ABOUT OUR CLUB  |  OUR HISTORY   

Our dojo was recognized by the World Shorinji Kempo Organization headquarters as a official branch (shibu) in the summer of 1998, a year and a half after its unofficial founding at the turn of the year 1996-1997. Instruction at our practices is conducted in English, although technical terms are in Japanese.

Our classes are open to all adults. Children are accepted on the condition that one or both of their parents join and take lessons along with them. Drop-in observers are welcome any time; new participants are accepted on the first practice of each month. Monthly dues go toward rental of space, purchase of supplies, etc. Instruction itself is free--Shorinji Kempo instructors do not get paid to teach.

Our dojo master is Hiroshi Onaka, Daikenshi 6th dan (email). Onaka-sensei first took up Shorinji Kempo at Seinan Gakuin University, and after graduation continued practicing at the Yamanote branch in Tokyo. Later he returned to his hometown of Hofu in Yamaguchi prefecture and studied under sensei Masaki Nagata at the Yamaguchi Saikyo branch, where he attained his 5th-dan ranking. He attained 6th dan in October, 2005, after two years as branch master in Seattle.