South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo Dojo News

A life saved, saves lives - Young Reporters. By Ella Kennedy, Ursuline High School Wimbledon

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:28:07 GMT

A life saved, saves lives - By Ella Kennedy, Ursuline High School Wimbledon

A Kempo class took a turn when teacher Sensei Paul White suddenly went into cardiac arrest. Thanks to the quick thinking of Paul Hughes and others present, his life was saved.

During the incident, Simon Mann, an attendee at the class, acted swiftly and immediately called an ambulance while Paul Hughes placed him in recovery position.

The situation escalated when Paul White stopped breathing and his heart completely stopped.

Sensei Paul Hughes initiated CPR without hesitation and continued for four to five minutes until the ambulance arrived. Simon kept his phone on loudspeaker, allowing the emergency services to guide the instructor through the correct compression rhythm — 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths.

When the paramedics arrived, they were impressed with the prompt and accurate response, especially as most people don’t know what to do in a situation like this. They allowed Paul Hughes to continue while they quickly set up the defibrillator.

The ambulance crew administered eight shocks before his heart restarted — an astonishing 20 minutes later. It was nothing short of a miracle.

Paul White was a taxi driver so knew ‘The Knowledge’, London’s taxi navigation exam. After he recovered in hospital he was still able to do it.

Reflecting on the experience, Paul Hughes said: “If he had gone into cardiac arrest driving his taxi or walking his dog, he probably wouldn’t have made it.”

Paul Hughes started his own mission to get as many people as possible through first aid training.

Simon’s daughter Marina Mann attends Hughes’ dojo and attended a first aid course with Wimbledon First Aid Training.

She said: “We were all taught how to administer CPR, including rescue breaths and compressions as well as how to use a defibrillator. It covered a broad range of topics.”

Marina added: “While I hope I will never have to use the skills Jan Craven taught us, I’m very glad that I have them, just in case.”

Paul White launched a defibrillator campaign following his recovery. He and his wife, Paula, 68, joined their neighbours to raise over £1,000 by participating in the London Ambulance Charity’s first-ever fundraising walk, the London Life Hike.

The funds raised contribute to installing life-saving defibrillators in deprived areas of London where they are most needed.

So far, the walk has raised an impressive £33,000 and counting for the London Heart Starters campaign. It aims to improve survival rates for cardiac arrest victims by placing defibrillators in critical locations across the city.

This incredible story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of first aid training and the impact of having life-saving equipment readily available.

Immediate action can make the difference between life and death, and thanks to the bravery and quick response of those involved, a life was saved that day.

This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website .

Shorinji Kempo is a discipline that develops individuals - Wimbledon Kempo Dojo

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 23:44:10 GMT

Shorinji Kempo is a discipline that develops individuals - South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo Dojo.

Half for the happiness of ourselves and half for the happiness of others. Consideration for ourselves and also the consideration for others. In this way, we contribute to well-being and peace in society.

Shorinji Kempo brings three benefits of self-defence, improved health and spiritual cultivation.

Through practice, people gain confidence, courage, vigour and nurture a spirit of compassion and justice.

There is a simultaneous development of body and mind (zenzen ichinyo). The goal is not victory over others as this can lead to taking pleasure in others misfortunes and thinking such as “if I am stronger, that is good enough”.

The Chinese character for martial or “bu” looks like the words “stop spears”. Shorinji Kempo is not about seeking out battle or wounding enemies but rather about stopping conflict and contributing to peace and culture.

Budo is a greater path of building up oneself and others in mind and body who have the courage and abilities to stand up to injustice and corruption. Budo should be a path for one’s sake, for the sake of others and for the sake of society.

The character for gyo (discipline) looks like strong people carrying children or old people and facing each other. In this spirit, Shorinji Kempo seeks to make a society in which the strong assist the weak and all can live together in happiness.

No person can live without others. In addition to valuing ourselves we should also value others. Our training aims to build up sound body and spirit that can be relied upon (jiko kakuritsu) and to give the same consideration to others that we give to ourselves (jita kyoraku).

Learn more about South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo Dojo, click here .
To book a class or to become a member, click here .

