The Structure of a Typical Shorinji Kempo Class

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Shorinji Kempo classes typically last for two hours. This may seem like a long time to be doing any physical activity, but the time is broken down into sections. The following is a sample class plan to give an idea of what to expect:

Warm up (Junbi Taiso in Japanese) 10 - 15 minutes
A simple series of exercises to get everybody ready to train. It's intended to be enough to get the heart rate up, warm up muscles, mobilize joints and basically make sure that people can do Shorinji Kempo without risk of straining muscles etc.

Basic training (Kihon) 30 - 45 minutes
This phase of training is designed to get people used to the kind of body movement necessary to do Shorinji Kempo; the basic principles of how to stand, how to move to deliver punches and kicks, how to move to evade attacks, how to deliver counter attacks. Basic form work is common to all martial arts - Shorinji Kempo is unusual in that it tends to place at least an equal emphasis on training with partners during this element, rather than concentrating mostly on single form training. Initially, beginners will be paired with more experienced partners. This applies whenever you choose to come along - you won't just be left to get on with it. A lot of the content is repeated class after class - the reason for this is to basically get these basic movements programmed into your muscle memory, so that you don't have to think about what to do in given situations. In a self defence situation, you need reflex responses, so basic training is essential to be able to apply what you learn. It's also the foundation for everything you do in Shorinji Kempo.

Meditation and philosophy (Chinkon-gyo and Howa) 5 - 10 minutes
At some point during most Shorinji Kempo classes, there will be a few minutes seated meditation practice. This is nothing mystical - it's simply a breathing control exercise. It also reinforces the point that Shorinji Kempo is trying to train the mind and body together, not produce fighting machines. There will also be a short discussion of the philosophy which underlies Shorinji Kempo. Most martial arts were founded with the intention of being more than just fighting systems, but many have lost this perspective over time. Shorinji Kempo actively strives to maintain it - you need to demonstrate an understanding of the philosophy in order to pass gradings.

Technical training (Waza) 45 - 60 minutes
Students of Shorinji Kempo (kenshi) progress through a series of ranks - the belt system goes yellow, green, blue, brown, black. This follows a syllabus laid down by the World Shorinji Kempo Organisation. During this section of class students train on the techniques - usually defences against specific attacks - appropriate to their grade. Again, for the first few classes beginners will be usually be paired with more experienced members.

Warm down (Seiri Taiso) 5 - 10 minutes
There will normally be a warm down which might include some stretching exercises to help gradually improve flexibility.

Other aspects of training

Usually, at least one of the following will also be covered in most classes, sometimes in place of kihon or waza

Randori - This is the Shorinji Kempo equivalent of sparring i.e. free practice of attack and defence with no set techniques. This is essential to develop confidence in dealing with unrehearsed attacks. Beginners will be introduced to this step by step. This differs from sparring in at least one crucial respect - it is not competitive. The idea is that both partners learn from the experience, and will freely switch roles between attack and defence. The aim is to find out what works, not who is `better'. Randori can be practised with both `hard' (goho) and `soft' (juho) techniques.

Ukemi - Breakfalls. Shorinji Kempo does involve being thrown from time to time - this does not necessarily mean leaving the floor, however - and we give instruction in how to fall safely. The practical application is getting back on your feet as quickly as possible rather than trying to fight from the floor.

Tan En Kihon Hokei - Like the kata in other Japanese martial arts, Shorinji Kempo incorporates set sequences of attacks and defences done in such a way as to emphasise correct form. These can be single or pair form.

Seiho - A system of acupressure and massage techniques (similar to Shiatsu) designed to relieve mild strains etc. picked up during training. This is also probably the only aspect of Shorinji Kempo which your friends, family and flatmates would welcome you trying out on them.

Embu - Presentation. This is something unique to Shorinji Kempo, and not too easy to describe. Basically, you and a partner put together a sequence of fighting moves based on the techniques you know. The idea is to create something which shows off Shorinji Kempo techniques to best advantage, and which flows realistically. At its best, it makes sense of the term 'martial art'. A YouTube search for 'Shorinji Kempo Embu' should lead you to somme good examples but, as ever, beware of imitations! Embu is the only aspect of Shorinji Kempo where there are regular competitions. Two female members of the club were the highest placed non Japanese pair in their category at a World Shorinji Kempo event in Paris in 2001 - an impressive achievement. More recently, we have had a series of good placements (2nd and 3rd at the 2006 British Shorinji Kempo Federation taikai). Maybe you have what it takes to go one better...?!