Shorinji Kempo World Taikai

Rulebook

World Shorinji Kempo Organization

December 4, 2008

Shorinji Kempo World Taikai

Rulebook Content
Introduction
IRules of Operations of the World Taikai
1. Operations
Chapter 1 Execution of the World Taikai
Chapter 2 Roles and Position of the World Taikai Executive Committee
Chapter 3 The WSKO Judge Council
Chapter 4 The Judges
Chapter 5 The World Taikai Judge Meeting
Chapter 6 The World Taikai Executive Committee and WSKO Judge Council
2. General Rules
Chapter 7 Name
Chapter 8 Event Site
Chapter 9 Eligibility (Branch and Kenshi)
Chapter 10 Other Rules
Chapter 11 Notification to Participants
Chapter 12 Language for Use
3. Proceedings of the World Taikai
Chapter 13 Operating the World Taikai
Chapter 14 Announcement of Results and Recognition
4. Intellectual Property Management
Chapter 15 Usage of the Mark, Logotype and Characters for the World Taikai
Chapter 16 Producing Taikai Goods
Chapter 17 Producing Programs and Posters and Other Printed Materials for the World
Taikai
Chapter 18 Public Relations Activities
Chapter 19 Hoisting of Flags
5. Others
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24

Safety Management
Doping
Accidents during Competitions
Issue Management
Revisions of the Rules

IIWorld Taikai Competition Rules

General Rules
Chapter 1 General Rules
Chapter 2 Clothing Regulations for World Taikai
Chapter 3 Responding to Breach
Chapter 4 Court
2. Categories
Chapter 5 Categories
Chapter 6 Unyoho (Application)
3. Competitions
Chapter 7 Start, Discontinuation and Finish of a Competition
Chapter 8 Where to Stand to Start and End the Competition
Chapter 9 Proceeding during Competition (as embu performer)
Chapter 10 Composition
Chapter 11 Techniques for Use
Chapter 12 Prohibited Techniques
Chapter 13 Embu Time
Chapter 14 Judging
Chapter 15. Raising Objections
4. Other
Chapter 16 Revision of the Rules
III. World Taikai Judge Rules
1. Significance of Judging in the World Taikai
2. Outline of Embu Judgment
Chapter 1 Duties of the Judges
Chapter 2 Clothing Regulations for World Taikai Judges
Chapter 3 Organization of a Judge Group
Chapter 4 Criteria and Viewpoints for Judgment
Chapter 5 Judgment (Placement)
Chapter 6 Special Treatment during Judging
3. Other
Chapter 7 Revision of the Rules
Appendix 1Rules Regarding the World Shorinji Kempo Organization Judge Council

Introduction
Shorinji Kempo now has a presence in over 30 countries, with practitioners training daily
around the world.
This rulebook has been prepared to help ensure that all kenshi from whatever country who are
participating in the World Taikai will be able to demonstrate the fruit of their individual, ongoing
training in a comfortable and perfectly fair environment, while embracing the spirit of Shorinji
Kempo, one unity worldwide. It is also intended to help ensure that the Taikai will be safe,
successful and worthy of all Shorinji Kempo kenshis and Shorinji Kempos long and honored
traditions.
It is hoped that this rulebook will serve as a prototype for other publications serving similar
purposes for local taikai in various countries, as well as promoting Shorinji Kempo itself.

Purpose and Significance of World Taikai

The World Shorinji Kempo Organization is committed to upholding and developing the
founding philosophy of So Doshin, known respectfully as the Kaiso. His ideas included the
realization of an ideal world through development of persons, in a movement stressing mental and
physical well-being for all. The organizations purpose is to spread the practice of Shorinji Kempo
throughout the world, protect it, and promote friendly relations among member countries, while
emphasizing racial, religious and political tolerance for world peace.
Serving the same underlying purpose, the World Taikai is held once every four years as our
most important official gathering, at which kenshi of differing racial, cultural, religious and
linguistic backgrounds from the world over gather to further develop their friendship and solidarity.
The World Taikai is a venue where fellow practitioners of Shorinji Kempo can mutually
demonstrate and celebrate the fruit of their individual, ongoing training and work together to build
Shorinji Kempo as a powerful tool for friendly, peaceful exchanges.
With this in mind, participants do not compete merely to win or demonstrate superior technique
or otherwise engage in any behavior intended only for their own individual honor. This is against the
underlying spirit of Shorinji Kempo.
The basic philosophy of Shorinji Kempo is to help create a better society by nurturing as many
persons as possible who will then earnestly strive for others happiness as much as their own and act
accordingly.
It is important for each and every Taikai participant to understand this philosophy of happiness
for oneself and others and thereby more fully contribute to world peace.

The Shorinji Kempo Group is Against Drug Abuse and Doping

Embracing human potential and dignity and working to develop persons who can serve society,
the Shorinji Kempo Group has a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding the abuse of recreational
and other drugs that harm peoples health and personalities. It likewise adamantly opposes use
of any performance-enhancing drugs by athletes.