Shorinji Kempo at South Wimbledon Dojo

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:51:22 GMT

Shorinji Kempo at South Wimbledon Dojo

Initially, my dad and I joined the South Wimbledon Dojo because we thought American Kenpo (a martial art we had been learning via Zoom during Covid with our California-based relatives) and Shorinji Kempo were the same thing. We wanted to find a place to keep up our training in a more structured environment than our living room and potentially earn our yellow belts. A quick Google search told us that there was a place relatively close to us that offered what we were looking for, and we couldn’t wait to go. After attending a session, we realised that the two arts were not the same, but we both really enjoyed the class and decided to take up Kempo anyway. I’m so glad we did!

We’ve now been doing Kempo since 2021 and while we are a little slower to climb the grades than some of the others, we have learnt so many brilliant techniques and recently got our orange belts. As well as self-defense, Kempo also teaches us the importance of staying calm and practicing mindfulness with meditation (known as Chinkon). This is something you can implement in your daily life, for example, I tried to use Chinkon to calm

my mind before exams and other stressful situations. We have also met so many new people from so many different backgrounds. The Dojo is such a welcoming place and offers such a lovely opportunity for community and friendship, whether you’ve been going for years, months, weeks or if it’s your first lesson. Opportunities like trips to a Soto Zen Dojo or a Jodoshishu temple and Zen Garden offer the chance to learn more about Japanese culture as well as help us understand the philosophy behind our martial art.

Another thing that was offered by our Dojo recently was the opportunity to take part in a first aid course with Wimbledon First Aid Training. 11 of our Dojo participated in the course and we all came out of it with an EFAW (emergency first aid at work) qualification. It was such a valuable experience that gave us all the knowledge that could potentially help to save someone's life. We learnt how to assess situations where first aid might be needed, spot the signs of certain illnesses and manage a scene before the arrival of paramedics. We covered bleeding, choking, burns, head injuries and so much more. Most significantly, we were all taught how to administer CPR, including rescue breaths and compressions as well as how to use a defibrillator. It covered a broad range of topics and while I hope I will never have to use the skills Jan Craven taught us, I’m very glad that I have them, just in case.

Overall, my experience with South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo has been invaluable. Teaching me the arts of self-defense, meditation and first aid while also providing such an amazing community full of lovely people who I would never have met otherwise.

Written by Marina Mann

To learn more about Paul Hughes and Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo click here .
To join Wimbledon Kempo or to try a Free class book here .

The Meaning of Bu and Essence of Budo. Martial arts - Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 20:45:20 GMT

The Meaning of Bu and Essence of Budo.

Martial arts- Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo

T Gakka Essay for 1st Kyu

My essay will discuss The Meaning of Bu and Essence of Budo. Martial arts - Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo .

Bu can be translated as meaning training for fighting or war and Self defense training.
Budo can be translated as the way of fighting training. In traditional Chinese and Japanese kanji script the literal translation is to stop two spears. A way to shop fighting through martial arts training.
The aim of Budo is to mould individuals who settle dispute – not always by physical force.These individuals can make a better society for everyone.
Budo can be seen as a way of training our minds and bodies, even though most people in the developed world do not face life or death situations. It’s more than just self defence.
Shorinji kempo students Kenshi experiences the notion that hard work is required to be successful in training and gaining new grades.
Budo can give an individual the confidence to stand up for what we believe to be correct. Not just self defence.

This concludes my short essay on the Meaning of Bu and Essence of Budo.

To learn more about Paul Hughes and Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo click here.
To join Wimbledon Kempo or to try a Free class book here .

Sen means before an event. If a kenshi is 1 step ahead of an opponent then they have the advantage.

wimbledonkempo@gmail.com (Paul Huges) — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:08:53 GMT

Sen means before an event. If a kenshi is 1 step ahead of an opponent then they have the advantage. Whoever strikes first has an advantage but this has a moral, ethical and legal dilemma.

