London Universities Shōrinji Kempō Group
The Foundation and Aims of Shōrinji Kempō
Shōrinji Kempō was founded in Japan after the Second World War by Doshin Sō, and as with many martial arts, many of its techniques can be traced to origins in India almost 5000 years ago. From India, Buddhism travelled to many countries, including China.
Early History of Martial Arts
According to legend, when Boddhidharma travelled east he found both Buddhism and the health of its monks to be in a very poor state. It is said that he taught them the arts he learnt along the way to defend himself so that they regained their strength and thus he introduced one of the fore-runners of modern day martial arts.
The Founding of Shōrinji Kempō
The founder of Shōrinji Kempō,
Dōshin Sō (this is the Buddhist name; his given name was
Nakano Michio), 
grew
up in China where he experienced and trained in martial arts. After
his return to Japan he was sent back again to China on a secret
service mission during the 2nd World War and during his travels
he practised a number of fighting techniques from the various temples
he came in contact with.
Repatriated to Japan after the War, Dōshin Sō decided to devote the remainder of his life to developing people who would help to create a better society. Realising that words are not always enough, he set up a dōjō (training hall) where he reformed and refined his techniques and philosophies, establishing the modern day Shōrinji Kempō.
The three main aspects of Shōrinji Kempō are :
- Creating a healthy body
- Creating a healthy mind
- Learning self defence
Right from its beginnings after the Second World War, Shōrinji Kempō has developed as a form of education rather than just a form of martial art combat. Based on six fundamental guiding principles, its teachings aim to develop the individual's potential to become a balanced human being, both physically and mentally; an individual who has the confidence to stand up for their ideals, but also has the ability to defend this position.
Shōrinji Kempō is not a
sport or competetive and should only be used for self defence. All
Shōrinji Kempō techniques concentrate on the knowledge
of specific pressure points on the human body, but this knowledge
is not used to injure an opponent. By delivering a counter attack
correctly to any one of these vital points, an opponent can be immobilised
without causing any permanent injury.
To date, Shōrinji Kempō is the most popular single form
of martial art in Japan and the largest unified taught martial art
in the world (ie, there are no "sub-schools" of Shōrinji Kempō).
It has over 1.5 million members and is taught in 28 countries world-wide,
including 10 European countries.
The British Shōrinji Kempō Federation
The BSKF was established in 1974 by its Chief Instructor, Sensei Tameo Mizuno, 8th Dan (Sei-Hanshi). Sensei Mizuno also holds a position on the board of directors of the World Shōrinji Kempō Organisation. Sensei Mizuno teaches regular classes throughout London. The BSKF has around 400 members training in private and university dojos all over the United Kingdom. To find a local training venue, consult the full dojo list which has contacts and links to web sites where relevant.
