London Universities Shōrinji Kempō Group
The Guiding Principles of Shorinji Kempo
Kenzen Ichinyo - Unity of Body and Mind
Shorinji Kempo addresses the needs of both mind and body to ensure the overall development of its students. A strong body is useless without an equally strong mind.
Shushu Koju - Defence Before Attack
For both ethical and technical fa reasons, this is a fundamental characteristic of Shorinji Kempo. It may not be used for aggression.
Fusatsu Katsujin - Protect, do not Cause Death
Not only does this mean not causing death, but also not injuring people. Shorinji Kempo is very effective as a way of stopping violence, and it has been designed so that, if used correctly, it can immobilise an opponent without causing injury.
Riki Ai Funi - Strength and Love (compassion) are Inseparable
Students of Shorinji Kempo learn the need for a balance between physical strength and compassion. Strength without love is violence; love without physical and mental strength is only superficial.
Kumite Shutai - Pair Work is Fundamental
Shorinji Kempo can only be mastered through co-operative practice in pair form, in a non-competitive manner. Overwhelming and defeating one's training partner is not the objective.
Goju Ittai - Hard & Soft (techniques) form a Unit
Shorinji Kempo is made up of goho (hard) and juho (soft) techniques. By learning to recognise the soft elements of goho and the hard elements of juho, the practitioner is able to unite the two to form a unique and dynamic system, both strong, but gentle.
