Shorinji Kempo (少林寺拳法), often translated as "Shaolin Temple Boxing," is a Japanese martial art founded by Doshin So in 1947. Unlike many combat sports, the curriculum is rooted in the principle of Ken Zen Ichinyo (Body and Mind as One), emphasizing that true strength requires a balance of physical skill and mental discipline. II. Core Technical Pillars
Rokudan+ (6th Dan and above)
- Title: Kancho (Head of branch) or Hanshi (Model Instructor).
- Focus: Preserving the Kaiso (Founder Doshin So)’s original intent. There is no "new" physical technique here—only refinement of the original 200+ core techniques.
1. Introduction
Shorinji Kempo is often misunderstood as simply a Japanese variant of Chinese Shaolin Temple boxing. While its roots lie in Shaolin Chuanfa, its founder, Doshin So (1911–1980), transformed these techniques into a comprehensive life discipline. The curriculum is the concrete expression of So’s vision: to use martial training as a vehicle for social harmony, self-discipline, and mutual respect (sōgo fujo).
The curriculum demanded Hokei (forms), but unlike other martial arts, these were two-person drills. Akira learned Taihodō—the art of countering an attack. His favorite became Gyaku-te (reverse hand): a block against a straight punch, a pivot, a lock on the wrist, and a throw.
References
- Doshin So. Shorinji Kempo: The Philosophy and Techniques. WSKO Press, 1965.
- World Shorinji Kempo Organization. Official Curriculum Guidelines for Kyū and Dan Examinations, rev. ed. 2019.
- Krug, Gary. "The Way of the Fist: Modernity, Memory and the Body in Shorinji Kempo." International Journal of the History of Sport, vol. 18, no. 4, 2001, pp. 78–102.
- Nakajima, Tetsuo. Hōwa Anthology: Philosophical Lectures of Doshin So. Tokyo: Shorinji Kempo Foundation, 1980.
- Mrozek, Andrzej. "Religious Elements in Japanese Martial Arts: The Case of Shorinji Kempo." Journal of Asian Martial Arts, vol. 12, no. 3, 2003, pp. 48–61.
- Blom, Wouter. "Body-Mind Unification in Shorinji Kempo." In Martial Arts as Embodied Knowledge, ed. D. S. Farrer, SUNY Press, 2011, pp. 123–145.
Shorinji Kempo Curriculum May 2026
Shorinji Kempo (少林寺拳法), often translated as "Shaolin Temple Boxing," is a Japanese martial art founded by Doshin So in 1947. Unlike many combat sports, the curriculum is rooted in the principle of Ken Zen Ichinyo (Body and Mind as One), emphasizing that true strength requires a balance of physical skill and mental discipline. II. Core Technical Pillars
Rokudan+ (6th Dan and above)
- Title: Kancho (Head of branch) or Hanshi (Model Instructor).
- Focus: Preserving the Kaiso (Founder Doshin So)’s original intent. There is no "new" physical technique here—only refinement of the original 200+ core techniques.
1. Introduction
Shorinji Kempo is often misunderstood as simply a Japanese variant of Chinese Shaolin Temple boxing. While its roots lie in Shaolin Chuanfa, its founder, Doshin So (1911–1980), transformed these techniques into a comprehensive life discipline. The curriculum is the concrete expression of So’s vision: to use martial training as a vehicle for social harmony, self-discipline, and mutual respect (sōgo fujo). shorinji kempo curriculum
The curriculum demanded Hokei (forms), but unlike other martial arts, these were two-person drills. Akira learned Taihodō—the art of countering an attack. His favorite became Gyaku-te (reverse hand): a block against a straight punch, a pivot, a lock on the wrist, and a throw. Title: Kancho (Head of branch) or Hanshi (Model
References
- Doshin So. Shorinji Kempo: The Philosophy and Techniques. WSKO Press, 1965.
- World Shorinji Kempo Organization. Official Curriculum Guidelines for Kyū and Dan Examinations, rev. ed. 2019.
- Krug, Gary. "The Way of the Fist: Modernity, Memory and the Body in Shorinji Kempo." International Journal of the History of Sport, vol. 18, no. 4, 2001, pp. 78–102.
- Nakajima, Tetsuo. Hōwa Anthology: Philosophical Lectures of Doshin So. Tokyo: Shorinji Kempo Foundation, 1980.
- Mrozek, Andrzej. "Religious Elements in Japanese Martial Arts: The Case of Shorinji Kempo." Journal of Asian Martial Arts, vol. 12, no. 3, 2003, pp. 48–61.
- Blom, Wouter. "Body-Mind Unification in Shorinji Kempo." In Martial Arts as Embodied Knowledge, ed. D. S. Farrer, SUNY Press, 2011, pp. 123–145.
