If you have a question that has not been answered, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Is it the one with sticks?
That is kendo. We do some work with sticks but mostly we do unarmed defence.
Do I have to be fit?
Shorinji kempo is suitable for people of all shapes and sizes. However, although always seeking to improve, you train at your own pace and according to your own level of fitness. Providing that you have not received medical advice dictating otherwise, you will be welcome to join in. Many people have taken up shorinji kempo as a means to improve fitness and found it ideal for this purpose.
Can anyone join?
Of course! Beginners are always welcome and basics are taught during every class. Do not be intimidated by being the less skilled or experienced in the class; we were all beginners once and everyone there will know exactly how you feel and what you're going through. The instructors are very encouraging and current members are friendly.
Does it really work?
Shorinji kempo is designed to be of practical use in self-defence situations, and gives you the confidence and calm mind to to deal with situations that might turn violent. However, like every martial art, it does not mean that you will become invincible. Coinciding the techniques that you learn with the correct mental attitude can assist you on how best to prepare for or avoid physical confrontation.
Is Shorinji kempo suitable for me if I am small?
Very much so. Shorinji kempo has students and instructors of varying heights and builds. The techniques of shorinji kempo are designed to ensure that strength and size are not an issue.
How safe is shorinji kempo? Can I get hurt?
Due to the co-operative nature of shorinji kempo, everyone considers the abilities of their training partner. The aim of the activity is to improve together and not for one person to "beat" or win over another. It is however a semi-contact activity and accidents, although very rare, can happen.
How long will it take to get a black-belt?
If it's that important to you, go to the shop and buy a black belt! In shorinji kempo, a grading system exists to measure your personal progress, and getting your black belt certainly doesn't mean you're Bruce Lee. With regular practice, most people will be ready to take their first grading (yellow belt) after around three months. With regular dedicated practice it is possible to attain a black belt grade in around three years. The belt colours go from white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, then black (no intermediate colour stripe grades).
What should I bring to my first class?
Just wear gym clothing that you can move easily in, and a bottle of water. We also ask everyone to remove their jewellery for the class.
How much is it going to cost?
Shorinji kempo is an inexpensive activity and we offer very competitive rates. At Marylebone Branch class prices are £10 per session (1 3/4 hours).
The annual cost of insurance and membership to the BSKF is currently £55 (2018-19), which allows you to train at any other branches around the UK and attend intensive training seminars. Equipment requirements are also minimal; the white suits (dogi) that we train in can cost from as little as £15. You are not required to buy a dogi until you are sure that you wish to continue practice. Until then, loose clothing is suitable to train in.
Is it the one with sticks?
That is kendo. We do some work with sticks but mostly we do unarmed defence.
Do I have to be fit?
Shorinji kempo is suitable for people of all shapes and sizes. However, although always seeking to improve, you train at your own pace and according to your own level of fitness. Providing that you have not received medical advice dictating otherwise, you will be welcome to join in. Many people have taken up shorinji kempo as a means to improve fitness and found it ideal for this purpose.
Can anyone join?
Of course! Beginners are always welcome and basics are taught during every class. Do not be intimidated by being the less skilled or experienced in the class; we were all beginners once and everyone there will know exactly how you feel and what you're going through. The instructors are very encouraging and current members are friendly.
Does it really work?
Shorinji kempo is designed to be of practical use in self-defence situations, and gives you the confidence and calm mind to to deal with situations that might turn violent. However, like every martial art, it does not mean that you will become invincible. Coinciding the techniques that you learn with the correct mental attitude can assist you on how best to prepare for or avoid physical confrontation.
Is Shorinji kempo suitable for me if I am small?
Very much so. Shorinji kempo has students and instructors of varying heights and builds. The techniques of shorinji kempo are designed to ensure that strength and size are not an issue.
How safe is shorinji kempo? Can I get hurt?
Due to the co-operative nature of shorinji kempo, everyone considers the abilities of their training partner. The aim of the activity is to improve together and not for one person to "beat" or win over another. It is however a semi-contact activity and accidents, although very rare, can happen.
How long will it take to get a black-belt?
If it's that important to you, go to the shop and buy a black belt! In shorinji kempo, a grading system exists to measure your personal progress, and getting your black belt certainly doesn't mean you're Bruce Lee. With regular practice, most people will be ready to take their first grading (yellow belt) after around three months. With regular dedicated practice it is possible to attain a black belt grade in around three years. The belt colours go from white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, then black (no intermediate colour stripe grades).
What should I bring to my first class?
Just wear gym clothing that you can move easily in, and a bottle of water. We also ask everyone to remove their jewellery for the class.
How much is it going to cost?
Shorinji kempo is an inexpensive activity and we offer very competitive rates. At Marylebone Branch class prices are £10 per session (1 3/4 hours).
The annual cost of insurance and membership to the BSKF is currently £55 (2018-19), which allows you to train at any other branches around the UK and attend intensive training seminars. Equipment requirements are also minimal; the white suits (dogi) that we train in can cost from as little as £15. You are not required to buy a dogi until you are sure that you wish to continue practice. Until then, loose clothing is suitable to train in.