Who teaches it? Two locations!

Sensei Masaaki Hashimoto (7th degree black belt) of Vancouver Branch has decades of experience teaching in the Greater Vancouver area.

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Sensei Masa Okuma (6th degree black belt) teaches the children’s class at BC Tozenji Dojo.  He has been teaching in the area for well over a decade and the class has continued to grow in size each year.

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Sensei Louie (5th degree black belt) of Vancouver Branch originally started off in Hashimoto Sensei’s children’s class over 30 years ago and is also a graduate of the Shorinji Kempo Budo Academy at the Shorinji Kempo headquarters in Japan.

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Through continued practice, kids quickly develop and improve their confidence, discipline, and social skills, through practice of physical exercise, self defense techniques, and class discussions on a variety of topics. Pair work is emphasized, and kids learn cooperation and teamwork in a safe and supportive environment.

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Student testimonial:

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Shorinji Kempo is a great martial art because it develops your mind and body.  I really enjoy that it's a hands-on-experience.  The teachers wear protective gear and we practice our punching and kicking on them.  We also do some sparring, and I find that fun-more fun than just punching air.  They also do a philosophical lesson in every class, where they tell us parables.  I find that really good because it gets us thinking about how to be a better person.  Before we start practicing, we do meditation in every class as well.  I find that meditation does a great job relaxing you.  They tell you to just concentrate on breathing.  At first it's pretty hard but once you get the hang of it, it gets easier.  I find meditation is also good in day to day situations when i just need to breathe.  Overall I think that Shorinji Kempo has been great for me, both physically and mentally. 

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-Isabella from Vancouver Branch kid's class

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