Shorinji Kempo is a martial art that draws from several traditions and was established by Doshin So in Japan, based on martial arts techniques he had learned in China. Doshin So's goal was to train people in the principles of courage, strength, justice and mercy.

Like many martial arts that concentrate on self-defense, Shorinji Kempo focuses on the balance of both mind and body. The spiritual teachings of Shorinji Kempo are based on Kongo Zen principles - melding aspects of both Eastern and Western approaches to life. Shorinji Kempo stresses personal responsibility, the importance of both a healthy mind and a healthy body, strength for the preservation of life, and living for both oneself and for others.

As a martial arts discipline, Shorinji Kempo combines the hard aspect of thrusts and kicks with the soft aspect of twists, throws, releases and pinning. The hard aspect - goho - concentrates on the power of the entire body, with particular emphasis on the hips and shoulders. Hand thrusts may be close - or openhanded, and Shorinji Kempo stances focus on mobility with lots of movement, including rolls and dodges. The soft aspect - juho - teaches a number of methods to elude attack or to throw or pin an opponent. Juho techniques are subtle and not obvious to the casual observer, making them all the more powerful when experienced.

Training usually consists of two people practicing movements and techniques upon each other under the guidance of a teacher.