SHORINJI KEMPO a traditional mixed martial art MMA for self-defence and self-development! Gendai Budo/Modern Japanese Martial Art.

SHORINJI KEMPO was founded in Japan in 1947 by a Japanese martial arts master. His name was Doshin So, using Chinese pronunciation. In Japanese, his name was MichiomiNakano. The name SHORINJI KEMPO means Shaolin Kung Fu in Japanese. It was inspired and influenced by Shaolinbased on the time Doshin So spent in a China, however, it also incorporates over martial arts systems before it was introduced in Japan.

Sometimes referred to as Nippon Shorinji Kempo, this is a mixed martial art constructed wih influences from Okinawan Uechi-ryu Karate, Hakko-Ryu Jujitsu, Fusen-ryu Jujitsu, western boxing and judo in addiion to Shaolin Kung Fu.

It evolved in post war Japan though it is different from Aikidowhich also grew from a post war system. Shorinji Kempo is designed to benefit it’s students in three main areas:

1) A healthy mind through meditation, a posiive outlookand helpful martial arts friends,

2) A healthy body through exercise and avoiding any serious injury,

3) Effective self-defence through learning tried and tested techniques, including grappling, striking and weapons.

Although there are regular competitions, the spirit of ShorinjiKempo is not about defeating opponents for the sake of it. Instead, it teaches real life self-defence techiniques so hat students can develop skills to protect themsleves and those close to them in case they need to. It should also help students develop confidence and manage more difficult situaions when the need arises.

That said, competitions do help to keep the standard high, are exciting to try and enjoyable to watch. There are three main areas sparring/randori, kata/fixed patterns and embu/a prearranged demonstration.

Shorinji kempo techniques are split into two main groups Goho and Juho. Goho techniques include punches, kicks, blocks, kyusho pressure point strikes. Juho techniques include throws, locks, pins, trapping and eludes. To begin with they are taught separately and tested by Goho and Juhorandori/sparring. Goho and Juho are then combined to make Goju randori. This brings together grappling with striking, kicks and punches similar to a MMA competition. 

Shorinji Kempo uses a number of principles that run through he techniques such as angle, distance and speed. As a result, the martial can be learned and applied effectively by all ages and sizes and is very inclusive.

There is a wide and deep of techniques. Some of the kicks appear similar to Karate, Taekwondo, Tangsoodo or Kickboxing, some of the punches similar to Western Boxing, Kick Boxing or Thai Boxing Muay Thai, the grappling may seem similar to Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Aiki-jujutsu and MMAand some of the strategies likened to Krav Maga. At the same time, the science behind these techniques, when broken down, appear unique based on the principles that underpin this martial art.

Shorinji Kempo aims to finish the fight as quickly as possible with minimum force required. Of course, it is recommended to walk away to avoid a fight, if this option is available.