Beginner's guide
What to expect
All our classes follow a standard format: there'll be a short warm up including some cardio and stretching. We'll practice basic movements, padwork and some technique drills together. After a short break for seated meditation, we then split into groups by level for the second half of the class.
I try to strike a balance between practicing realistically and safely, and to keep a good pace going throughout. Ultimately Shorinji Kempo is a self-defence system and so practicality is our main focus, but hopefully in the process you'll get a bit of a work out and have fun too. We aim to create an enjoyable and supportive atmosphere in our classes and beginners are always welcome. In fact we encourage people who have never tried martial arts before to come and join us for a trial class. While learning a martial art isn't easy, all you'll really need is an open mind and a willingness to try! Being a relatively new club there are nearly always a couple of beginners so you won't be the only newbie surrounded by blackbelts. That said, there are usually some friendly experienced members on hand to help you get the hang of things. |
Basic etiquette
While I aim to keep things relatively informal, martial arts by their nature can be dangerous if not practiced without the right care and attention. That's part of the reason why martial arts and formal etiquette (especially in Japan) have evolved hand in hand.
Here's the main things you need to know (the rest you will pick up as you go!): When you're waiting for something to happen, for example after lining up, or if the instructor is explaining what to do next, stand in "kesshu gamae": heels together, left hand over right. It's a polite way of letting the instructor know you're paying attention. The equivalent of bowing in Shorinji Kempo is "gassho rei": standing upright with hands raised, palms together. We perform gassho rei when entering and leaving the studio to remind ourselves that for the next couple of hours it's now our "dojo". We also rei at the start and end of each section of the class, and when practicing with a partner, as a sign of mutual respect, both between training partners and between teacher and students. |
Some basic Japanese
You don't need to be fluent in Japanese to learn Shorinji Kempo, but as we are a Japanese martial art we use that language for the names of our techniques and some instructions. Doing things that way gives us a common language and terminology to avoid confusion when we practice with training partners anywhere in the world. It's the same idea as in fencing or ballet - they just use French instead! Don't worry, you'll pick the names up as you go, but here's some basic things to get you started:
Seiretsu - line up
Shugo! - assemble
Chokuza - sit down
Keiritsu - stand up
Hajime - start
Yame - stop
Kesshu - stand in kesshu gamae
Gassho - salutation with palms together
Rei - perform "gassho rei"
Shugo! - assemble
Chokuza - sit down
Keiritsu - stand up
Hajime - start
Yame - stop
Kesshu - stand in kesshu gamae
Gassho - salutation with palms together
Rei - perform "gassho rei"
FAQs
Q: How quickly can I progress?
A: It's different for everyone of course, and it's important to go at the right pace for you. But if you come regularly and consistently, many people can be ready for their first grading (yellow belt) within a few months, and can achieve black belt in 3-4 years.
Q: Do I have to come twice a week? Will I miss out or fall behind if I can't?
A: Not at all, and we understand people have other commitments and we'll come back to the same basics regularly so you won't miss much. I'll encourage you to attend regularly if you can, and of course the more you practice the quicker you will progress. It's all about finding the right balance for your goals.
Q: Everyone's in those white suits. Do I need one?
A: To begin with, no don't worry about it! Just come in some clothes you can move easily in and don't mind getting a bit sweaty (e.g. gym kit). As soon as you're ready, we can order you a suit (called a "dogi") - beginner ones start around £25.
Q: Do you teach kids?
A: No we don't. Our classes are strictly for ages 18 and over due to gym policy.
Q: Do you teach private lessons?
A: No, I have a (normal) day job, and so only teach group classes at the times advertised.
Q: What's this about insurance? Do I need it?
A: While we aim to practice safely, learning a martial art is a physical activity and is not without its risks. For that reason it's mandatory that all our members have insurance. This is provided through our Federation (BSKF) and is renewed every April. Your first month's insurance is free, so you still have a few classes to decide if you like it before committing. More details can be found here.
Still have questions? No problem, just drop us an email.
A: It's different for everyone of course, and it's important to go at the right pace for you. But if you come regularly and consistently, many people can be ready for their first grading (yellow belt) within a few months, and can achieve black belt in 3-4 years.
Q: Do I have to come twice a week? Will I miss out or fall behind if I can't?
A: Not at all, and we understand people have other commitments and we'll come back to the same basics regularly so you won't miss much. I'll encourage you to attend regularly if you can, and of course the more you practice the quicker you will progress. It's all about finding the right balance for your goals.
Q: Everyone's in those white suits. Do I need one?
A: To begin with, no don't worry about it! Just come in some clothes you can move easily in and don't mind getting a bit sweaty (e.g. gym kit). As soon as you're ready, we can order you a suit (called a "dogi") - beginner ones start around £25.
Q: Do you teach kids?
A: No we don't. Our classes are strictly for ages 18 and over due to gym policy.
Q: Do you teach private lessons?
A: No, I have a (normal) day job, and so only teach group classes at the times advertised.
Q: What's this about insurance? Do I need it?
A: While we aim to practice safely, learning a martial art is a physical activity and is not without its risks. For that reason it's mandatory that all our members have insurance. This is provided through our Federation (BSKF) and is renewed every April. Your first month's insurance is free, so you still have a few classes to decide if you like it before committing. More details can be found here.
Still have questions? No problem, just drop us an email.