Shorinji Kempo is not only a martial art, but is also a registered religion in Japan. It was founded in 1947 by Rev. Doshin So (1911 - 1980), who mastered the martial arts forms from various Shaolin Zen masters during his 17 year stay in China, before & during World War two. He chose the name, Shorinji (which is the Japanese translation of the Chinese characters for the words, "Shaolin Temple") because he wanted to carry on the tradition of the Shaolin Temple by training and cultivating both mind and body, along with the teachings of the Buddha. In 1951 he brought his masterpiece training back to the small town of Tadotsu, Japan and established his dojo to teach young people about the importance of physical and mental training by pointing out the crucial importance of "win and overcome oneself by unifying one's mind & body" rather than defeating the offender.
Today, 1.5 million members are practicing world-wide in 32 countries and 3,000 dojos. Needless to say, it is the largest organization of its kind. Since his death in 1980, Yuuki So, (Doshin So's daughter), has been continuing her dad's vision & teachings as president of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization.
Today, Shorinji Kempo is recognized not only as a martial art and a religion, but also for its generous donations and commitments to world charities. The Shorinji Kempo Organization headquarters are still located in Tadotsu on the island of Shikoku in Kagawa-Ken, Japan.
 Kuramoto-sensei sits with founder, Rev. Doshin So and classmates at the World Shorinji Kempo headquarters in Tadotsu, Japan in 1971.
Goho Techniques: "Goho" refers primarily to strikes, kicks, hammers, and sashes
Juho Techniques: "Juho" is techniques used when in contact with an opponent. Defense forms, releases, joints, reverses, throws, and pins.
Seiho: Health promotion through the prevention of illness or injury. The daily health maintenance and restoration of health at one's optimum level. Zen Acu-Therapy is designed in such a way as to support the establishment of a healthy individual who is physically and mentally sound and in balance.
· Zazen (Meditation): Establishment of spiritual and mental development through zen meditation, creating the ability to seek a justifiable yet peaceful solution without harming others and self.
NOTE: For those of you who are not familiar with the Manji symbol and its use in Buddhist history, please do not confuse it with, or mistake it for, the swastika! The Manji has been used for over two millenniums in Buddhism and is found in Buddhist temples and in Buddhist works of art throughout China, Japan and S.E. Asia. The symbol and its use originated in India and it has been used for different meanings by many different cultures since pre-historic times. In Japan the Manji is a common Buddhist symbol found in temples and on maps to show the locations of Buddhist temples. Shorinji Kempo students in Japan wear the Manji symbol on their gi because of its Buddhist connotations and because Shorinji Kempo seeks to follow in the traditions of the original Shaolin Temple in China. Because of the symbol's negative connotations in Western societies, Shorinji Kempo students in the West, wear a different symbol on their gi. We want to make it absolutely clear that Shorinji Kempo and its Buddhist Manji symbol have no connection whatsoever, to the Nazi swastika!
Shorinji Kempo of Hollywood
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