Shorinji Kempo
Shorinji Kempo is a hybrid martial art originating in Japan. Its training focus combines striking techniques with joint locks and pins, meaning practitioners work with both stand-up offensive movements and controlling or restraining methods applied to an opponent's joints and body position. The style also incorporates Zen study as part of its broader practice, suggesting that mental discipline and philosophical inquiry are considered elements of training alongside the physical curriculum.
As a hybrid art, Shorinji Kempo training generally addresses multiple ranges and situations, drawing on both striking and grappling principles. Practitioners can expect to work on hand and body strikes as well as close-range controlling techniques such as joint manipulation and pins. The inclusion of Zen study indicates that some portion of training time may be directed toward contemplative or philosophical practice rather than purely physical drilling.
Those who are new to martial arts and interested in Shorinji Kempo are encouraged to locate schools in their area, observe a class in person, and speak with instructors and current students before enrolling. Watching a live session provides a clearer picture of class structure, teaching style, and atmosphere than any written description can offer. Related hybrid martial arts are listed and linked below for further comparison.
Gear to expect. Hybrid training typically calls for gloves and a mouthguard for striking work plus a rashguard for the grappling rounds — your school will tell you exactly what, and when. New students rarely need to buy anything for a trial class.
Find your martial art →Related hybrid styles
Classification and facts from our open-data taxonomy (Wikidata CC0 base + our editorial classification). Where a fact (like origin) isn't recorded, we leave it out rather than guess. Methodology.