Kids Web Japan

Kosaka Ryota
(eleventh grade)

"I studied Shorinji Kempo for a few years in elementary school and took it up again in eighth grade. I chose this school because I wanted to do something different from other kids. Because students come from all over Japan, I've learned that people from different regions speak differently and eat different foods. My relationship with others have become richer as a result. I enjoy the chance to actually work with the soil, and I'm thinking of pursuing a career either as a teacher or a farmer."

Niwa Takumi
(eleventh grade)

"My reason for enrolling was that, looking over the pamphlet, I realized that I would be among the first-ever graduates of this school. [Laughs] I began learning Shorinji Kempo when I was in fourth grade, and I now hold a rank of second dan. I'm drawn by the fact that there's no need to overexert yourself, and I also find the teachings very interesting. Now that I have to do my own cleaning and laundry, I've become more appreciative of everything that my parents used to do for me."

Fukada Ato
(tenth grade)

This school was recommended to me by my uncle, who is the head of a local Shorinji Kempo branch. I was also attracted by the old proverb that appeared on the school pamphlet: It's better to be a chicken's beak than a cow's tail (be a leader, even of a small group, rather than a follower in a large one). I realized that it was possible to rise to the top, no matter how inconsequential you believe yourself to be. I learn a great deal by listening to the lectures by the kenshi who come here from around the country. My father is also a dan-holding practitioner, so when I go home, all we talk about is Shorinji Kempo!"

Takahashi Tadashi
(first-year student, third dan (rank))

"I enrolled out of a desire to master things that my father, a branch leader, has yet to learn. I have been able to acquire techniques that are slightly different from those that I had been previously taught, and I've begun thinking about my own personal approach to the art. In the future I hope to work in the information-technology industry, but I would also like to have my own dojo."

Imoto Ken
(second-year student, third dan)

"I began training after joining the Shorinji Kempo club at college. I decided to enroll here following graduation in order to further develop my techniques. I'm attracted not only by the physical aspects of this art but also by the philosophy behind it. This is an excellent environment to hone my skills, but just being here and going through the routines isn't enough. I need to make a conscious effort to improve."

Nitta Fukune
(teacher training course, third dan)

"Although I've been involved in Shorinji Kempo for many years, the techniques I've learned are not enough to push me to higher levels. I decided to come here because I hoped to gain fresh insights into the philosophical aspects of the art. I've come to an understanding that how I spend the hours outside the dojo are crucial and also that the way I live my life reflects directly on my mastery of techniques."