Shorinji Kempo is a Japanese martial art form, which was invented by Doshin So (1911-1980) in 1947. It incorporates Zen Buddhism into the style. This form of Kempo blends religion into the fighting system much like Shaolin Kung Fu from which it borrows part of its name. It is seen as a combination of Karate, Judo, and Aikido built on the Kung Fu framework, but keep in mind that this art has no killing moves because of its respect for life.
There are three principles, which make up Shorinji Kempo:
Self-defence
Better health
Spiritual development
This set of principles guides the practitioner in study of the art. The true of Shorinji Kempo comes with time and practice to become the student's life principles. Among those are "Love and Strength Stand Together" and "Body and mind are the same".
Shorinji Kempo has grown into a popular artform in Japan, US and some European and Asian countries.