Sen can be described as initiative. But there are three types of Sen as below:

Go no Sen - knowing an attack is coming and taking steps to avoid or stop it, and then counter attacking. Go no sen requires the kenshi to be fully alert and to be waiting for the time to stop their opponents attack and then counter attack. An example of this could be kaishin zuki or shita uke zuki: the kenshi has a defensive or non-aggressive / non-threatening posture and can then block and counter when a punch is thrown at their head.

Tai no sen - being aware that an attack is incoming, has already started, and so the kenshi immediately performs a near simultaneous defence and offence. As soon as a kenshi sees their opponent move that is the time to act

Sen no sen - knowing that an attack is about to be started and then the kenshi launches a pre-emptive strike. The clues will be change in body language such as clenched fists, change in breathing, aggressive language. The preemptive strike is to stop violence being directed at the kenshi. To an onlooker it could be viewed that the kenshi has sucker punched their opponent but the reality is that the kenshi was aware that they were about to be the victim of an attack.

The sooner a kenshi has control of a situation, the better.

Ki no sen - this is the use of ki energy to be aware of the intentions of an opponent. The theory is that if ki is very sensitive a kenshi can predict the psychological makeup of their opponent and what decisions they may make.

Learn more about South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo Dojo, click here...
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The six distinguishing characteristics of Shorinji Kempo. Paul Hughes 10 December 2023 SanDan grading.

wimbledonkempo@gmail.com (Paul Huges) — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 23:12:04 GMT

The six distinguishing characteristics of Shorinji Kempo. Paul Hughes 10 December 2023 SanDan grading.

The six distinguishing characteristics of Shorinji Kempo are Ken Zen Ichinyo, Rikiaifuni, Shushu koju,

Fusatsu Katsujin, goju ittai and Kumite shutai. These are the core of Kaiso's original teachings. These can

be split into three groups how to:

Strengthen ourselves and live our lives, ken zen ichinyo and Riki ai funi. These are the two most import

characteristics.

2. The way to use our shorinji kempo skills, Shushu koju and Fusatsu katsujin

3. The best way to train Go ju ittai and Kumite Shutai.

There is also a seventh Fuhai Shoju.”Don't lose!”

KEN ZEN ICHINYO

Ken zen ichinyo means unity of mind and body. It's the most important concept out of the six. It teaches

that the mind and body are to be trained together in Shorinji Kempo and in all martial arts. As they are so

heavily linked you must not neglect one over the other. They are two side of the same coin. We shouldn't

look at the world in a dualistic way after all you can not have a mind without a body. With our minds we

create the world.

The word “ken” means “fist” but in this instance everything everything related to the physical aspects of

martial arts and the body.

The word “Zen” means meditation but in this instance means “mind.” Or things related to the mind or

mindfulness.
Lchinyo means “are one” , unity or oneness.

Martial arts and Shorinji Kempo are designed to promote this unity of mind and body. Exercises that

work both mind and body together to create unity are called shishin ichinyo. This helps to create strong

balanced effective individuals.

It's important not to see things only as relating to the mind or body. Long term strain on the body

can effect our mental health and bad mental healthy can effect the health of our body. The mind of a

heathy person can help heal the body reduce illness . Also if we get sick it's not just our body that is

effected our mind lacks motivation, if we are surprised it's not just our mind that is effected our heart can

skip a beat or we can sweat. A champion chess player vastly improve his game by learning a martial art.

A strong body will help him concentrate for longer. Too must study is no good you body needs exercise if

you want a strong healthy mind. Over time you can rewire the brain so you're genuinely feeling much

stronger and free from anxiety or depression.

Learning to breath properly is a physical thing that effects the mind greatly. It effects our emotional state

and is a very import part of shorinji kempo training. Actors who want to cry on stage deliberately make

their breathing very shallow as it effects the mind so much. It's important to to condition your mind and

body to work together so you don't need to just think what to do in a fight your body knows what to do

because of all your training. So you can be in the moment. And can flow.

