Shorinji Kempo Curriculum Verified Jun 2026

The table shows that Shorinji Kempo’s curriculum is unique in requiring and non-competitiveness while maintaining a complete striking/grappling toolkit.

Shorinji Kempo is a Japanese martial art founded in 1947 by Doshin So (Kaiso), uniquely defined by its balance of physical prowess and Zen philosophy. Its curriculum is not merely a list of fighting moves but a holistic "Gyo" (discipline) intended to cultivate "Body and Mind as One" ( Ken Zen Ichinyo ). I. The Three Technical Pillars (San Tai) shorinji kempo curriculum

One afternoon, the senior student, Mika, paired with him for kumite shūhō (paired practice). Akira threw a wild, hard punch. Mika didn’t block it with equal hardness. She absorbed it—turning her body, guiding his fist past her ear, and using his momentum to tap his ribs. Soft meeting hard. The table shows that Shorinji Kempo’s curriculum is

“ Mushin ,” she said softly. “No mind. You were thinking about the kick. I was not thinking about anything.” Mika didn’t block it with equal hardness