I. Rules of Operations of the World Taikai

1. Operations
Chapter 1. Execution of the World Taikai
Article 1 The World Taikai shall, in principle, be held once every four years.
Article 2 We shall plan and operate the World Taikai to follow and meet the objectives and
significance defined herein.
Article 3 The Board of Directors of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization (hereinafter
referred to as the WSKO Board) shall organize the World Taikai Secretariat.
Article 4

The WSKO Board shall select a host national federation to open a World Taikai from
among the national federations wishing to serve as the host.

Chapter 2 Roles and Position of the World Taikai Executive Committee

Article 5
The host national federation shall organize the World Taikai Executive Committee
which shall be responsible for actually operating the World Taikai at the local site
under the leadership of the WSKO Board.
Upon completion of the event, the World Taikai Executive Committee shall forthwith
report such effect to the World Shorinji Kempo Organization (hereinafter referred to
as the WSKO).
Article 6
The World Taikai Executive Committee shall provide the necessary information to
invite participants.
The participants in the World Taikai shall, in principle, be chosen by the national
federations as their representatives.
Article 7 1. The Executive Committee, with its chairperson to head the committee, shall direct
overall operations of the World Taikai at the site.
2. The operations of the World Taikai hereunder shall be defined as all processes
necessary to execute the event ranging from preliminary preparations to the
completion of the event.
The World Taikai Executive Committee shall, in principle, have the following
departments:
If needs may arise, the Committee may add new departments, integrate a plural
number of departments into one or divide one department into two or more.
1. The General Affairs Department
2. The Accounting Department
3. The Proceedings Department
4. The Judge Department
5. The Competition Proceedings Department (including scoring for competitors)
6. The External Affairs Department
7. The Interpretation Services Department
8. Other
Chapter 3 The WSKO Judge Council
Article 8 The WSKO Judges Council shall follow the WSKO Judges Council Rules.
The Council shall additionally have those who are appointed by the President after
approved by the WSKO Board Members at a WSKO Board Meeting.
Article 9
In holding the World Taikai, the WSKO Judges Council shall perform services related
to judging Embu presented at the World Taikai and improve the judgment, if any.

Chapter 4 The Judges

Article 10 In holding the World Taikai, the WSKO President shall appoint members of the World
Taikai Judge Committee, after the WSKO Judge Council approves among those who
are nominated by each country. President may specially appoint a judge.
Article 11 Judges shall implement their tasks under guidance of the WSKO Judge Council.
Chapter 5 The World Taikai Judge Meeting
Article 12 The WSKO Judge Council shall call a World Taikai Judge meeting no later than the
day before the opening of the World Taikai in order to explain the basic purposes of
the event and the judgment rules.
Chapter 6 The World Taikai Executive Committee and WSKO Judge Council
Article 13 The Executive Committee shall be responsible for overall operations of the World
Taikai at the local designated site, while the WSKO Judge Council shall address
various issues involving the judgment of competitions held in the Taikai. Both the
Executive Committee and the WSKO Judge Council shall report to and confirm with
each other in advance and work together to operate the event under the leadership of
the WSKO Board.

2. General Rules
Chapter 7 Name
Article 14

The official name of a World Taikai shall be the (year) Shorinji Kempo World Taikai
in (city name), (country name).

Chapter 8 Event Site

Article 15 A suitable site shall be provided for a World Taikai in accordance with its size.
Information about what to remember in terms of using the facility shall be confirmed
with the facility manager in advance and provided to the staff and the participants.
Chapter 9 Eligibility (Branch and Kenshi)
Article 16 All the kenshi participating in the World Taikai shall be registered WSKO members
and representatives selected in their country.
Chapter 10 Other Rules
Article 17 Competitions shall be executed in accordance with the provisions of II. World Taikai
Competition Rules and III. World Taikai Judge Rules.
Chapter 11 Notification to Participants
Article 18 The World Taikai Executive Committee shall, in advance, provide detailed
information about the content of the World Taikai for the country federations and
branches, of which the participating kenshi are members, to ensure smooth operations
of the event.
Chapter 12 Language for Use
Article 19 1. The languages to be used in a World Taikai shall be the official language of the host
country and the English language as the recognized international language.
2. In addition to the above item, the Japanese language may be used to the extent
permitted by the rules and regulations of the host country.

