What’s Shorinji Kempo, What’s WSKO?

Shorinji Kempo was founded in 1947 by Doshin So (the Founder) in Tadotsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, and began expanding globally in the late 1960s. Today, it is taught and practiced in 40 countries and 1 region worldwide (as of 2026).

The World Shorinji Kempo Organization (WSKO) aims to contribute to the promotion of human happiness and health by correctly spreading and developing Shorinji Kempo—founded by Doshin So (the Founder)—across the globe. WSKO is also dedicated to protecting Shorinji Kempo, fostering goodwill and friendship among member countries, and thereby contributing to world peace.

On January 15, 2026, WSKO launched a new organizational structure as a general incorporated foundation, and in May of the same year, it officially joined TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All), an international sports organization.

Today, Shorinji Kempo serves as a “bridge of hearts” connecting people around the world, promoting international exchange that transcends barriers of race, culture, religion, and language.

Main Activities

• Hosting the Shorinji Kempo World Taikai and International Study Sessions
• Approving and supporting regional and national study sessions, and dispatching instructors
• Training and supporting Shorinji Kempo instructors, conducting activities necessary for nurturing individual members, and providing educational materials
• Globally communicating the organization’s management policies and code of conduct, ensuring all members are well-informed, and promoting and supporting the establishment of federation members
• Disseminating information regarding Shorinji Kempo and managing intellectual property
• Disclosing activity reports, operational details, and financial statements at the General Assembly