![[Photo:black and white picture of the founder of Shorinji Kempo, Doshin So, performing a juho technique.]](page_images/random_images/12.jpg)
![[Photo:Mizuno sensei, head of the British Shorinji Kempo Federation, performing sokuto geri to the stomach of another kenshi.]](page_images/random_images/11.jpg)
![[Photo:two kenshi, wearing protective equipment, sparring.]](page_images/random_images/7.jpg)
![[Photo:head shot of the founder of Shorinji Kempo, Doshin So.]](page_images/random_images/14.jpg)
The Six Characteristics of Shorinji Kempo
There are six guiding principles or defining characteristics of Shorinji Kempo, which are taught to all its practitioners. They are:
Ken Zen Ichinyo - Unity of Mind and Body
Riki Ai Fu ni - Love and Strength Work Together
Shushu Koju - Defend First, Attack After
Fusatsu Katsujin - Protect People Without Injury
Goju Ittai - Hard and Soft Work only Together
Kumite Shutai - Pair Work is Fundamental
A brief summary of each is given below.
Ken Zen Ichinyo - Unity of Body and Mind
This indicates the interrelatedness of the mind and body. To achieve the full potential of human life, one must train both physically and mentally, disciplining the mind while strengthening the body that it dwells in.
The body is the vehicle via which we move. It must therefore be maintained, looked after and constantly strengthened. The simple act of feeding the body requires the mind to act. Similarly, the mind cannot operate without nor outlive the body. Neither the mind nor the body is sustainable without the other; the mind alone cannot protect oneself against a violent aggressor, and the body alone cannot assist in getting people out of states of depression.
Since the mind and the body are inseparable and complement each other, training must nurture both of them in balance.
topRiki Ai Fu ni - Love and Strength Work Together
This refers to the relation between the implementation of one's physical ability and feelings. Just as Shorinji Kempo stresses the importance of strengthening one's mind and body, it stresses the importance of knowing how to use such strengths.
Riki represents "strength", "intellect" and "action". Ai represents "gentleness", "compassion", and "a way of thinking". Riki Ai Fu Ni emphasizes the necessity for the balance of both power and compassion.
Being a loving and kind person is beautiful, but not sufficient to assist a weaker helpless person, or even to help one when attacked. Equally, having much strength without the knowledge of how to use it could be more than useless, as misusing one's strength could lead to bullying, and other sorts of violence behavior.
From a strategic point of view, not hating one's opponent is important. Rage, violence and excessive force may help a person in lashing out during a fight, but only by compromising grace, control and technique. Compassion and love for one's opponents are key points that differentiate between violence and aggression on one side, and minimum required force to control a situation on another. There is also the practical aspect; in a world where excessive force is frowned upon even in a self-defense situation, one should seriously consider how much force should be used.
Since Shorinji Kempo is an art to develop people, one should refrain from using excessive strength and have the ability to forgive. But true forgiveness and compassion can only be given to make a difference by the stronger person. A transgressor may not feel the need to be forgiven unless when threatened by a stronger person.
topShushu Koju - Defend First, Attack After
This principle is important both as a moral guide and as a defensive strategy. In keeping with Shorinji Kempo's aim of improving society, the principle of Shushu Koju teaches that we should not initiate aggression. It is also central to the study of techniques that are based on counterattacks.
The ancient Chinese strategist Sun-Tzu phrased it this way:
"The first move, if not a surprise attack, can be easily withstood or evaded. A good tactician will begin to fight after getting fully prepared for battle; but a poor tactician, who knows neither himself nor the enemy, will hasten to fight with the enemy. The more timid he is, the more apt he is to strike the first blow."
Shorinji Kempo does not follow the philosophy of one surprise attack to win the fight. Instead, it teaches that for tactical reasons, one should learn about one's opponent before launching any attack. Also, from a spiritual point of view one should not launch the first attack.
However, this poses an interesting question: when should one consider an attack launched? Is it when one throws the first strike? Is one going to wait for an opponent to take a gun out, load it and fire the first shot before leaping into action?
In many places where gun control is not well implemented, martial arts techniques show little defense value against fire arms. However, Shorinji Kempo teaches one how to judge a situation to realize when an attack, not necessarily a physical one, is being launched.
Shushu Koju is to know when an attack is being launched, and take precautionary measures. It is to give priority to one's safety, without which one could not protect anything or anybody else. Shorinji Kempo provides the tools to assist one to judge how to maintain one's safety, whether by striking, or avoiding the situation without any violent conflict, which is not always possible.
topFusatsu Katsujin - Protect People Without Injury
Shorinji Kempo is intended to contribute to the welfare of all, and should only be used as a means of preventing people from attempting to harm others. Furthermore, this notion of care inherent in the principle of Fusatsu Katsujin extends to any would be assailant. The techniques of Shorinji Kempo are designed so that, if used properly, they can allow you to immobilise an opponent without causing them bodily harm.
topGoju Ittai - Hard and Soft Work only Together
Shorinji Kempo is made up of goho (hard techniques) and juho (soft techniques). However, the techniques are not rigidly bound by these definitions and by recognising the soft elements of goho and the hard elements of juho, it is possible to unite the two to form a unique and dynamic system.
topKumite Shutai - Pair Work is Fundamental
Although it is possible to practice aspects of Shorinji Kempo alone, paired practice is of primary importance. This is obvious for technical reasons, such as learning to judge timing and distance. However, practicing with a partner is also important for developing co-operative habits, mutual consideration and trust.
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