Thinking about starting a martial art or already on the mat? You might be curious where it all came from. While Shorinji Kempo is practised all over the world today, it has a fascinating history rooted in post-war Japan, with a philosophy that’s just as important as the physical techniques.
Our story starts with Doshin So, the founder of Shorinji Kempo. Born Michiomi Nakano in 1911, he spent his youth in northern China, including time as an intelligence agent during the Second World War. This period, particularly witnessing the devastating aftermath of the Soviet invasion of Manchuria, deeply impacted him. He saw firsthand the importance of the “nature and quality of the person” in shaping the world around them.
After the war, Doshin So returned to a demoralised Japan. Stationed in the small town of Tadotsu on Shikoku island, he wanted to help rebuild not just the country, but the people themselves. He initially tried teaching Buddhist philosophy, but found people weren’t receptive. Inspired by a vision attributed to Bodhidharma and drawing on martial arts techniques he had learned in China, he established Shorinji Kempo in 1947.
Doshin So didn’t create Shorinji Kempo as just another fighting style or competitive sport. His aim was a “holistic system” for self-defence and training both the mind and the body. This follows the core concepts that “spirit and body are not separable” (shinshin-ichinyo) and that it’s essential to train “body and mind as one” (kenzen ichinyo). The ultimate goals he set for practitioners (kenshi) were simple yet profound: to establish oneself and to help others. Fighting for its own sake was against his ideals; instead, training should build confidence and the ability to stand up for those in need.
This vision is why training in Shorinji Kempo today is so varied. A typical class involves physical training like Basics (Kihon) and Techniques (Waza), covering both hard (strikes, blocks – Goho) and soft (escapes, throws, pins – Juho) methods. But equally vital are the mental and health aspects. Every session includes seated meditation (Chinkon) to calm and focus the mind, and discussion of philosophy (Howa) aimed at improving individuals and the world. There’s also training in healing techniques (Seiho) based on acupressure. This balanced approach directly reflects the founder’s original intent.
For current students, understanding this history shows that grading isn’t just about physical prowess. Reaching black belt (1st Dan) is seen as the beginning of serious study, not the end, demonstrating solid fundamentals. Higher grades involve refining skill, character, and teaching ability. It’s also encouraging to know the techniques are designed for anyone – regardless of size, strength, or fitness – by using principles like balance and leverage rather than raw power.
Knowing the history helps explain why classes aren’t just about learning how to defend yourself, but also about discipline, community, fitness, and developing a strong mind. It’s about the “quality of the person”.
So, next time you come to class at Bristol Shorinji Kempo or any dojo, remember you’re part of a tradition that started with a powerful vision to help people stand up for themselves and contribute positively to the world.