Upon returning to Japan, he carefully analyzed and systematized his spiritual philosophy and his knowledge of both Chinese and Japanese martial arts; he re-established the techniques he had learned and added some of his own.

Much of this information has come from the translations of Shorinji Kempo textbooks, written in Japanese, by Dr. Shingo Fukinbara, a former branchmaster of Iowa and South Carolina Shorinji Kempo branches. Dr. Fukinbara was one of Japan's leading body builders who turned to a more spiritual lifestyle and pursued the newly developed ancient Zen Buddhist concept of So Doshin, the founder and developer of modern Shorinji Kempo. Dr. Fukinbara, also a renowned doctor of Acupuncture, came to the United States to study Chiropractic in 1971, at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. It was in Davenport that Dr. Fukinbara met John Stump, a former high school biology teacher and Athletic director. Stump had also experienced a turn in events and lifestyle from an accident, which directed him to Davenport to also study science, art and philosophy of Chiropractic. Stump had attained a second-degree Black Belt in Karate and a Shodan (1st degree) Black Belt in Judo before becoming a football coach and teacher. Dr. Stump believed that his martial arts training had helped him become a faster and more disciplined football player during high school and college years.

After the four years of study in Iowa, he went to Japan to continue his study of Acupuncture and Shorinji Kempo. After four years of further study in Japan and China, Stump returned to the United States and started one of the first holistic practices in the country involving Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Nutrition and the martial art of Shorinji Kempo!

Over the next decade, from when Stump met Sensei Yamamori in Los Angeles, who was the only Kempo teacher in America for ten years before meeting Stump, Kempo began to spread from the seeds in Iowa and South Carolina. Up to that point Sensei Yamamori had only taught Japanese; he only used Japanese in his teaching because he did not think Americans would take the time to master the language and the martial art. After meeting Stump, his mind changed and he opened up his Doin (Temple/School) to the round eyed Americans!

Now, 30 years later, the story is being told of Shorinji Kempo in America, especially in the south, where it was brought by Stump and Fukinbara in the early 70's. At that time, Dr. Kenny Seals had come to Iowa to study with Sensei Fukinbara. After three years, he was sent by Sensi Fukinbara to Atlanta, where Seals was to enter a new Chiropractic school being built - Life University as it is now known. Sensei Fukinbara, Stump and Seals bought an old church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and started a school for Seals.

The Birmingham group is in its second year and growing, and the Foley group is in their first year and very enthusiastic. For more detailed information and a look at this long secluded and secretive martial art, please come by any of our schools for a visit and talk to the instructors in charge at that location.

Bodhidharma's actual role in the emergence of Zen is obscure, since most authorities regard the sect as a Chinese fusion of imported Mahayana Buddhism with native Daoist (Taoist) doctrines, but legends abound of his spiritual determination. For example, it is said that he cut off his eyelids after once falling asleep during meditation and meditated so long that his legs fell off. Also there is the account that one of his disciples, Huik'o, was so earnest in proving his devotion that he cut off his own arm in front of Bodhidharma. Having attained enlightenment at Shao-lin temple, a temple associated with the martial arts, Bodhidharma is credtied with being the founder of Shao-lin boxing (Japanese, Shorinji Kempo).  In Japan, where he is called Daruma, the image of Bodhidharma is represented by a red papier-mache' doll sitting in meditation. He is considered the protector of households, political campagins, and businesses. When first purchased, the doll has no pupils; thses are painted in when the possessor's wish, such as a profitable year or a victorious electrion, has been achieved.

*taken from www.encarta.msn.com

Whils some schools or systems of martial arts can lay more or less legitimate claims to being moral, spiritual practices, Shorinji Kempo is explicitly and essentially such a practice. It is a way for people to cooperate and learn mutual trust, as well as self-control.

Riki Ai Funi (Strength and Love Stands Together) Strength supported by Love, and Love supported by Strength. The condition, in which the two apparently opposites are unified as one, is what a man's way of thinking and acting should have as the core.

Shushu Koju (Defend First, Attack After) Shorinji Kempo is a method of self-defense. Its techniques start with a defense against the opponent's attack.

Kumite Shutai (Pair Work is Fundamental) In Shorinji Kempo training, there are two roles: offender to attack the partner; and the defender to protect him/herself from the offender. Cooperation among the two is the most important requirements for an improvement.

Fusatsu Katsujin (Protect People Without Injury) Never seek fighting. Protect your body. Just hurting people is not the purpose of learning Shorinji Kempo.

Shorinji Kempo uses four techniques:

Testugaku

Juho - Soft Techniques - Throws, locks, twists and pins.

Goho - Hard Techniques - Kicks, punches, blocks, etc.

Seiho - Healing Techniques - The use of pressure points for therapy and/or combat.

Training in Shorinji Kempo leads to better health by reducing stress, providing weight control, increasing flexibility, sharpening the mind and providing individuals with stronger self-confidence.