I heard that Shorinji Kempo is a religion. Is this true?
Yes and no. Shorinji Kempo is organized under several bodies. In Japan people can train in doin or dojo. Doin are practice locations organized under the Kongo Zen Sohozan Shorinji, which is a religious organization. Dojos are practice locations administered under the secular World Shorinji Kempo Organization (WSKO). All Shorinji Kempo branches organized outside of Japan are administered by WSKO. Changes to the curriculum were made to allow for people of all backgrounds to be able to practice Shorinji Kempo, helping Shorinji Kempo to grow worldwide.
Can I practice a Zen Art and have a different belief system?
Absolutely. Shorinji Kempo is based on Kongo Zen, which teaches people how to solve their problems and eliminate conflict by training to pay attention to the here and now. Shorinji Kempo does not concern itself with what happens to a person in the future, including what happens after death. Shorinji Kempo is practiced world-wide by people of all races, nationalities and religions. The curriculum was modified in 2004 to reflect the international nature of Shorinji Kempo.
What kind of physical health should I be in to participate?
While you don't have to be in tip-top shape, the practice of Shorinji Kempo can be demanding. If you are over the age of 40 (which includes the founding members now!), you should have your doctor check you out, if you have not been going to the gym lately or engaging in regular exercise. If you have a medical issue, that may affect your training, you must discuss it with the Club Captain.
Since Shorinji Kempo is Japanese, do I need to learn another language to study?
Since Shorinji Kempo originated in Japan, and is an international organization, class instruction is taught in English, however the basic techniques and terms are Japanese. Students are able to learn the Japanese vocabulary and terminology. Early in your training the Japanese technique name is given along with the English translation or description to facilitate learning.
What is the proper etiquette while at practice?
One of the benefits of practicing Shorinji Kempo is membership in a world-wide organization. One of the stated goals of the club is to train students who will have no difficulty visiting or training at any Shorinji Kempo Dojo or Doin anywhere in the world. This includes having both the technical foundation as well as knowing proper etiquette. Training at the Atlanta Shorinji Kempo Branch will thus be more strict than some branches worldwide, but it is easier to take off a tie at a dinner party than pretend that you have one, so to speak.
Here are some of the etiquette basics:
The salute, or Gassho Rae is done when entering and leaving the dojo. Note that the Shorinji Kempo 'Gassho Rae' involves no bowing action. It is performed with hands in front of the face, head raised.
Refer to the teacher as 'Sensei' when in the dojo. Whether this title is to be used at all times, including external circumstances, depends upon the wishes of the teacher. The title of the Branch Captain is 'Shusho' and senior students are 'Sempai'. This is quite useful if you cannot remember their names! Shoes should not be worn in the dojo. Wear normal, outdoor shoes between changing rooms and dojo. Running around outside barefeet then returning barefooted is equally disrepectful. Before the class starts formally students should not stand around aimlessly talking. Warm up, or practice until the class starts. Do not sit on the floor unless asked to do so by a senior. The student should make every effort to be on time. However, if one is late then the student should sit Zazen at the rear of the class and mentally prepare, until signaled to join the practice. Before practicing with a partner, and when finishing practice, each should Gassho Rae to the other. Between these salutes the practice is 'live' and one should be 'en garde'. The words spoken at the start of the practice (during Rae) are 'Onegai Shimasu' (context: please teach me), and at the close of practice 'Aregato Gosai Mashita' (thank you very much). When not doing anything one should stand 'Kesshu Kamae', with hands together on the belt, feet together. This is our equivalent of standing to attention. Wear clean, loose clothes to practice if a ‘Dogi’ is not being worn (the white uniform). The latter will need to be purchased if Shorinji Kempo practice is to be undertaken seriously. From a safety point of view finger and toenails should be short, and no jewelry or perfumes are worn during practice. The attitude of the student should be respectful but neither subservient nor outwardly nervous.
