Ken Zen Ichinyo (Unity of Mind and Body)
Ken refers to the physical body, while Zen refers to mind and spirit. Body and spirit are not separate entities as they are closely intertwined. In Shorinji Kempo, it is deemed important to maintain a balance between physical training and spiritual training.
Riki Ai Funi (Strength and Love in Harmony)
Even if you are full of a sense of justice and compassion, you cannot help or assist others unless you have strength. Conversely, if it is not coupled with a sense of justice and compassion, strength becomes little more than violence. In Shorinji Kempo we aim to cultivate both strength and compassion in harmony to nurture a person who is both capable and considerate.
Shushu Koju (Defence is primary, offence secondary)
The technical method of Shorinji Kempo is constructed to begin by defending against any attack, and after completely protecting oneself, counterattacking. By making your position impregnable, you will be able to calmly observe the condition of your opponent, which you can take advantage of when you deliver an effective counterattack. More than this, there is an important moral responsibility not be the person who initiates violence.
Fusatsu Katsujin (Not to kill, but to awaken)
The physical techniques of Shorinji Kempo are not for killing or injuring people. Shorinji Kempo utilises kyusho(vulnerable points) to disable an opponent, and whilst this is extremely effective, it does not cause permanent harm.
Goju Ittai (Hard and soft make one whole)
The technical system of Shorinji Kempo is composed of goho (hard methods) and juho (soft methods). Goho comprises various kicks, punches and strikes, whilst juho incorporates releases, throws, locks, pins and chokes. These elements are blended together, hence the term ‘go ju ittai’ (hard and soft make one whole).
Kumite Sutai (Paired practice is primary)
Fundamental to Shorinji Kempo is paired practice. This is for two main reasons. First, it is impossible to learn the distance and timing needed to defend oneself effectively by training alone; only through paired practice does one accumulate the experience of defending oneself until it becomes natural and intuitive. Second, Shorinji Kempo emphasises working with other people, not just in training, but in other aspects of life; by paired practice one learns to cooperate in order to achieve goals together.
Ken refers to the physical body, while Zen refers to mind and spirit. Body and spirit are not separate entities as they are closely intertwined. In Shorinji Kempo, it is deemed important to maintain a balance between physical training and spiritual training.
Riki Ai Funi (Strength and Love in Harmony)
Even if you are full of a sense of justice and compassion, you cannot help or assist others unless you have strength. Conversely, if it is not coupled with a sense of justice and compassion, strength becomes little more than violence. In Shorinji Kempo we aim to cultivate both strength and compassion in harmony to nurture a person who is both capable and considerate.
Shushu Koju (Defence is primary, offence secondary)
The technical method of Shorinji Kempo is constructed to begin by defending against any attack, and after completely protecting oneself, counterattacking. By making your position impregnable, you will be able to calmly observe the condition of your opponent, which you can take advantage of when you deliver an effective counterattack. More than this, there is an important moral responsibility not be the person who initiates violence.
Fusatsu Katsujin (Not to kill, but to awaken)
The physical techniques of Shorinji Kempo are not for killing or injuring people. Shorinji Kempo utilises kyusho(vulnerable points) to disable an opponent, and whilst this is extremely effective, it does not cause permanent harm.
Goju Ittai (Hard and soft make one whole)
The technical system of Shorinji Kempo is composed of goho (hard methods) and juho (soft methods). Goho comprises various kicks, punches and strikes, whilst juho incorporates releases, throws, locks, pins and chokes. These elements are blended together, hence the term ‘go ju ittai’ (hard and soft make one whole).
Kumite Sutai (Paired practice is primary)
Fundamental to Shorinji Kempo is paired practice. This is for two main reasons. First, it is impossible to learn the distance and timing needed to defend oneself effectively by training alone; only through paired practice does one accumulate the experience of defending oneself until it becomes natural and intuitive. Second, Shorinji Kempo emphasises working with other people, not just in training, but in other aspects of life; by paired practice one learns to cooperate in order to achieve goals together.