Mind and body are extremely linked. When bodhidharma first arrived in China he was rejected by the

Chinese because he told them that Buddhism wasn't about memorising sacred text, or reciting sacred

sutra. All of those started long after Buddhas death. The first buddha achieved enlightenment by simply

meditating under a tree. So Bodhidharma went to meditate in a cave in the mountains for 9 years to stop

his body from getting weak he practised and indian martial and by making his body strong he kept his

mind strong for meditation and enlightenment. After 9 years he was accepted he came down from the cave

and went to the local temple. He found the monks their to be weak from study and meditation so started

teaching them martial arts. So they could go deeper into their meditation also what good is meditation if

they are too weak to defend themselves and are killed. Over time the monks became strong and more

effective this was the beginning of the legendary Shaolin Temple.

RIKI AI FUNI

Riki Ai Funi literally means “Strength and Love are not two.” It's the second of the two most important

characteristics with ken zen ichinyo. The first two are about how to develop and carry out our lives. Riki

ai funi is for the Dojo and our every day lives. Strength in this instance refers to both physical and mental

strength including intellectual strength. Love in this instance refers to compassion, kindness and

gentleness rather than romantic love.

Funi means not two. And like a Zen riddle Ko-en to free the mind Doshin So asks you to see them as

the same thing inseparable. You can not have one without the other. Strength and intellect with out

compassion will lead to evil and compassion without the strength to back it up is weak and ineffectual.

You must have both and to have both and do the right thing is true strength. Not necessarily just a physical

threat but any kind of injustice. Riki ai funi teaches us to use our strength against injustice and to should

them compassion if they truly repent. Strong but kind.

Riki ai funi teaches us to be a good person as well as a strong one. Teach bad people a lesson and show

everyone a good example through good speech action and deed. Riki ai funi is similar to ken zen

ichinyo in that again it's two important sides to a coin you cant have one without the other.

SHUSHU KOJU

Literally meaning “defend comes first attacking is secondary.” This falls into the second pair group of

techniques with fusatsu katsujin. The third of 6. These two are about the proper ways to use shorinji

kempo techniques. From a moral point of view it's wrong to strike the first blow after all shorinji Kempo

is a gyo for developing people and isn't about indulging the Ego or acting in revenge for an insult. Kenshi

should always aim to avoid violence if they can. “Keep the piece determine to be true and brave.” aim to

stop two spears the true meaning of Budo.

From a legal perspective is a witness or adversary sees you throw the first blow it can be you being

punished by a court of law. You have to prove you had no other choice and you used reasonable force. It

could easily go against you especially if they are injured or worse. It's best to avoid the fight if you can

but if there's no way out and they take a swing at you then yes defend yourself. The exception to this rule

is shikaku waza and these techniques are always grappling and restraining techniques. Again you must

prove there was no other way out.

From a technical perspective letting your opponent throw the first blow gives you an advantage. As

long as you slip the blow says from a punch his fist is high energy jitsu but the rest of his body is Kyu low

energy so as long as he's committed to that punch his whole body is wide open for a very effective counter

blow. you should use a non aggressive stance as not to provoke him but also leave gaps to trick him into a

predictable attack. Again giving you an advantage.

It's worth considering if you are sure of attack they have effectively started so you can make you more

first. They may also be intoxicated so good judgment is required. What if they have a weapon then this is

clear intent and if there's no way out they can be dealt with more servilely but within reasonable force.

FUSATSU KATSUJIN

Fusatsu katsujin, This is the fourth of the six characteristics and is paired with Shushu kojo and again is

about the proper use of Shorinji kempo techniques. Do not Kill, but help other people. Literally meaning

“not to kill, people to live.” Shorinji Kempo should never be used to take life rather promote life and

improve life.

Fusatsu means do not to harm in the modern world with all it's safety why is this statement necessary?

Martial art in the passed have been misused to kill also in modern times by organised crime, the Triads

and mafia organisations in China and around the world. Martial arts have been used by the military for

killing in the passed and even now Krav maga teaches techniques that can permanently injure or are

designed to kill. In modern MMA and cage fighting participants fight for money, entertainment, gambling

and personal glory. Shorinji Kempo don't want these things rather the development of the Kenshi and the

society as a whole. Shorinji Kempo is a Gyo. Although injury could happen in a fight using shorinji

kempo you should not aim to and definitely never kill.

