Shorinji Kempo Techniques

Shorinji Kempo is a method of self-defense with which one can protect oneself from violence. In order to allow the weaker to control the stronger without the use of excessive force or causing lasting injury, the techniques are rationally designed to exploit the principles of mechanics, physiology and psychology. Anyone, regardless of sex or age, can utilize these techniques. The syllabus of Shorinji Kempo is divided into two main parts: Goho (hard system) and Juho (soft system).

Goho (Hard System)

Goho refers to the syllabus of striking and countering techniques. On the offense, Goho refers primarily to strikes, kicks, hammers and slashes. Attacks use primarily the hands and feet but also the elbows, knees and forearms. Targets of these strikes are always weak points on the opponent's body, of which Shorinji Kempo utilizes 138. When on the defense, Goho is also the term for dodges, parries, deflections and blocks. In Shorinji Kempo, dodging plays a major role in the execution of Goho techniques, teaching one to quickly avoid an attack and create the conditions for a decisive counter-attack. Blocks are taught together with counters, so as not to isolate one from the other.

Left: Student practices kicking with partner and mitt. Center: Blocking a high-kick while preparing to counter kick. Right: After deflecting a punch, female black belt counters with a kick.

Juho (Soft System)

Juho concentrates on defenses against grabs to various parts of the body, where an opponent attempts either to throw their victim to the ground or destabilize them prior to launching a Goho attack. The defender learns to break the opponent's grasp by adopting a stable body position (shuho) using a brief strike to distract (atemi) and then executing an escape, take-down, joint-reverse or throw. Once pinned by such a technique, an assailant is incapacitated and unable to continue the attack. This gives the defender sufficient time to either call for assistance or escape. The overall goal of all Shorinji Kempo techniques is to subdue a violent opponent and render them incapable of doing further harm, without causing serious or lasting injury, or using inappropriate violence, in return.

Left: White belts learning a take-down technique. Center: Senior student begins applying a wrist lock after taking his opponent down. Right: Subduing an armed assailant with an arm lock.