Training Approach
Shorinji Kempo classes at Yorkville Branch (and elsewhere) include the following:
- Chinkon: seated meditation and breathing exercises.
- Taiso: warm-up and stretching exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
- Kihon: basic movements such as punches, kicks, blocks, footwork, rolls, and forms.
- Gakka: lecture on technical and philosophical aspects of Shorinji Kempo.
- Hokei: pair-form techniques from Shorinji Kempo’s globally-standardized syllabus.
- Randori: application of techniques through non-competitive sparring.
- Embu: individual, pair, and group performances of choreographed sequences.
The training is designed to embody and emphasize several key principles:
- Ken Zen Ichinyo: body and mind are one.
- Riki Ai Funi: unity of strength and love.
- Shushu Koju: defense is primary, offense is secondary.
- Fusatsu Katsujin: not to harm, but to awaken.
- Go Ju Ittai: hard and soft work together.
- Kumite Shutai: pair work is fundamental.
These ideas are part of Shorinji Kempo’s broader philosophy, which stresses the impact of one’s actions on others. Though rooted in Buddhism, this philosophy is compatible with other religions and may be summarized by a quote from Shorinji Kempo’s founder:
- The person! Everything depends on the quality of the person! Given that everything is conducted by people, there is no other way to achieve real peace than to develop as many individuals as possible with strong senses of charity, courage, and justice.