FAQs
What Covid preparations are being done to make my training safe?
-
We continue to monitor the latest government guidelines such as stopping classes when required or easing/increasing guidelines on wearing facemasks during exercise
-
Bring a clean facemask to use during training and a towel
-
All attendees will have their temperature checked when entering the Dojo, and everyone is expected to wash their hands before training. Alcohol sanitisers are available and everyone is reminded to use them during training as well
-
When practicing in pairs, facemasks will be kept on, and where permissible when we're training in single form and there is sufficient social distancing, only then can facemasks be taken off
How do I get to the Dojo?
-
If you are travelling by MTR, then we are located less than 5 minutes walk from Wong Chuk Hang MTR (Exit B)
-
We are located in Kwai Bo Industrial Building (貴寶工業大廈), from exit B follow the pedestrian flyover to cross the road beneath. The entrance is on Heung Yip Road (香葉道)
-
We are on the 13th Floor, Unit A
-
We usually wait until 7.15pm, opposite the 7-11 (exit B) in the MTR, so we can walk with you
What should I wear?
-
Comfortable active-wear is all you need for your first session, we'll also be training in bare feet
-
If you're wearing jewellery e.g. rings, earrings, necklaces etc... you will need to take them off so that you don't injure yourself or others
-
Bring a second clean facemask as you may be asked to wear it during pair form practice. To help make breathing easier, we also suggest using a plastic insert or a facemask that maintains an air space
Do I need to bring my own wraps, gloves or get a Dogi (the white uniform)?
-
No need to bring wraps or gloves, since the practice we do is self-defence based. We do also practice with pads to build striking experience, and these will be provided
-
You don't need to wear a Dogi; if you've trained with us after a few sessions and want to commit to on-going training, then we'll help with getting one. If you already have a plain white Dogi, you're welcome to wear it, although we ask if you can wear a white belt out of etiquette
Are there changing rooms and showers?
-
For our female kenshi, we have a room for you to get changed in
-
We don't have showers, but we do have restrooms
Are there water machines?
-
No, so bring your own water. There is a 7-11 located at exit B of Wong Chuk Hang MTR if you need to buy water
Is there a required level of martial arts experience or fitness?
-
No experience needed, we welcome everyone of different levels and abilities
Is it safe? Will I get hurt?
-
If you have any prior injuries, let us know before training starts
-
During class, we are always watching to ensure that people do not get injured. If someone is getting particularly rough with their training partner, we will step in and warn people to take it easy. Mutual respect and helping each other to develop are essential elements in Shorinji Kempo
-
Shorinji Kempo techniques are designed to subdue an attacker, by striking sensitive areas and applying joint locks. They are not designed to cause long term damage. However, like any other contact sports there are some risks, and we are vigilant of everyone's ability and will step in to keep you safe
Is there an age limit?
-
If you are under 18, please contact us for further information
Do I need to know Japanese?
-
No, whilst we do use Japanese terminology for techniques, movement and counting, this is to provide everyone a common language when training, which everyone generally picks up over time. Don't worry about feeling lost on your first few sessions, we teach in English and Chinese (though you'll find our English is better than our Chinese)
Do you offer 1-on-1 classes or other days/times that I can book separately?
-
Sadly not. Teaching Shorinji Kempo is a passion for us, and sadly we also have regular day jobs. We teach only on the days specified
-
As a self-defence martial art, Shorinji Kempo is also best practised with different partners, so that you can experience what it feels like applying techniques on different body sizes
If you have other questions, contact us:
Our Classes
Click on the images to find out more about our classes
Before each class, we will spend some time in meditation. Whilst it will not be a long period, the objective is to focus on our breathing and preparing ourselves for training
Every session starts with practicing the basics of striking, blocking, footwork and body movement. This is so that we always drill the movements to become second nature
Our training places emphasis on working with a partner, firstly to train distance and timing against a moving target. Secondly, to develop a cooperative spirit where we help our partners with their training as well
Every Kenshi member practices their Goho techniques from their syllabus. Beginners start with counter strikes against single attacks and as they progress in the ranks, the number of attacks or angles an opponent can attack increases
Every Kenshi member practices their Juho techniques from their syllabus. Beginners start with wrist releases and as they progress in the ranks, this evolves to joint locks, throws and submissions
Each rank of the syllabus includes Hokei. These are set patterns of actions that incorporate the techniques learnt to bring the application perspective of the practice
Embu provides us a set sequence framework to practice against as we progressively speed up and increase the power of our strikes. This enables us to develop distance and timing in a controlled environment. As Kenshi's proficiency improves, the two partners progressively increase in speed and power to create a dynamic performance
A short interval is given to Shorinji Kempo philosophy. Whilst the ideas are Zen based, the topics focuses on being mindful of yourself, your actions and taking ownership in your own improvement to apply as part of your daily life
Kenshi are also taught basic acupressure techniques, similar to shiatsu; from relieving muscle pain to dealing with concussion. Kenshi practice in pairs to build awareness of the points on the body
Prices & Membership
As with any other martial arts club that has a ranking system and affiliations, we have a membership policy.
You are welcome to come and train without being a member.
When you feel ready to join us as a full member, you will enjoy the following benefits:
-
Advance and grade to higher ranks
-
Participate and train at IKA affiliated events
-
Discounted class fees
To become a full member, there is an initial membership fee of $800, for which you'll get a Dogi (uniform), pads, badge & syllabus.
Class fees are charged at:
-
Members: $200 per 2-hour class
-
Non-members: $300 per 2-hour class
Basic Etiquette
Shorinji Kempo is a traditional martial art of Japanese heritage. As a Budo (武道) we practice the"Martial Way" and as such, maintain a set of standards regarding decorum and behaviour. The etiquette we perform is not for the purpose of looking good or the self gratification of more senior members of the club. Rather, it is the instilling of these behaviours to create a structured environment for training, showing respect for others and ourselves, development of our mindfulness and sincerity towards practice by way of physical awareness, and lastly to develop our own discipline; starting with the smallest acts.
Gassho Rei (合掌礼)
Like other Japanese martial arts, Shorinji Kempo has the same formality to greet each other, and when entering and leaving the dojo. Unlike other Japanese martial arts, we do not bow to each other. Instead we place our hands together, at eye level as if we are praying. This salutation gesture is used all around Asia, and has historical context within Zen practices to demonstrate that regardless of who we are or what position we hold in society, ultimately as human beings we are all equal.
Kesshu Gamae (結手構え)
During classes we will be demonstrating techniques and drills and it is during these moments, we experience stillness. As we stand and listen, we are also training our focus, not distracting ourselves or others, and paying attention to what is going on in the Dojo. In these moments, we stand up-right, with our hands in front of us, left hand over the right with our thumbs interlocked.
