Shorinji Kempo is considered the Philosopher's Martial Art. 

Shorinji Kempo is a martial art form that was adapted by Doshin So in 1947.  Kaiso incorporated Japanese Zen Buddhism into a fighting style. This art generally has no killing moves because of its respect for life. It is a form of Kempo that tries to get its practitioners to move through life doing minimal damage whenever possible.

Shorinji Kempo is non competitive, emphasizes cooperation and instructors are forbidden from making profit from their teachings. This martial art has not been turned into a sport and there are no ladder-based competitions.  Shorinji Kempo competition relies on paired demonstrations called embu where accuracy, rhythm and realism is judged.

Shorinji Kempo has grown into a popular art form in many countries around the world.  Over 1,500,000 people have joined world wide. The number of branches within Japan is about 2,950.  Outside of Japan, there are branches in 33 countries; specifically, The United States, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sweden, United Kingdom and Australia being the most notable.

Technical Methods

Shorinji Kempo technical methods can be separated broadly into Goho (hard method) and Juho (soft method).

Goho are technical methods for receiving an opponent's strike, kick, or similar attack with a deflection, and overcoming the opponent with strikes, kicks or other such counter-attacks.

Juho are techniques for when an opponent grabs the arms or clothing, and in which one releases oneself, or takes a joint reverse or throws the opponent.

Goho and Juho can be distinguished in this fashion, but as the degree of training increases, Goho and Juho progress toward becoming a single body of techniques.

Six Principles of Shorinji Kempo

Ken Zen Ichinyo – Body and the mind are the same. 

To maximize our potential, it is important to train both physically and mentally; after all, neither the body nor the mind is more important.  If we train our minds exclusively, we become physically weak and our body deteriorates.   In simply training physically, our mind is neglected, putting us at a serious disadvantage.  Strong leaders require strength of body, spirit, and character; therefore, to live to our full potential requires a equally strong and harmonious body and mind.

Riki Ai Funi – Balance between power and love.

Shorinji Kempo teaches that strength without love is violence; love without strength is useless.  In this world, there are people that act without compassion in favor of action and power.  The result is that in many people suffer.  On the other hand, if people are not strong and cannot act to defend their ideas and beliefs, nothing happens.  Some people only respect strength and treat others without compassion or mercy.  When strength and love, knowledge and compassion are joined together, we can live to our potential as human beings.  We can act with compassion and mercy and be strong enough to defend ourselves, others and our beliefs.

Fusastu Katsujin – Protect without injury. 

We learn in the tradition of budo that Shorinji Kempo techniques are not to hurt people.  It is to protect others by immobilizing or inflicting temporary pain in order to neutralize an opponent and restore harmony.  There is a line that must be held if a confrontation turns to violence.  Some only understand aggression and it is necessary for them to experience pain for them to listen.  Shorinji Kempo is used only to help people.

Shushu Koju – Defense Primary, Offense Secondary. 

There is a spiritual value and a strategic advantage to Shu Shu Koju.  It is forbidden to strike first or sneak attack.  Conflicts should be resolved with words, not violence whenever possible.  Fighting and the use of force should only be used when there is no other recourse.  This is reflected in Shorinji Kempo with the majority of the techniques based on blocking and countering.   It is important to be prepared before engaging in a conflict.  This is true in fighting or in daily life. 

Kumite Shutai – Pair work is essential. 

We are not in the world alone.  Everything in the world is interconnected; as such, we need to be able to build and strengthen relationships.  As in life, we cannot improve others and ourselves by working alone.  Shorinji Kempo shows us the example by focusing on pair work.  Partners have to work together to improve and advance.  If you try to help each other then both of you will benefit in terms of your understanding of Kempo and other people. Both will improve by working together, sharing ideas and cooperating.

Goju Ittai – Hard and soft work together. 

Although Shorinji Kempo is split into hard and soft techniques, goho and juho, for training purposes, in practice the two work together. As we progress in Shorinji kempo, the two blur into a balance of hard and soft.  In Shorinji Kempo, as in life, we must be flexible and versatile.  We learn that hard overcomes soft and soft overcomes hard.  If we are completely strict, confrontational and uncompromising, we live a constant struggle and conflict.  If we are completely passive and lenient, others will take advantage and we will live in disappointment.