The Shaolin Temple was first built around 495AD, by the order of the Chinese emperor Hsino Wen and functioned only as a religious center. It was in the Shaolin Temple in the Songshan Mountains of central China that a sixth century Indian Monk Bodhidharma, first introduced Buddhism and a form of meditation and fighting techniques.

Bodhidharma (Ta Mo in Chinese, Daruma in Japanese) introduced a form of breathing exercises based upon animal movements designed to condition and strengthen the body. It was said that after meditating in a cave just outside the temple for nine years, he revealed to the Chinese monks, that this meditation, known today as “Zen” is ineffective without physical training. It also led to poor health and weakness.

Thus began the education of these monks in the art of Shih Pa Lo Han Sho (18 hands of Lo Han). These techniques were not meant to be used as a method of fighting, but as a way for the monks to maintain physical health, while at the same time strive to attain enlightenment.

Bandits often attacked the Temple, and although the monks did not believe in killing or fighting they understood the need to defend oneself. Thus Bodhidharma taught them a method of self-defense where the hands and feet became weapons.

Decades later, a master of Chuan Fa (translates as Fist Method or Fist way)

Re-discovered the original Shih Pa Lo Han Sho, which had been lost with the death of Bodhidharma. Over a period of time he combined Chuan Fa with the 18 Hands of Lo Han, increasing the number of techniques to a total of seventy-two. In his travels he met up with a man named LI, also a master of Chuan Fa. They teamed up and formed a total of one hundred-seventy technique. They categorized them into five distinctive groups according to the type of animal the techniques most reflected. To this day the five animals: Tiger, Leopard, Dragon, Crane, and Snake, are still important parts of the Shaolin Kempo Karate system.

The art of Shaolin Kempo Karate has evolved from numerous styles of the martial arts over the years: Shaolin Temple Boxing, Kung Fu, Kempo, Ju Jitsu, many styles of Karate, as well as the art of the Chin Na (white tiger).

Adojo Shaolin Kempo Karate system began with this base and has developed the self-defense concepts from numerous influences. Shaolin Kempo’s fighting is based on linear, angular and circular movements, with multiple strikes to the opponent’s upper and lower body, while controlling their balance and ability to counter attack.

Along with the foundation of the Shaolin Kempo Karate system, we incorporate forms and kata with the 108 techniques that have made it through the centuries. Our system of training and philosophy is based around our four main principles: WISDOM, HUMILITY, INTEGRITY, and COURAGE. Adojo Shaolin Kempo Karate Center believes that everyone should have the opportunity to train in an effective Martial Arts system, to protect himself or herself, to relieve mental stress, increase physical conditioning, and improve ones life.