Not only would you probably end up in prison if you were to kill but you would certainly have bad energy

Karma for killing someone or injuring. “If you injure you opponent you injure yourself.” “ Hou Shall not

kill.”

The techniques of Shorinji Kempo are designed deliberately not to kill or cause serious injury they

attack nerve points or cause extreme pain or heavily wind an an opponent. These ideas are covered in the

five points of attemi. Destroying their will to fight or temperately winding so they cant fight or with some

nerve points the ability to fight. Grappling them to the floor and using a painful lock. Rather then breaking

bones. Ideally not damaging them if possible but defiantly never to kill.

Katsujin – Develop human potential. The second part of the phrase asks us to make people live. Not just

not kill but to waken. If you were to take someone's life they will never have the ability to repent and turn

over a new leaf. Use the pain compliance and the attackers defeat as a chance for them to change their

ways and live a good life. Martial arts like Karate have sayings like “one punch, certain death, “ Shorinji

kempo expression is “one punch helps many” Use kempo as a way of improving not just yourself but all

of society friend or foe.

GO JU ITTAI

The third and final pair of the six are Goju ittai and kumite Shutai.These two are about how to practice

and train most effectively.

Go Ju Ittai means hard and soft form one whole. The fighting techniques for Shorinji Kempo are normal

classified as Goho hard striking techniques punches kicks blocks and Juho soft grappling techniques. But

as you progress they become inseparable and are always used together. Goho aimes to incapacitate with

atemi it doesn't take as long to learn as Juho. Juho is the soft system similar to jujitsu. Joint locks, eludes,

throws, holds are used. Ways to escape grappling attacks or ways to grapple an opponent. Juho is harder

to learn then goho. It's important to be able to do both as there are situations where they are needed. This

broad approach will give you more options and a better chance of defending yourself safely and with

needing brute or excessive force. From 4th dan onwards they are all taught together. And aren't separated

at all.

KUMITE SHUTAI

Pair-form training is at the heart of Shorinji Kempo. This is the sixth characteristic of Shorinji Kempo.

Single form exercises like in Taiso , single form kihon exercise and kata are extremely useful but should

be seen as the basics that lead on to the pair form work. Like the difference between Gi and jutsu. One

leads on from the other. Martial arts like karate put a lot of put importance on kata, shorinji kempo on the

other hand gives weight to more pair form work. This is for both technical and spiritual reasons.

It's almost impossible to learn many of the techniques without a partner to throw around judge the

distance and timing. Learn the correct amount of power to use the correct points to hit ext. Also pair form

embu are far more impressive than single form. Randori without a partner is impossible and would just

be shadow boxing. Training with a partner is more enjoyable and you help each other to improve. As they

improve so do you. You make good friends and develop interpersonal skills. The murals at the Shaolin

temple show monks from Indian and china training together and smiling it's an import part to training.

Learning to cooperate and get along with people is an important life skill.

FUHAI SHOJU

You must not lose; winning is secondary. So one should not be looking to win fights rather avoid

them. If you are stuck if you don't see it as defeat it isn't. You can keep going. When you see yourself as

defeated then you are until you reach that point you are not. It's ok to enter completions and win but you

should make your whole purpose about that. Also you should aim to win fights to boost your standing or

ego rather avoid fights unless completely necessary.

Book a class with Shorinji Kempo Dojo Wimbledon, click here...

My martial arts history and my motivations for choosing Shorinji Kempo - Paul Hughes South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo.

wimbledonkempo@gmail.com (Paul Huges) — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 19:50:49 GMT

My martial arts history and my motivations for choosing Shorinji Kempo. By Mr Paul Hughes South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo Dojo Branch Master.

From junior School age in the 1970’s I had wanted to learn a martial art. After Watching the Japanese TV show “Money Magic.” I knew I wanted to learn martial arts and I was inadvertently introduced to Zen Buddhism. I was very weak as a child and didn’t really enjoy very competitive western sports but knew I wanted to be strong and learn to fight back.

