: It also says that the separation in goho and juho ("hard" and "soft" techniques) is more of a learning tool, especially for beginners. There's aspects of one in the other (like atemi (strikes) in releases or throws), and in the end both come together.
- Personal pet peeve (but also quite current): The country you're referring to repeatedly as Russia actually was the Soviet Union.


Feel free to ask anything else! If I don't know, I can probably find out. :-)

[outofthebox]

Shorinji Kempo has a fresh air to it, a clarity and proper logic as to the way/manner of its combativeness; for a martial artm, it's embu sequences are very realistic tactic wise and present proper violent intent. Although I would never send any one to learn it for self defense or to any other martial art for that matter, if they wanted to take up an art, Shoriji Kempo would very likely be on thetop of the list.
Nice video.

[pathfinder]

So many people make videos on "Street effectiveness" or technical videos. How you so completely go into the history, concepts, foundation....literally EVERYTHING about a marriage arts is so awsome. And they are so well done. Thanks for all you do!

[jasoncaine]

The Kempo preset movements teach fluidy, control of body rate of motion, focus, rythem and timing, focus. So many attributes that contribute to a practitioner's overall skill. Ive trained mma as well as Kajukenbo ive fought full contact almost 30 times. I stand by forms even taichi as its like physical therapy for martial artists.
Thank you for all your priceless information

[essbouibyram]

Many thanks for this video 🙏. I’m a Shorinji Kempo yudansha and greatly appreciate the work you’ve put in to explain our wonderful martial art. Excellent work 🙏

[glendonmullings]

This is one of the original MIxed Martial Arts!💯

[NSVMitakda]

Thanks so much for this.
I'm an Indonesian Kenshi, though unfortunately no longer active.
Aside from the hardness, fluidity, beauty of the Goho & Juho and tthe sheer unadulterated pain they induce, one of the things that I love the most is Shorinji Kempo"s strong emphasis on Zen philosophy & history.
Whereas writing exams for Indonesian Shotokan only begin for Shodan and onwards, for Shorkinji Kempo, tis from the get-go.
Another beautifully strong aspect was the use of the Manji, with its meaning of rotating clockwise being Love, differing it with the counter-clockwise Swastika meaning strength.
Thus further engraining the inseparability of Love & Strength in its teachings and eventually in our lives.
Again, thanks so much for this & rock on!
Gassho Rei!

[airbourne]

In 9:30 of this video clip. I was filming the shorinji kenpo demonstration in Los Angeles Little Tokyo new years festival, to be honest I may not remember the year. But the demonstration was two black belts instructors were doing the basic to advanced techniques.

[wadoryujujutsukempo]

I never got the chance to do this, but i actually think this art has a lot going for it, very under estimated

[camiloiribarren]

This is a very popular style of martial arts throughout Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) from what I’ve seen. It looks awesome and I like the videos of the demonstrations and bunkai

[johnredmon]

I believe it was at a promotional at Bill Ryusaki's dojo in 1967 that we were treated to two of the most remarkable demonstrations I have seen. the first was given by Don Angier (Yanagi ryu jujitsu} and the other by a Shorinji Kempo team visiting from Japan. Following the demonstrations and other exercises of the formal promotional event, it was most interesting to see the obvious affinity between Angier Shihan and the Shorinji kempo team. Their organization has grown even more than I had realized. I enjoyed the presentation here on youtube.

[francoismorin]

Wow ! Very interesting discovery! It seems like a beautiful art both in practice and philosophy.

[iskandergarciagarcia]

Excellent video!! I think this is the first big american YouTube channel bringing this basically unknown art to the public! Practiced this awesome art back in Cuba years ago and met big practitioners Japanese legends in person. Hope we would a branch in Vegas. Gassho 🙏🏼

[ajshiro]

Thats pretty cool. I didn't know that Enbu was a term. It makes sense now. First time I hearsd of the word was Tekken. They have a video of the characters demonstrating their martial arts on the attract screen. It's pretty cool looking.