Doshin So is the founder of Shorinji Kempo. Shortly after the Second World War in 1947, he started teaching under the name Shorinji Kempo in a chaotic and defeated Japan with the aim of instilling more self-confidence, humanity and discipline in his students. More self-confidence by being able to defend oneself, more humanity by being able to stop violence and help others. His first dojo was at his home in Tadotsu, in southern Japan, where the World Shorinji Kempo Organization is still located in the head temple ‘Honbu’. At the moment, dojos are active in 39 countries worldwide, including 15 countries in Europe.
Shorinji Kempo Amsterdam was founded in 1983 by Tojo sensei 4th dan. For a long time his dojo was located in the Staatsliedenbuurt (Amsterdam Westerpark), it was the only Shorinji Kempo dojo in the Netherlands. Tojo Sensei retired in 2019 and a number of advanced students continued his dojo and opened new locations in Amsterdam.
Shorinji Kempo Amsterdam West was started in December 2021 by Floris de Jong 3rd dan. He started with Tojo sensei in 2004 and has competed with several Taikais in England, Germany, France, Sweden and Portugal. In 2022, the Shorinji Kempo Amsterdam West Association (SKAwest) has joined the Dutch Cultural Sports Association and ‘Stadspas’ of the municipality of Amsterdam.