London Universities Shōrinji Kempō Group
More FAQs
Questions & Answers for Current Members
The belts
Shorinji Kempo and religion
Buddhism
Fee Structure
What do the different belts mean?
Coloured belts are used to show what "grade" a kenshi (student) is. Up to black belt, these grades are given a number, followed by the word "kyuu" = grade/rank
white = go kyuu = 5th grade (adult beginners)
yellow = yon kyuu = 4th grade
green = san kyuu = 3rd grade
blue = ni kyuu = 2nd grade
brown = ikkyuu = 1st grade
black = shodan = first "dan"
"dan" means "step", "shodan" means "first step". In effect this means that having a black belt puts you onto the first rung of the ladder.
If you train in Japan you will notice that they use only 3 types of belts: white (all up to 2 kyuu), brown (2 and 1 kyuu) and black.
In Japan, Shorinji Kempo is registered as a religion. This was originally done at its establishment during the post WW2 period when the US occupation forbade practice of martial arts. Also, having a religious status has a number of tax benefits which enable to the organisation to continue as non-profit.
Apart from the practical benefits, as shown above, there is a connection between the philosophy of Shorinji Kempo, based on "Kongo Zen" and Zen Buddhism, but it's a practical skill based on Zen, and not a type of religious worship.
Do I have to be/become a Buddhist?
Not necessary. You do not need to be a Buddhist to understand, appreciate and follow the basic philosophy behind Shorinji Kempo - eg "Fusatsu Katsujin" = do not kill or harm others, but foster life. Buddhism itself can be considered a belief, rather than necessarily a religion. It can co-exist happily with other religions, and has done so in many Asian & East Asian countries for centuries.
Fee Structure (as of January 2008)
ULU
Student: Per session - 3 pounds (discounted rate 2.50)
Student: monthly fee - 10 pounds (discounted rate 8.00)
Non-student: per session - 5 pounds (discounted rate 3.50)
Non-student: monthly fee - 16 pounds (discounted rate 12.00)
SOAS
Student: Per session - 3 pounds (discounted rate 2.50)
Student: monthly fee - 10 pounds (discounted rate 8.00)
Non-student: per session - 5 pounds (discounted rate 3.50)
Non-student: monthly fee - 16 pounds (discounted rate 12.00)
* "discounted rate" - these apply to members of the club who are also involved in its admin.
