A: Yes. WSKO publishes the Official Kenshi Handbook in English, Japanese, French, Spanish, and German. However, it is not free. Contact your national federation’s merchandise officer.
The practitioner is called a "Kenshi" (Fist Scholar/Warrior). The term implies an intellectual pursuit.
For the practitioner downloading an "updated Shorinji Kempo PDF," the file represents a bridge. It connects the post-war vision of Doshin So with the modern realities of global communication and sports science. It is a testament to the fact that while the principles of justice and compassion are eternal, the methods of teaching them must always be refreshed.
The PDF is not the end of the journey; it is the reference point. The true learning, as always, remains on the tatami.
Shorinji Kempo is a Japanese martial art and self-defense system founded by Doshin So (also known as Kaiso) in 1947. It is designed as a gyo (discipline) to develop individuals through physical and mental training, aiming to create a more peaceful society. Core Principles & Philosophy
The foundation of Shorinji Kempo is the doctrine of Kongo Zen, which emphasizes the unity of body and mind (Ken Zen Ichinyo) and the idea that strength must be balanced with compassion.
Ken Zen Ichinyo: Body and mind are one; training should balance physical prowess with mental acuity.
Riki Ai Funi: Strength and love are inseparable. Power without compassion is violence; compassion without power is ineffective.
Jikko Kakuritsu: Self-establishment. Developing oneself to become a reliable person who can help others. Technical System
The curriculum consists of over 600 techniques divided into two primary families: SHORINJI KEMPO VALUE-LEVEL-UP GUIDELINES
There is no official document or manual for Shorinji Kempo titled "Deep Piece." Within the Shorinji Kempo organization, technical manuals are strictly controlled by the World Shorinji Kempo Organization (WSKO) and are typically not available as updated PDFs for public distribution to protect intellectual property. shorinji kempo pdf updated
If you are looking for updated training materials, the following official resources are available: Official Shorinji Kempo Resources
WSKO Guidelines: The WSKO Value-Level-Up Guideline (2017) provides updated organizational standards and public relations rules.
Curriculum Objectives: The Shorinji Kempo Curriculum for Kyu Kenshi (updated April 2022) outlines the philosophical and technical requirements for various ranks.
Philosophy and Principles: General introductory documents like Welcome to Shorinji Kempo detail the discipline's core goals of self-defense, spiritual cultivation, and health. Unofficial and Historical Manuals
For technical reference, several community-uploaded PDFs exist on third-party sites like Scribd, though these may not represent the most current "updated" curriculum: Shorinji Kempo Curriculum for Kyu Kenshi - 少林寺拳法
To create a formal report on Shorinji Kempo, you should structure it to align with the official standards set by the World Shorinji Kempo Organization (WSKO). These standards emphasize the integration of martial techniques with the spiritual doctrine of Kongo Zen.
Below is a template for a comprehensive Shorinji Kempo report, incorporating the latest 2022 Curriculum updates. 🥋 Executive Summary Founder: Doshin So (1947 in Tadotsu, Japan).
Core Philosophy: "Half for one's own happiness and half for the happiness of others" (Jidatakyō-raku).
Key Pillars: Self-defense (Goshin), spiritual cultivation (Seishin Shūyō), and improved health (Kenkyū).
Structure: A non-competitive discipline focused on mutual growth and protection. 📜 Section 1: Philosophy and Origins A: Yes
Shorinji Kempo is not merely a sport but a gyo (discipline) designed to develop individuals who contribute to a peaceful society.
Background: Founded post-WWII to restore the spirit of the Japanese people through the teachings of Dharuma. The Three Essentials: Ken Zen Ichinyo: Unity of mind and body. Riki Ai Funi: Strength and love in harmony. Shushu Koju: Defense is primary, offense is secondary.
