Shorinji Kempo

Shorinji Kempo is a martial art founded in post-war Japan that emphasizes self-defense and personal development. It incorporates both "hard" techniques such as punching and kicking, as well as "soft" techniques like throws and joint locks. Perhaps most intriguing is its highly developed understanding of human physiology, particularly the use of pressure points and energy meridians, which can be used either to disable an attacker or to treat illness or injury. We visit the main dojo in Shikoku.