|
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 :
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. The British Shōrinji Kempō Federation
The BSKF was established in 1974 by its Chief Instructor, Sensei Tameo Mizuno, 8th Dan (Sei-Hanshi). 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.
|