Goal: To nurture "reliable leaders" with a sense of justice and compassion. Section 2: Technical Curriculum (2022 Update)
The training syllabus is divided into two primary technical families: 1. Goho (Hard Techniques) Striking-based methods for distance management. Kogeki (Attacks): Punches (Tsuki) and Kicks (Geri). Bogyo (Defenses): Parries and blocks.
Measures: Focused on accuracy and speed rather than raw power. 2. Juho (Soft Techniques) Grappling-based methods for close-range defense. Nuki: Releases from grabs. Gyakute: Joint reversals and pins. Nage: Throws and takedowns. 3. Seiho (Healing)
Techniques for acupressure and body adjustment to aid recovery and health. 📋 Section 3: Official Procedures and Guidelines
For a report to be "proper" in an organizational context, it must respect Intellectual Property guidelines.
Reporting Requirements: All branch activities must be reported to the WSKO Secretariat.
Certification: Kenshi (students) must follow the official grading timeline, typically 3-6 months per exam in early stages.
IP Protection: Detailed instructional materials cannot be published without WSKO permission to maintain the "True Nature of Shorinji Kempo". 🛡️ Section 4: Modern Standards (Safety and Conduct) Chapter 7 Official Procedures - 少林寺拳法 A: Older romanization systems merged words
No instructional materials for Shorinji Kempo may be created or published by any individual without permission from WSKO. 少林寺拳法公式サイト SHORINJI KEMPO VALUE-LEVEL-UP GUIDELINES - 少林寺拳法
Shorinji Kempo is a Japanese martial art founded by in 1947, designed as a "discipline for developing individuals" through the balance of physical technique and spiritual philosophy [26, 29]. It focuses on effective self-defense that utilizes mechanics rather than raw strength, making it accessible regardless of age or gender [14, 24, 28]. 1. Philosophy & Purpose
: The ultimate aim is not just martial mastery, but developing "dependable individuals" who contribute to a peaceful society by considering others' happiness alongside their own [6, 7].
: The spiritual foundation of the art, focusing on self-reliance and the unity of mind and body [29]. Key Principles Ken Zen Ichinyo : Unity of mind and body. Riki Ai Fubi : Strength and love in harmony [7]. Seigou Ichinyo : Hard and soft techniques working as one [24]. 2. Core Curriculum (Technical Structure)
Training is divided into two primary technical categories that are practiced together [12]: Goho (Hard Techniques) : Focuses on striking, kicking, and blocking (e.g., Juho (Soft Techniques)
: Focuses on escapes, pins, joint locks, and throws to neutralize attackers without causing permanent injury [12, 14, 24]. Kihon (Basics) : The foundation of all training, including: : Body positions and stances [25]. : Standing methods [25]. : Footwork and movement [25]. : Body evasion [25]. 3. Training & Grading Guidelines Progression : Kenshi (students) progress through (colored belt) and (black belt) ranks [1, 27]. : With consistent practice, a student can typically achieve (1st-degree black belt) in approximately 3 years [27]. Chinkon Gyo : A meditation ritual involving regulated breathing (
) performed at the beginning or end of training to calm the mind [17]. 4. Official Resources (PDF Guides) World Shorinji Kempo Organization (WSKO) provides several official PDF guides for practitioners: Shorinji Kempo Curriculum for Kyu Kenshi (2022)
: The standard technical guide for beginner to intermediate levels [1]. Welcome to Shorinji Kempo (Introductory Guide)
: An overview of the history, philosophy, and basic rules [7]. Official Procedures for Individuals : Administrative guidelines for kenshi [10]. Value-Level-Up Guideline
: Guidelines on managing the intellectual property and public relations of the art [4]. required for a particular rank?
A: Older romanization systems merged words. An updated PDF will use the official "Shorinji Kempo" (two words). Avoid documents that lack the space – they are pre-1990.
Ironically, some of the most accurate updated Shorinji Kempo PDFs come from sports science researchers. Search for "Shorinji Kempo biomechanics" or "Kata analysis Shorinji Kempo" – these academic PDFs often include the latest technical drawings and are updated more frequently than commercial books.