Thinking about starting a martial art, but not sure what to expect? There are loads of ideas floating around out there, thanks to films and stories, but often the reality is quite different. Let’s bust five common myths and see what training is really about!
Myth 1: Getting a black belt means you’re a master.
This is a classic from the movies! In most traditional martial arts systems, a black belt (or 1st Dan) isn’t the end of the journey at all, but rather the beginning of serious study. It signifies that you’ve built solid fundamentals. Higher Dan grades and continued practice are where you really refine your depth, teaching skill, and character.
In Shorinji Kempo, practitioners (called kenshi) progress through different Dan grades. 3rd Dan and above are considered to be teachers, called Sensei. The teachers at Bristol Shorinji Kempo Dojo, Nicki Higgins and Mike Sadler, are both 5th Dan, meaning they are highly experienced Sensei.
Myth 2a: Martial arts are only for young, strong, and athletic people.
Forget the images of flips and high kicks! Many martial arts, including Shorinji Kempo, offer adaptations suitable for nearly everyone, regardless of body type, fitness level, or age. The techniques don’t rely on raw power or athleticism. Instead, Shorinji Kempo uses principles like balance, leverage, momentum, and accuracy.
This means that with training, a smaller or less strong person can effectively defend themselves against a larger aggressor. The Bristol Shorinji Kempo Dojo specifically welcomes beginners and it doesn’t matter if you’re unfit – you can train to your own level.
Myth 2b: Size doesn’t matter when you know the techniques.
Am I contradicting myself? I just said that smaller, weaker people can effectively defend themselves. That’s true to an extent, but size does matter. All the skill in the world won’t help if your opponent is twice your size and can pick you up with one hand. Especially if they catch you by surprise.
That’s why in Shorinji Kempo we emphasise being aware of your surroundings, assessing the situation and if necessary, running away!
Myth 3: Martial arts are all about fighting and violence.
While “martial” sounds like combat, systems like Shorinji Kempo place a strong emphasis on character development, discipline, fitness, and community. Fighting for fighting’s sake goes against the ideals. Shorinji Kempo encourages students to pursue two main goals: develop yourself and help others. The art is a holistic system that trains both the mind and the body, following the concepts of riki ai funi (strength and compassion are not separable) and ken zen ichinyo (train body and mind as one).
Every Shorinji Kempo class includes seated meditation (Chinkon) to calm and focus the mind, and discussion of philosophy (Howa) aimed at improving individuals and the world around them. There’s also a focus on health training (Seiho), which includes healing techniques like acupressure.
Myth 4: You can become ‘street-ready’ in just a few weeks.
Quick-fix self-defence courses might raise awareness, but developing solid skill, timing, and the ability to perform under stress takes time – months or even years of consistent, pressure-tested training.
In Shorinji Kempo, training involves learning basic movements (Kihon), specific techniques (Waza), structured sequences (Embu), and unstructured practice or ‘sparring’ (Randori). This layered approach requires regular practice to become instinctive.
The Bristol Shorinji Kempo Dojo practices basics in every class and ensures beginners are matched with appropriate partners or given one-to-one instruction to help them improve together, understanding that building skill is a journey.
Myth 5: You need expensive gear or a fancy gym to train.
Don’t be fooled by glossy marketing or social media images. While uniforms (dogi) and protective gear for sparring are used, the essential requirements for effective training are far simpler. A clear floor, patient instructors, and committed training partners are what truly matter.
Many great classes happen in community venues. The Bristol Shorinji Kempo Dojo operates in south Bristol at locations like The Harbour, Totterdown and Windmill Hill City Farm, proving that a dedicated training space and good instruction are more important than a high-tech facility.
So, if you’re curious about martial arts, look beyond the myths! Shorinji Kempo, as taught by the friendly team at Bristol Shorinji Kempo Dojo, offers a varied and balanced system for self-defence and self-development, accessible to almost anyone. Why not give it a go?