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Shorinji Kempo is a self-defence martial art that originated in Japan, with roots in Buddhism and the practices of the Chinese Shaolin monks. The name is Japanese, and translates literally as "Shaolin Temple Fist Law". Shorinji Kempo is composed of three major parts:

• Goho (Hard Techniques): Punches, Kicks, Hooks, Blocks
• Juho (Soft Techniques): Locks, Pins, Escapes, Throws
• Seiho (Healing Techniques): Massages

Techniques are always directed at one or more of the many pressure points that line the human body, exploiting an opponent's weaknesses regardless of his strength or size.

Although hand-to-hand techniques are at the heart of Shorinji Kempo, certain weapons also play a supplementary role. Such weapons include six-foot staves ("Bo"), shorter staves, and a bit of defence against knives.

Participants will also learn about the philosophy on which this martial art is based.

As well as increased fitness, co-ordination, dexterity and flexibility, practitioners will also benefit from increased confidence and lower levels of stress.

It doesn't matter how tall or built you are. There is no optimum physique for Shorinji Kempo. Our dojo is a friendly and non-competitive environment.

Just turn up or contact us!

Not at all.

The first two weeks are FREE to try us out.

After that, it is £50 for the term, which covers the training fees, dogi (training uniform), insurance, and registration with national and international governing bodies.

All the other terms are £25 for the training fee, which includes the following vacation.

We currently meet Sundays 3-5pm, Mondays 8.00-10pm and Thursdays 8.00-10pm.

We also tend to get together for meals and drinks every-so-often, and will usually try to get down to the pub after most sessions. Feel free to join us there!

All our sessions are at the Dojo at Iffley Road Sports Centre, just outside the centre of Town. The pedestrian entrance to the gym is opposite Stockmore Street.

• Sessions begin with an easy warm-up, followed by practicing basic techniques en masse, and then more individualised advances techniques in pairs or small groups (this can include non-competitive pair-work/sparring). Sometime sensei will include a meditation, massage, or philosophy session.
• No session is ever the same as another and they are always tailored to the desires and needs of the group.
• All ranks train together so that everyone benefits from one-on-one instruction from the higher belts.
• While commands are in Japanese, participants are always taught their meaning in English prior to use. We have also had our share of international kenshi.
• Before arriving, please make sure to remove any jewellery you're wearing, and that your fingernails and toenails are kept short.

You can go and buy a black belt at any point; however, it does take some time to be acknowledged as having begun mastery of Shorinji Kempo, which is what the black belt signifies. Achieving 1st Dan (black belt) could take around 3-6 years given consistent training in the Oxford Dojo or elsewhere. However, 1st Dan is only the first step in mastering the art of Shorinji Kempo, since grading goes up to 9th Dan.