The procedure for joining Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch is as follows...

1. Check the requirements for membership (below).
2. Email the Branch to set up a date to visit a class.
3. Watch a practice session and have an interview with the Branch Master.
4. If your application is accepted, begin training at the start of the next beginners' term. We begin a new beginners' term whenever we have enough people to warrant it.

Beginners receive personalized instruction at the outset from black belt-level teachers to help them establish the basic form needed for general training.

The first class is free. Thereafter, membership is required. This involves completing the membership application forms, providing two passport-sized photos and payment of the appropriate fees (currently Membership Fee $30* and Monthly Training Fee $35 pcm).

* includes WSKO membership fee. A full list of WSKO fees is available here.

The teachers of Toronto Branch are unpaid volunteers. The fees collected are used to support the activities of the Branch and pay WSKO dues. Toronto Branch also donates a significant portion of the fees to the CAMH Foundation as part of its annual "Kickathon" initiative. We do not have any profit motive.

Requirements for Membership

The main requirements for Shorinji Kempo Toronto Branch membership are shown below.

Regular Attendance

An important requirement for membership is regular attendance. All members are expected to train two full classes a week. Progress in Shorinji Kempo requires dedication and mastery of the full curriculum - there are no quick fixes or shortcuts.

Active Study

The curriculum of Shorinji Kempo contains many elements and the demands of even the first examination are high. Therefore it is vital that members keep careful notes of what they have learned in class and actively work through the body of required elements in the curriculum. In addition, it is necessary to become familar with Japanese terminology for a variety of elements.

Physical Condition

It is not necessary to be in peak shape to study Shorinji Kempo, but if you are over 40 or have not exercised regularly for over one year you should get your doctor's approval before beginning training. You should mention any health issues during the interview with the Branch Master at the class visit. A basic level of fitness, strength and flexibility is definitely an asset when beginning martial arts training.