'Shoren-be or Not to Be...?

[P. Hval]

Hello and I'd like to ask for your comments on possibly starting Shorenji Kempo,,,
with an eye to its good or special points, say as compared to standard Karate such as Shotokan, etc.? Thank you for your time and input.

[dirk.bruere]

Well, technically it is more comprehensive than most "karate" as it includes a large number of releases, locks and throws. It depends on what you are looking for. Take a look on Youtube under "embu" to see it in action at full speed (choreographed).

[Tripitaka of AA]

Hi Pamela. You've landed in this forum on a rather busy day . There is a lot of activity on threads that perhaps don't give a very attractive picture of Shorinji Kempo to a prospective student, but don't let that bother you. As you are apparently located in Saitama, the local picture of Shorinji Kempo training may be a little different from that being discussed in this international forum, but in general terms the Art is the same everywhere and is taught to high standards.

The two Users; PeterL and Ewok are both based in Japan and may be able to give you a better picture of the local scene, but for an overall view you might like to have a look at the following websites;

World Shorinji Kempo Organisation - Introduction page
Swedish Federation website
British Shorinji Kempo Federation

I direct you to those websites as they have obviously spent time trying to think up answers for people's questions about the Art. Please come back and ask if you have some specific questions .

[JL.]

Hello Pamela and welcome to eBudo!

First of, what we do is called Shorinjikempo, not Shorenji. I'm being exact on this because there's lots of styles with similiar names out there, but I trust we're both talking about the same thing.
I cannot advise You on what's good for You, obviously, but I can tell You what I like about Shorinjikempo:
- Technically it's very versatile and effective, with a focus on natural (as opposed to unhealthy) movements that utilize mechanics in such a way that it is possible to defend against bigger and stronger attackers.
- Philosophically it's got a strong grounding in Buddhist morals ranging from working and growing together and trying not to do (excessive) harm even to attackers all the way through technical principles like the ones mentioned above.
- It also has additional content like massages and – in many dojos – very strong group bondings that are among the most attractive features to most practitioners, including myself.

In comparison to the Shotokan Karate I've done myself its movements are more fluid and there's more techniques. The focus is more on partner work and much less on fixed single forms.

Good luck with Your decision and in all future martial art endeavours!

Kesshu,
______ Jan

[PeterL]

Hello and I'd like to ask for your comments on possibly starting Shorenji Kempo,,,
with an eye to its good or special points, say as compared to standard Karate such as Shotokan, etc.? Thank you for your time and input.

Hi Pam,

I practice SK in Kagawa-ken. While I have not studied other MAs in Japan, I have many friends that have. I think that every art has its special points, and each student/kenshi sticks with it because that appeals to them.

For me the things I liked about SK (I originally went to SK for my at the time 6 year old son) were:

Character/Attitude
1) I was impressed by the character of the teachers (they seemed to good to be true) and 5 years later, I am not only impressed but humbled by their good character.

2) the teachers are volunteer and have made an incredible commitment to teach SK.

3) Attitude of the kenshi (students). The cooperative nature of SK training makes for a great environment.

4) SK also has a philosophical component which is a part of the grading.

MA
1) strength is not the key factor - so I can enjoy SK in my old age

2) it has a good balance between kicks/strike and releases/locks and throws.

I could go on forever, but a key point that attracted me and kept me going it that: IT IS FUN!

I would suggest you go and give it a try. You have nothing to lose. Most dojo/doin are very welcoming. In our case, we have an "open door" approach, just come anytime and give it a try!

If you want to ask me questions directly (skype or phone) pm me a number.

Cheers

and good luck

PS - it is very cheap (¥4,000 per month)

[Ewok]

Oh hi! I used to live in Kawaguchi (and long before that, Ageo).

If you don't mind travelling south a little, my 'home' dojo is based in Ouji in Tokyo. Its about 10mins from Akabane station on the keihintohoku line.

I found it to be a good location as it was on the way home for me - if you take the saikyo line it won't be as convenient, but its not that far.

If you want to send me a message I could probably give you the addresses of some clubs closer to you.

But I'd find the strengths of SK are:
Single organisation, with branches literally everywhere in Japan
Club fees and equipment are low - SK is not a business
Less serious atmosphere - SK is a hobby
Fairly social - lots of competitions and meetups (taikai)
Has options for people who want to train more/harder (ie. Busen - specialised course)