FAQs
Who can learn Shorinji Kempo?
Shorinji Kempo is open to people of all ages, fitness and abilities. We encourage children to join from 7 years of age.
What are the benefits of Shorinji Kempo?
Shorinji Kempo teaches self-defence and trains the body and mind to maintain a healthy balance between them. Regular training improves fitness and confidence while encouraging cooperation and mutual respect. It can be practiced year-round and does not require specialist equipment.
What does it cost?
Our clubs are not-for-profit, which makes Shorinji Kempo very affordable. We invite newcomers to take advantage of two free lessons and also welcome you to come along and watch or join in on a class to see if it is for you. Please contact your nearest club to hear the affordable monthly or school term charges.
What classes are available?
Classes are available for children from 7-12 years old; and 12-years and above for adults.
Do you have classes for beginners?
New and senior members train together in the same class, with the more experienced members helping newer ones. However, parts of the session are divided into groups so that everyone can practice the techniques of their level.
Can I try a session, or come and watch?
Yes. You can try two training sessions at no charge, and we welcome you to come along and watch training sessions at any time.
When is the best time to join?
There are no set intakes. If you want to join, do it now – there’s no time like the present to learn Shorinji Kempo.
How often would I practice?
It depends on the club, but generally there are practice sessions twice a week for adults and once a week for children. You don’t need to come to all sessions, however regular practice gets the best results if you want to improve. The more often you practice, the more progress you can see in your training, both physically and technically. Once you are a member, you are welcome to take additional training at any branch at no additional cost.
We also have combined training sessions (Godo Renshu) every two months in Auckland for kenshi (students). These Godo Renshu are split between North Shore, Central and East Auckland Branch locations.
What does a typical class look like?
A typical class includes samu (preparation - if mats or any other equipment need to be put out), then mediation (not necessarily at every class), warm up, basics, then split into grades for pair form training.
Am I required to attend every training session?
Attendance at every class is not necessary. We understand there are other demands on your time and students are not penalised if they don’t attend every class, or even choose to stop training for a while. Consistently attending training sessions is the best way to steadily rise through the grades and attendance of a minimum of training sessions (including seminars) is required for attaining belt grades.
Can I train at other branches?
Yes, once a member you can train at any branch in New Zealand or around the world. The benefit of Shorinji Kempo is that you are welcomed at any branch for additional classes, which helps for continuity while travelling. Many of our kenshi (students) have trained abroad including Australia, USA, Japan, and Europe.
Do Black Belts get any other training opportunities?
We have monthly training in Auckland for Black belts only. This is a combined training where kenshi (students) have the opportunity to ask questions and train with other black belts.
In addition, there are opportunities with special training sessions online or overseas for black belts only, which helps towards future grading requirements or enhancements of current techniques.
Are there competitions?
Competition is not the main focus of Shorinji Kempo. We have competitions in the form of embu, where you compete with a partner. An embu, in essence, is a (pre-arranged duel) choreographed fight. Typically a pair of students will design the fight to look as realistic as possible, and they’ll practice and practice until it’s perfect. This is an opportunity to take what you’ve been practicing and perform it under pressure.
There are a few things going on here. Firstly, and most obviously, practicing techniques again and again means you improve. This will carry over into other techniques, which aren’t in the embu. For example, your posture and general attitude, and the strength of your kiai (spirit shout) will improve.
Working with a partner will improves both practioners’ skills and speed more so than if you were working alone. Each person has different strengths, and as long as you help each other, rather than compete, you will learn from each other.
The process of building the embu will also teach you a lot. You’ll learn which techniques flow on from one another, where your weight has to be in order to make a move, and which sequences are unlikely to happen in practice.
Learning to concentrate will manage nerves and stress – a useful skill in almost all walks of life!
What is a grading?
Gradings are the different skill levels of Shorinji Kempo. There are six kyū (belt rank or grading) to achieve before attaining black belt. Gradings involve a practical test, in which you demonstrate your techniques, and a theoretical test. For kyū ranks, this is a written homework assessment, while dan ranks have both homework and a written test on the day of the grading.
How often can I grade?
The first grading is generally taken within about three or four months of training. The higher the belt, the longer the time between each grading. A minimum of training sessions and months between gradings are required before qualifying for a grading. Your instructor will tell you when you are ready for a grading.
What sets Shorinji Kempo apart from other martial arts?
Shorinji Kempo has a philosophy of defend first, act second – it is not about learning to fight, but learning to defend yourself. Our kenshi (students) learn about self-defense and building a strong spirit. Our clubs are not-for-profit and our instructors do not get paid, which makes it very affordable for members. We invite newcomers to take advantage of two free lessons so they can find out if Shorinji Kempo is suitable for them.
What does Shorinji Kempo mean?
Kempo is the generic Japanese word for martial arts or the Way of the Fist. Shorinji is the Japanese translation of Shaolin, which refers to the famous Shaolin Temple in Hanan province, where Doshin So, the founder, first trained. “Shorinji Kempo” may be translated as “Way of the Shaolin Fist”.
Do I need any special equipment?
No, you can train in a T-shirt and track pants. Only when you become a member, will you need a dogi - the official Shorinji Kempo uniform. On becoming a member you also receive your own syllabus and philosophy book. Our clubs generally have some training bags and protectors and as you progress in the grades you may choose to purchase your own personal protector, but this is not mandatory. Also, many branches will fundraise for additional equipment that may be needed.