What is Sotai Kempo

what is sotai kempo

SOTAI KEMPO is more than a martial art, it’s a lifestyle.

It offers a complete approach to martial arts, combining:

Self-defense, Fitness, Personal development and Character growth.

More than simply teaching techniques, SOTAI KEMPO helps students develop confidence, resilience, self-control, and the ability to handle challenges both inside and outside the dojo.

This is true BUDO in action,

training that benefits your body, mind, and character.

SOTAI KEMPO is an all-round, complete martial art.
It’s an effective and efficient self-defence system,
balancing defences against any striking attack, and

defences against any grab you can possibly imagine.

Whatever kind of strike such as a punch, kick, club or even knife attack, SOTAI KEMPO has a defence for it.

These are collectively called Goho.

Whatever kind of grab you can possibly imagine.

SOTAI KEMPO has a defence against it.

These are collectively called Juho.

As your skills develop and grow, Goho and Juho combine.

Further Sotai Kempo uses various vital nerve points in both
Goho & Juho rather than strength to effect desired results.

The techniques are practical, adaptable, and designed to work for you,

in real situations.

Learn about the benefits of Sotai Kempo HERE

Lastly the question "What is SOTAI KEMPO similar to?" is often asked.

It is infact impossible to give justice to a suitable answer, as that would require extensive knowledge of other martial arts styles by the person asking.

Are they qualifed to compare?

Sotai Kempo is infact a breakaway from Shorinji Kempo,
however to give justice to answering the question one would need to spend many hours watching Shorinji Kempo
to get even a basic idea of the depth and scope of Kempo.

For an in depth recap of the last 50 years of

Shorinji Kempo in New Zealand,

check out this video.

Everyone begins their journey with the FREE 2 week Selection Phase.

You can start your journey anytime. Refer to our Schedule for weekly times.

Your first classes are fun, engaging, and designed for beginners, giving you a solid foundation in stances, stepping, blocking, punching, and kicking.

A uniform is not required for the Selection Phase.
After registration an official uniform (Dogi) will be provided.

The SOTAI KEMPO syllabus includes over 588 techniques,

covering both striking (Goho) and grappling (Juho),

along with the study of Kyusho Jutsu (- the use of vital nerve points.)

Together, these three elements form a highly practical and well-rounded martial art.

Goho (hard system) focuses on effective blocks, punches, and kicks, that are practical and reliable. Balanced with

Juho (Soft system of Grappling) when grabbed includes escapes and releases, joint locks, throws, pins, chokes, restraint techniques, and even traditional tying up methods using the belt.

With consistent training, Kenshi quickly develop strong defensive awareness and control of their opponent.

Equally important is the study of strategy and its application, teaching Kenshi how to adapt techniques to real situations rather than relying on fixed responses.

With such a wide range of techniques, Sotai Kempo follows a structured, progressive training method.

Kenshi learn techniques in the specific order of the syllabus through each grade,

ensuring strong foundations before moving forward.

Goho (hard system) techniques are first learned in single form to develop correct form, then after the second grading, are practiced with a partner when Speed, Timing, Distance, and Awareness of intent are introduced with training focused on cooperation not competition at this stage.

Juho (soft system) techniques are learned with a partner from the end of Orange Belt,

following the same principles of the progressive training method.

The Progressive Training Method:

Learn the form
Do it slow
Make it flow
Gradually speed up to develop control and understanding
Then increase speed, complexity and resistance as skills develop.

Following this method allows Kenshi of all ages and abilities to develop

high-level, practical skills safely and confidently.

Once Kenshi have mastered a sufficient number of techniques, they progress to Sparring.

Sparring training begins with Gentai Randori (limited sparring), where attacks are controlled based on the defender’s skill level, including:

Number of attacks
Target areas
Type of attack
Timing and distance

As competence grows,
attacks become progressively more complex, eventually leading to Randori (full sparring).

This step-by-step approach allows Kenshi to develop practical defensive skills and confidence, gradually handling realistic, high-speed attacks without being thrown into uncontrolled brawling.

SOTAI KEMPO

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what is sotai kempo

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