About Bristol Shorinji Kempo Dojo
Bristol Shorinji Kempo is an affiliated member of the British Shorinji Kempo Federation, offering training in a martial art designed to develop the mind and body alongside practical self-defence skills. Classes teach a complete range of defence techniques, from punches and kicks to throws and locks, combined with elements that support overall wellbeing.
Every class includes seated meditation to calm and focus the mind while improving breathing control. The dojo also incorporates Shorinji Kempo's healing traditions, which draw on the same meridian system used in traditional Chinese medicine. These complementary practices—breathwork, sound healing, and reflexology techniques—are woven into the martial arts training to create a holistic approach to fitness and self-care.
Whether you're looking to build practical self-defence skills, improve your physical fitness, or explore mindfulness and healing practices, Bristol Shorinji Kempo offers a unique blend of martial arts training and wellness techniques in one setting.
Treatments & Pricing
Shorinji Kempo Classes
Martial art training for self defence, mind and body development
Shorinji Kempo Techniques
Goho – The Hard Way
Strikes including punches, kicks, cuts, dodges and deflections
Juho – The Soft Way
Continuous contact techniques, escapes from grabs, throws and pins
Chinkon – Meditation
Seated meditation to calm mind, focus and improve breathing control
Howa – Philosophy
Philosophy teachings to improve life and develop confidence and courage
Seiho – Healing
Healing and resuscitation techniques based on traditional Chinese medicine meridians
Weapons Class
Yellow Belt and above training in weapons techniques
Other Services
Schools Self Defence Sessions
One-off self defence sessions for young people in schools and youth clubs
Girlguiding Unit Meeting Activities
UMAs in Be Well theme for Brownies, Guides and Rangers
Photos








Frequently asked questions
What is Shorinji Kempo?
Shorinji Kempo is a martial art designed for self-defence and training both the mind and body, with techniques ranging from punches and kicks to throws and locks. It combines physical training with seated meditation, healing techniques based on traditional Chinese medicine meridians, and philosophy to develop a healthy mind, healthy body, and self-defence capability.
Does every class include meditation?
Yes, every class includes a few minutes of seated meditation, which calms and focuses the mind while helping to improve your breathing control.
Are there healing techniques taught as part of Shorinji Kempo?
Yes, Shorinji Kempo includes healing and resuscitation techniques (known as Seiho) based on the same set of meridians used in traditional Chinese medicine, as part of the complete training.
Is Bristol Shorinji Kempo affiliated with any organisation?
Yes, Bristol Shorinji Kempo is affiliated to the British Shorinji Kempo Federation, which means you can visit and train at other dojos in different cities.
Know Bristol Shorinji Kempo Dojo? Reviews from clients appear here.