Shorinji Kempo

[Dominic82555]

Is Shorinji Kempo considered a sport or a martial art? And what would be an appropriate age for a child to start learning (in general)?

 

[jks9199]

Is Shorinji Kempo considered a sport or a martial art? And what would be an appropriate age for a child to start learning (in general)?

If you have a school nearby, I would consult with the school. I would, based on what little I know, consider it a martial art -- but I seem to recall that it was organized in a way that would tend to skew towards teens at least. But that's based on vague recollections of articles read years ago...

 

[Buka]

I think it depends on the dojo and instructors.

 

[Stuarto]

I think it depends on the dojo and instructors.

I have never heard of Shorinji, it sounds like this is Japanese Kenpo. Does it have any ties to any of the American Kenpo?

 

[isshinryuronin]

I have never heard of Shorinji, it sounds like this is Japanese Kenpo. Does it have any ties to any of the American Kenpo?

"Shorinji" simply means Shaolin temple. "Kempo/kenpo" can be loosely translated as fist way, and is a general term for TMA, similar to the way "karate" is. It has been applied to a particular, fairly recent Japanese style of Chinese influenced karate with a healthy dose of Zen and jiu-jutsu thrown in. Aside from this, I don't know much about it. What little I saw of it in video clips were simply demos, but they looked pretty cool.

I don't think there is any authentic, original style of Shaolin boxing anymore. One of its descendant's, monk fist, is thought to have been one of the contributors to early karate evolution. Shorinji kempo has absolutely no relation to American kenpo.

Is Shorinji Kempo considered a sport or a martial art?

I would definitely call it a martial art from what I've seen. No doubt, some competitive aspect has found its way in like most MA, but I don't know if it can be done in open competition or just within the style since it seems a little unique.

 

[Stuarto]

"Shorinji" simply means Shaolin temple. "Kempo/kenpo" can be loosely translated as fist way, and is a general term for TMA, similar to the way "karate" is. It has been applied to a particular, fairly recent Japanese style of Chinese influenced karate with a healthy dose of Zen and jiu-jutsu thrown in. Aside from this, I don't know much about it. What little I saw of it in video clips were simply demos, but they looked pretty cool.

I don't think there is any authentic, original style of Shaolin boxing anymore. One of its descendant's, monk fist, is thought to have been one of the contributors to early karate evolution. Shorinji kempo has absolutely no relation to American kenpo.


I would definitely call it a martial art from what I've seen. No doubt, some competitive aspect has found its way in like most MA, but I don't know if it can be done in open competition or just within the style since it seems a little unique.

Thanks for the explanation, it sounds very interesting. Would it be more related to Shaolin Kung Fu?