Living near Bedford in the 80’s it was an obvious choice to choose Karate which was really booming at that time. So at age 15 I started learning Shotokan Karate with Sensei John Van Weenen MBE. 8th DAN . I was really inspired by that great man and my martial arts journey had begun. After just a year of TASK Shotokan Karate I started to diversify training briefly in Lau Gar Kung Fu/Chinese KickBoxing before being sent off to boarding School for my A levels.

Soft beats hard, hard destroys soft. At Monkton Combe School just outside Bath I was very lucky to train in Judo under Sensei Peter Thatcher 8th DAN. This is when I realized the importance of grappling and the important balance between striking with throwing. From 1989 onwards I was constantly looking for ways to balance my training. Judo is a truly excellent system.

After Monkton I studied at College in Bristol and really started to diversify. I briefly returned to Shotokan Karate before taking up Kyudokai, a mix of Goju Ryu Karate and Aikido. That was with Sensei Jonny Finch. 4th DAN. About the same time I was learning Contact Karate and Iaido which I really enjoyed. I also trained briefly in Wing Chung and Ki Aikido. I really enjoyed this eclectic collection of martial arts. It helped to give me a good overview of what was out there at the time. A very early experiment into mixed martial arts/MMA.

Ju Jutsu/Ju Jitsu/ Jitsu federation. 90’s Jujitsu boom. I knew from Sensei Peter Thatcher that Judo and Jujitsu were extremely effective and decided to give Jujitsu, JITSU federation, a go training under Sensei Rod Chapman at Bath Sports Centre. 1998-2003.This was an amazing time for me with many highs and lows. The lows made me look for something more authentically Japanese with grappling/striking and importantly meditation and sound philosophy.

SHORINJI KEMPO, now age 30 I was craving a martial art which would allow me to train in Japan. I wanted a system that was a mixed martial art but I also preferred the philosophy of traditional Japan. While traveling in Japan in the mid 90’s I trained briefly at a police Dojo then through a Japanese friend discovered Nippon SHORINJI KEMPO. Living in Bath, my nearest SHORINJI KEMPO dojo was at Bristol University, I decided to take the plunge, training 3 times a week and attending weekend seminars/ gashuku. Also training and travelling several times in Japan. Sensei’s Dav. Spilling and Sensei Mike Saddler 5th Dan had a huge influence on my whole life. I was so happy SHORINJI KEMPO had everything I was looking for! I graded for first Dan/SHODAN on 4thAugust 2007, passing with flying colours!

On the 31st of March 2009 I moved to London, Finchley Road. I started learning to Box at “left hook” boxing gym then returned to SHORINJI KEMPO training under Sensei Jee 6th Dan after being invited by a good friend. Sensei Jee started teaching JUGO KEN and I moved to Tooting Broadway due to work. I trained in traditional Ju-Jutsu/Ju-Jitsu at Tooting leisure centre. London Ju-Jitsu. I really enjoy training with those guys for 6 months.

Returning the fold… BSKF/IKA SHORINJI KEMPO under Grand Master Sensei Mizuno 8th DAN at Mayfair Dojo. Training under Grand Master Sensei Mizuno was without debt the pinnacle of my SHORINJI KEMPO career. It had been my ambition to train under Sensei Mizuno since I first started in 2003. Sensei Mizuno founded the BSKF in 1974 and is famous around the world for his incredible Shorinji Kempo skill, dedication to the original teachings and for his excellent character. I still train at his old dojo, now Marylebone Shorinji Kempo Dojo, on Tuesday evening. Sensei Mizuno is now semi-retired and Marylebone Shorinji Kempo Dojo is run by Sensei Jeremy Peakin. I help with instruction there.

On the Sunday 16th of October 2016 South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo branch was founded! Founded by myself Branch Master Paul Hughes. Officially named Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo Dojo, it took the name SOUTH WIMBLEDON SHORINJI KEMPO DOJO. This was the realization of an ambition that went back to my early karate training in the 80’s, to become a Sensei and have my own Dojo! After a very popular opening class numbers started to grow. My Dojo South Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo Dojo. Is now one of the most popular SHORINJI KEMPO branches in the Country with Students coming from all over London to train. A real success story!

