The 'Fighting Art' Arrives In Chiswick

International martial arts demo on display at Chiswick Sports Hall

Shorinji Kempo, a Japanese 'fighting art' which aims to bring together self-defense and Zen philosophy, will be celebrating its 40th birthday in Chiswick this month.

The international event, due to be held at Chiswick Sports Hall on Burlington Lane on Saturday 30th August, will feature dynamic displays of Shorinji Kempo fighting by students from the UK, Europe and Japan. A number of local Japanese organisations and even Japan's Ambassador to the UK have been invited to attend the demonstration.

Shorinji Kempo was established in Japan during the 20th century, and claims direct lineage from the world-reknowned Shaolin monastery in China. Kempo was brought to the UK in 1974 by Tameo Mizuno, who remains Chief Instructor to this day, and part of the event at Chiswick Sports Hall will focus on his life story.

According to the British Shorinji Kempo Federation, Kempo aims to develop both the body and the mind, not only through the study of self-defence techniques, but also through Zen meditation and philosophical studies.

The demonstration, beginning at 10 am on Saturday 30th August, is free to attend and open to the public.

August 20, 2014