Meanings
- uncountableA Japanese modification of Shaolin kung fu established in 1947.
Philosophy figures so powerfully in shorinji kempo that the Japanese government registered it as a religion.
1978 May, Mike Liu, “Shorinji Kempo: More than a Martial Art”, in Black Belt, volume 16, number 5, Rainbow Publications, →ISSN, page 332 more examples
Shorinji kempo aids the individual in mastering himself by developing his physical strength—thereby promoting good health, training and discipline of mind—and teaching him self-defense.
1986 January, Murray D. Dundas, “Shorinji Kempo: The Art of the Shaolin Temple”, in Black Belt, volume 24, number 1, Rainbow Publications, →ISSN, page 47Designed to develop and strengthen mind, body, and spirit, the art of shorinji kempo is based on the belief that everyone has the potential to develop in every direction. Inspired by a variety of martial arts, it includes both hard and soft techniques, offensive and defensive grappling, striking, kicking, and throwing.
2008, Chris Crudelli, The Way of the Warrior, New York: DK Publishing, →ISBN, page 240
Origin
- Japanese少林寺拳法
- Englishshorinji kempo
Borrowed from Japanese 少林寺拳法 (Shōrin-ji kenpō, literally “Shaolin Temple martial art/kung fu”).
More words from Japanese
Full word history & related roots →Translations
Japanese 少林寺拳法
- 少林寺拳法 (Shōrin-ji kenpō)Japanese modification of Shaolin kung fu
Cite this entry
shorinji kempo. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shorinji%20kempo
“shorinji kempo.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shorinji%20kempo. Accessed November 5, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “shorinji kempo,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shorinji%20kempo.
Source: shorinji kempo on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.