Kan – Intuition. Paul Hughes Sandan grading,Wimbledon Shorinji Kempo. Kan translated as intuition is more than just Ki no sen although that is part of it.

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 20:36:43 GMT

Kan – Intuition. Paul Hughes Sandan grading, Wimbledon Kempo.

Kan translated as intuition is more than just Ki no sen although that is part of it. It's more than just the animal instinct all creatures are born with. It's something that is cultivated with much practice until it's there in the background of your mind helping to guide your actions or a learned response now subconsciously aiding your actions.

You brain is constantly looking for patters and with enough experience it's will see the patters recurring and immediately guide you. Not magic but amazing when done well and without effort. A good example is when kenshi start practising randori they can find it very difficult to know what to do. After much practice they can perform randori without too much thought by simply following their intuition or Kan, programmed into their subconscious mind. Kan is far more than just something that effects good randori is something that influences you whole life, something that guides you everyday in everything you do. It's there in the background looking for repeating patterns so it can help you.

Kan is created though your experiences if you have a lot of experience your Kan will be strong and so it's important to trust it. Kan is there to help you and once properly cultivated can save your life. It's seen this scenario before many times and lets you know the most probable answer about to arise.

SHORINJI KEMPO a traditional mixed martial art MMA for self-defence and self-development! Gendai Budo/Modern Japanese Martial Art.

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:10:26 GMT

SHORINJI KEMPO a traditional mixed martial art MMA for self-defence and self-development!

Gendai Budo/Modern Japanese Martial Art.

SHORINJI KEMPO was founded in Japan in 1947 by a Japanese martial arts master. His name was Doshin So, using Chinese pronunciation. In Japanese, his name was MichiomiNakano. The name SHORINJI KEMPO means Shaolin Kung Fu in Japanese. It was inspired and influenced by Shaolinbased on the time Doshin So spent in a China, however, it also incorporates over martial arts systems before it was introduced in Japan.

Sometimes referred to as Nippon Shorinji Kempo, this is a mixed martial art constructed wih influences from Okinawan Uechi-ryu Karate, Hakko-Ryu Jujitsu, Fusen-ryu Jujitsu, western boxing and judo in addiion to Shaolin Kung Fu.

It evolved in post war Japan though it is different from Aikidowhich also grew from a post war system. Shorinji Kempo is designed to benefit it’s students in three main areas:

1) A healthy mind through meditation, a posiive outlookand helpful martial arts friends,

2) A healthy body through exercise and avoiding any serious injury,

3) Effective self-defence through learning tried and tested techniques, including grappling, striking and weapons.

Although there are regular competitions, the spirit of ShorinjiKempo is not about defeating opponents for the sake of it. Instead, it teaches real life self-defence techiniques so hat students can develop skills to protect themsleves and those close to them in case they need to. It should also help students develop confidence and manage more difficult situaions when the need arises.

That said, competitions do help to keep the standard high, are exciting to try and enjoyable to watch. There are three main areas sparring/randori, kata/fixed patterns and embu/a prearranged demonstration.

Shorinji kempo techniques are split into two main groups Goho and Juho. Goho techniques include punches, kicks, blocks, kyusho pressure point strikes. Juho techniques include throws, locks, pins, trapping and eludes. To begin with they are taught separately and tested by Goho and Juhorandori/sparring. Goho and Juho are then combined to make Goju randori. This brings together grappling with striking, kicks and punches similar to a MMA competition.

Shorinji Kempo uses a number of principles that run through he techniques such as angle, distance and speed. As a result, the martial can be learned and applied effectively by all ages and sizes and is very inclusive.

There is a wide and deep of techniques. Some of the kicks appear similar to Karate, Taekwondo, Tangsoodo or Kickboxing, some of the punches similar to Western Boxing, Kick Boxing or Thai Boxing Muay Thai, the grappling may seem similar to Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Aiki-jujutsu and MMAand some of the strategies likened to Krav Maga. At the same time, the science behind these techniques, when broken down, appear unique based on the principles that underpin this martial art.

Shorinji Kempo aims to finish the fight as quickly as possible with minimum force required. Of course, it is recommended to walk away to avoid a fight, if this option is available.