Are there beginners classes?
Beginners are welcome to train at any of our sessions, all year round. Don’t worry about turning up on your own – we’re a friendly and approachable club, and we provide any new visitors with a training partner to help them through the first couple of sessions.
What should I bring?
You’ll probably get hot and sweaty during training, so bring water to drink, kit for showering and a change of clothes for afterwards. We train barefoot, so you won’t need trainers etc.
Whilst your first training session is free it’s a good idea to bring some cash as we all go to the bar for a drink (it doesn’t have to be alcoholic) after training – believe it or not this is a traditional part of Shorinji Kempo!
What should I wear?
Whatever you would normally wear to the gym – loose clothing, such as shorts or jogging bottoms with a t-shirt. We train barefoot, so no special shoes are needed. Before the session starts you will be asked to either remove or cover all jewellery, watches and necklaces, this is to stop you injuring yourself or someone else when training with a partner and also to prevent your possessions being damaged.
Do I need to be a student? Of Southampton University?
No, but there are some limitations you need to be aware of if you are not a student, or at Southampton.
We are, by definition, a student club within the University of Southampton. However, we also want to provide access to Shorinji Kempo for as many people as possible. Friends of existing club members can attend with the existing club member’s endorsement. Members of the public with no links to the club are also welcome, we just need you to get in touch with us (contact us) to let us know you’re coming.
Once you have trained with us for two weeks and decide that you’d like to continue, then you will need to register at a private dojo, and train with us as a visitor from that dojo. This is for administration purposes.
When and where do you train?
Click here for details of training venues, dates and times.
How fit do I need to be?
There is no minimum fitness requirement to join a session. Regular training in Shorinji Kempo establishes a level of fitness to those unused to exercise, and can augment certain areas to those who already lead an active life. The fitness benefits are those that will improve your general health and ability on a daily basis; we will improve your endurance, coordination, balance and flexibility.
Will I get hurt?
The techniques do hurt. Shorinji Kempo teaches you how to apply controlled pain to an opponent – that is why it is an effective form of self defence. However, one of the maxims of Shorinji Kempo is that the techniques should avoid causing permanent damage.
The odd bruise is inevitable when you are just starting to learn how to defend yourself . Remember though, you will be training with other beginners, and there is plenty of incentive to be nice to each other! Beginners never get ‘beaten up’ (though seniors may choose to train harder and faster when together). All of our training exercises are designed to gradually introduce you to self-defence situations and develop your ability to avoid injury.
Whilst practicing a martial art may seem to be potentially dangerous, the truth is that the instructors maintain a safe and controlled environment – most recreational sports are more prone to frequent or serious injuries than a well run martial arts club.
How often should I train?
The university club trains three times a week, and additional sessions are offered at other nearby clubs and transport can be arranged to attend them. Each individual can train as much or as little as they want, though it should be noted that a person training less than once a week is unlikely to progress fast enough to benefit from the training. Training two or three times a week will see the best benefits, though once a week is fine to start with.
How much does it cost to train?
We like to keep the costs to a minimum. Please click here to see the training costs.
What about the uniform?
The uniform is called variously a “gi” or “dogi” in Japanese, or “angry-white-pyjamas” when we’re not taking it too seriously. You need to buy a dogi in order to enter a grading, but there is no requirement to buy one quickly. When you are sure that you enjoy the training and want to buy one let us know as the club orders in bulk to reduce costs. Depending on quality, a dogi will cost around £20-30.
Do you have competitions?
As Shorinji Kempo is a martial art for personal development and self defence, we do not enter ‘fight’ competitions. In general the only competitive aspect is known as embu in which pairs or teams can demonstrate technique, timing and realism before a panel of judges. See “What is training like?” for more details.
How quickly will I progress?
This depends on how often you train. It is possible to attain the first level of black belt (1st dan) in 3 years if you train regularly (2-3 times a week). You can take your first grading for yellow belt 3 months after joining the club, providing you have attended a minimum of 20 training sessions.
What does a grading involve?
Belts are not awarded for “beating” others with techniques, but rather gradings are essentially exams to show that you know the techniques and philosophy for your syllabus. You demonstrate your techniques with a partner, or in solo form. There is also a written element to show understanding of the technical and philosophical elements of training.
Okay, I want to come, where do I go?
It’s a good idea to arrive about 20mins before the training session, to allow yourself time to get changed etc. We use the changing rooms on the bottom level of SUSU. If you don’t know where they are, there are almost always people coming and going who can point you in the right direction. You’ll probably meet some of the existing club getting changed, look for the logo (at the top of this page). We’re a friendly bunch, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
If you arrive already changed, it’s best to go directly to the training venue – 10 minutes before the session starts we are usually waiting outside it or warming up inside. It is important to take your shoes off before you walk in to keep the floor clean. Sometimes we train right after other clubs, so if you are early and there are other people in the room, it’s most polite to wait outside for us to turn up.
Please always arrive in advance of the start of the session so that you can complete any necessary forms without interrupting the class.