Shorinji Kempo Curriculum
A typical class follows a structured progression to integrate these diverse elements: What is Shorinji Kempo?
Class structure (typical 90 minutes):
Unlike "Shorinji Kempo," modern "Kempo" often includes weapons. Doshin So believed that in the modern world, the body is the only weapon you always carry. The curriculum explicitly excludes bo staffs, swords, or nunchaku. Any school teaching weapons is not orthodox Shorinji Kempo (WSKO style). shorinji kempo curriculum
If Hokei is defense, Hembo is countering the counter . For Shodan (black belt), the curriculum demands the ability to perform any technique, then stop, and reverse the reversal. For example: Attacker punches, Defender locks the arm, Attacker performs "Hembo" to escape and counter. A typical class follows a structured progression to
The Shorinji Kempo curriculum is built on the principle of (unity of body and mind). Training is divided into two primary categories: 1. Physical Techniques (Gijutsu) The curriculum explicitly excludes bo staffs, swords, or
At first glance, Shorinji Kempo looks like a hybrid art—punches like boxing, kicks like Tae Kwon Do, joint locks like Aikido, and throws like Judo. But to understand the art, one must abandon the Western idea of a "curriculum" as a simple list of fight moves. The Shorinji Kempo curriculum is a , blending physical technique ( waza ) with spiritual and philosophical education ( kyōgaku ).
