The absolute beginner starts here. There are no flashy spinning kicks at this level. Instead, the student learns:
: A core focus is practicing with partners to build empathy and understanding, emphasizing that "half for oneself, half for others". 少林寺拳法公式サイト Practitioner Insights Shorinji Kempo Curriculum for Yudansha - 少林寺拳法 shorinji kempo curriculum
| Kyū level | Example hōwa theme | |-----------|--------------------| | 9th–7th | Rei (etiquette), safety in practice, listening to instructors | | 6th–4th | Okage (gratitude), ninmu (duty as a senpai), shin gidō (the three virtues: wisdom, compassion, courage) | | 3rd–1st kyū | Kū (emptiness vs. ego), mu (non-attachment to victory), responsibility as a teacher | | Shodan+ | Shinnyo (suchness), tong zhong (unity of self and other), leadership ethics | The absolute beginner starts here
and mutual respect, as practitioners learn that they cannot improve without the help of a partner. Philosophical Education Every grading level includes a When most people think of Japanese martial arts,
Black belt examinations often include a written test or oral quiz on Kongo Zen philosophy.
When most people think of Japanese martial arts, they picture the explosive power of Karate, the flowing locks of Judo, or the sword-drawing precision of Iaido. However, nestled within the Buddhist tradition of the Shaolin Temple (via Japan) lies a unique and holistic discipline: .