Shorinji Kempo

This dojo (place of practice) is authentic and provides a great learning environment for those who are either new or experienced in martial arts training. Learn self-​defense techniques, increase self-​confidence, and improve your spiritual and physical state of being, in a non-​competitive environment that focuses on each individual reaching his/​her own potential. This is a friendly club where instructors and students help each other progress at their own pace; and the «style» incorporates techniques of strikes, blocks, kicks, etc… as well as joint-​reserves and locks, evasions, pinning and throws. Fun and technical movements. Underlying this practice is an emphasis on dynamic zen meditation. Very intuitive. .. check it out. Visitors are welcome and no fee for an introductory class.

I have been practicing Shorinji Kempo ever since I was a kid. Started training in the kids class 20+ years ago. The kids class on Saturdays are very well structured and taught with different dynamics as the adult classes. I feel good that I was able to experience both by starting it at a younger age.
The adult classes have a constantly changing mix of students at various skill levels. It is always changing depending on timing of the growth of the current students and flow of brand new students. All classes are generally taught by separating various skill levels which makes it very comfortable for the different learning curves.
The instructor there has been always welcoming and has not made it difficult for me to return even after a break of few years.
People can always try to train to be stronger, faster, and heavier, but the style will also emphasize on how to use what you have with more efficiency and accuracy. The doors are always open during class hours to come watch.

I practiced Shorinji Kempo for 10 years in San Diego before moving to San Francisco 9 months ago — this dojo is amazing. The instructor and senior students are welcoming, supportive, and hard-​working.
There is a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced students — I get to teach, learn, and practice with people of all ages and skill levels.
Shorinji Kempo has held my interest for so many years because it is challenging, but extremely rewarding. 4 years in I noticed my reflexes had improved dramatically and I was better at sports, which spring boarded me into soccer, swimming, and gymnastics — none of which I’ve stuck with — but I keep coming back to Kempo.
Something the separates us from other martial arts is that we practice in pairs, not in rows — so you get to work on learning to throw a punch or kick while your partner works on training their eyes and learning to defend against real attacks.
I find the philosophy extremely engaging — it’s one of the main reasons people get hooked on Shorinji Kempo — but you’ll have to come check out class to hear about that.
Come join us for a fun and dynamic workout!

I have taken quite a few martial arts classes and mastered nothing. While this does not make me an expert at martial arts, it does qualify me to compare my experiences in many different schools. Shorinji Kempo SF is without a doubt the best martial arts school I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. A great deal of terrific and fascinating information and technique is imparted in a non threatening and encouraging environment, in an efficient manner, allowing the students to learn as much as possible in a short amount of time. The philosophy behind the teaching is as ethically sound as it is possible to be, this is not a school that gives persons of dubious character dangerous skills to use in barrooms. Rather, it teaches self defense, self confidence AND an understanding of why the students might need the techniques, and when NOT to use them. Harada sensei is the best instructor I’ve ever studied under. besides being patient and understanding, he has a natural ability to guide students to the best way to retain information through repetition and by drawing attention to mistakes without being demeaning or undermining self confidence. I wish I was still attending classes here, but for medical and time constraints, I would be. Seriously, this is the best martial arts school you could attend or send your children to if you want them to learn self defense and the knowledge of when or why to use it.

This is a great dojo with many senior level students to learn from. Over the years I’ve grown mentally and physically with the help of Shorinji Kempo. I highly recommend this dojo. The art itself is good for all types of people, level, and ages. Come by and say «hello!»

I am biased since my wife and I worked our way through the intimidation of being middle-​aged white belts, ultimately to a black belt. The experience was was a terrific journey of mind, body and spirit, not to mention making some good friends along the way. The wide range of experienced black belts guided us past all of our mistakes and bad habits, encouraging us every step of the way.
I was particularly impressed with the confidence my wife developed as she improved over time, not to mention her energy and enthusiasm.

Come and join us! Everyone’s great, you’ll be benefitted physically, mentally, spiritually. Give it a try.

My husband has been attending this school for a few years, recently earned his black belt.
Initially the class looks really intimidating. Most of the students are blackbelts, and the sensei is Japanese (with an accent). Once he joined though, he started learning FAST. THe class is small, so you get a lot of attention from the instructor. Also, with so many high level black belts (most of the students are 2^nd or above), almost everyone you work with knows how to NOT hurt you, definately something I appreciate!
The thing I like most about this martial art is the philosophy. It is taught in the curriculum, but not force-​fed. «Half for self, half for others» is what I hear him say now, and you know, I really like that.
Saturday classes are for kids, with a short adult workout before. I think the kids have a good time too. :)