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Welcome to the World Bank
Shorinji Kempo Club Home Page

he World Bank hosts a club that practices a very deep but accessible martial art. Shorinji Kempo is a sophisticated martial art incorporating scientific and medical principles in its performance, and Buddhist philosophy as its intellectual foundation. Unlike numerous other martial arts, Shorinji Kempo was developed as a means of mastering oneself, rather than simply a method of self-defense or winning contests.
By practicing this art, the members of the World Bank Shorinji Kempo Club try to improve our physical condition and gain understanding of ourselves and those around us. Our workout sessions are strenuous, but also coorperative and fun. Bring comfortable clothes and join us in a friendly atmosphere (consult the schedule for times and location).

As a World Bank Fitness Center club, we have been operating continuously since 1979. The founder of the club, Ken Ohashi, still works for the Bank and still guides the students in the arts' principles. Our club is an official branch of the World Shorinji Kempo organization, headquartered in Tadotsu, Japan.

The club is always ready to accept Bank and IFC employees as members. For more information or details, Bank staff should contact Azedine Ouerghi, x37531, or Mariángeles Sabella, x35313. Outside of the bank contact Allen Liff ("liffer" at "aol.com").

Foundations

Shorinji Kempo is a comprehensive defense system. The physical side of the art includes:

 Hard techniques: punches, kicks, and blocks

 Soft techniques: escapes, throws, and locks

 Therepeutic massage  and relaxation techniques

Shorinji Kempo utilizes a balance between the hard techniques of an art such as karate, the soft techniques of judo, and joint-locking techniques similar to jujitsu. Anyone can become proficient in Shorinji Kempo regardless of size, sex or age. Shorinji Kempo uses rational, scientific and medical principles rather than brute strength. Seated Zen meditation is practiced each class to regulate breathing, calm the mind and increase overall awareness.

Training in Shorinji Kempo improves health by reducing stress, providing weight control, increasing flexibility and sharpening the mind. There is no sense of competition in class, rather it is a place where you can go to further yourself mentally and physically in a spirit of mutual support and cooperation. Students work together to improve their skills; there is no fighting. Join the more than 1.5 million students worldwide who have found the value of training in Shorinji Kempo and visit us soon!

Learning More

Explore this web space to find out more about Shorinji Kempo's history, and about the World Bank branch. The best way to learn more is to come to a workout and observe. Use the links page to access other Shorinji Kempo resources on the World Wide Web.

"Shorinji Kempo" and "Ken" logo Copyright © World Shorinji Kempo Organization. All rights reserved. The name "Shorinji Kempo" and the "Ken" symbol are copyrighted trademarks owned by the World Shorinji Kempo Organization. Their use is restricted to WSKO Branches.