3. Proceedings of the World Taikai

Chapter 13 Operating the World Taikai
Article 20 The World Taikai Executive Committee shall give top priority to building an
environment in which the participating kenshi can best perform, and shall smoothly
move forward the programs of the World Taikai aiming to meet the purposes and
significance of the event.
[Reference: The Judging Process]
The followings are an illustrative process of services provided by a team of five judges and
three courtside proceeding staff members (consisting of a paging and time-keeping person, a
score-collecting and displaying person, and a score-entering and recording person) is described
as follows:
1. According to instructions by the chief judge, the paging and time-keeping person will call
the first group of the competing kenshi onto the court by reading out their names.
2. At the Gassho-Rei to start an embu, the paging and time-keeping person will start
counting the time.
The person gives the signal once 90 seconds after the start of the competition and twice
after a cumulative lapse of 120 seconds.
(For competition in child kenshi (aged 12 or younger) category, the person gives the
signal once 60 seconds after the competition starts and twice after a total lapse of 90
seconds.)
3. At the Gassho-rei to end the embu, the paging and time-keeping person will stop counting
the time.
4. As instructed by the chief judge, all the judges, including the chief judge, will show their
scorecards with score points written on them by holding them up above their heads.
5. As instructed by the chief judge, the judges will lower their scorecards, and the
score-collecting and displaying person will start gathering the score points. (After
score-collecting, the paging and time-keeping person will start from the process No.1 to
start the next judging.)
6. The score-entering and recording person will enter the score points onto a personal
computer for calculation.
7. Upon total score calculation, the score-collecting and displaying person will display the
result on the designated bulletin board.
Chapter 14 Announcement of Results and Recognition
Article 21 In principle, the results of the competitions shall be announced. Anyone with any
inquires about the announced results may visit the inquiry office, so that the staff will
answer their questions, unless it may prevent the progress of the Taikai.
Article 22 1. In principle, the best performers shall be recognized by using the expressions of the
first, second, third and nth places.
2. Winners ceremony shall be implemented according to the rules set separately.

4. Intellectual Property Management

Chapter 15 Usage of the Mark, Logotype and Characters for the World Taikai
Article 23 The Shorinji Kempo mark and logo shall be used by priority.
Article 24 The Shorinji Kempo mark and logo may not be used combined with any other mark,
or deformed. The usage of the mark and logo shall be reported in writing on the
application by the World Taikai Secretariat with details of how to use, range, and
design, to the SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY to obtain its approval before actually
producing them.
Article 25 If the host federation wishes to develop and use a new mark, logo, character or
whatsoever unique to the World Taikai, the a trademark use application form shall be
submitted to the SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY through the World Taikai Secretariat to
obtain its approval of the development of and how to use the new mark, etc., before
actually producing them.

Chapter 16 Producing Taikai Goods

Article 26 If the host country federation wishes to develop commemorative items, medals, staff
jackets and other things supplied for the World Taikai, such items shall bear the
standardized Shorinji Kempo mark and logo and the name of the World Taikai. The
World Taikai Secretariat and Executive Committee shall file a trademark use
application form with the SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY to obtain its approval of the
use of the Shorinji Kempo mark and logo before actually producing such items.
Chapter 17 Producing Programs and Posters and Other Printed Materials for the World
Taikai
Article 27 The World Taikai programs and posters must carry the standardized Shorinji Kempo
mark and logo and the official name of the World Taikai.
The trademark use application form shall be submitted through the World Taikai
Secretariat to the SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY to obtain its approval prior to the use.
Article 28 In producing the World Taikai programs and posters, the World Taikai Secretariat
shall make due consideration to avoid any copyright problems arising from the
unauthorized reproduction of texts and images and other factors.
Chapter 18 Public Relations Activities
Article 29 All and any public relations (PR) activities of the Shorinji Kempo World Taikai must
be made in such a manner that they should actively use the standardized Shorinji
Kempo mark and logo, accurately introduce the Shorinji Kempo teachings,
techniques and educational system, which are the precious legacy of its Kaiso, Doshin
So, and increase the value of Shorinji Kempo. Those responsible for such PR
activities shall use the Shorinji Kempo mark and logo by referring to the Shorinji
Kempo Mark and Logotype Usage Guide. The content of such PR activities shall
respect the Shorinji Kempo imagery as instructed by the WSKO and put it above
anything else. The application for the use of the Shorinji Kempo mark and logo shall
be signed and filed by the Chairman of the Shorinji Kempo World Taikai Executive
Committee with the SHORINJI KEMPO UNITY, via the World Taikai Secretariat, for
prior approval.

Chapter 19 Hoisting of Flags

Article 30 The protocol flags of the World Taikai shall be the WSKO Flag, the national flag of
the World Taikai host country, and the Taikai Flag.
Article 31 The protocol flags of the World Taikai shall be hoisted at the venue of the World
Taikai, together with the national flags and national federation flags of all the
participating countries in the World Taikai.

5. Others
Chapter 20 Safety Management
Article 32 1. The World Taikai shall be executed based on a careful plan to organize the content
and itinerary of the event from the perspective of not putting any excessively heavy
burden on the participating kenshi either mentally or physically and to prevent any
potential accidents.
2. The Executive Committee shall care for health conditions of the participants by
including the following statement in the information bulletin and any other
information materials to be provided for the WSKO member branches:
If you arent well, or you feel that something is wrong with your physical health,
please immediately report to the staff, etc.

3. In preparation for any accidents that might occur, a medical service office shall be
set up within the Taikai site and a doctor must stay in the office throughout the period
of the event, and the organizer shall provide other necessary materials and
information, including the traffic routes over which to transport the patients to the
nearest medical service institutions.
4. When Unyoho presentations are included in the Taikai, physical checkups shall be
conducted with the kenshi participating in such presentations.
5. Injuries or accidents, if they occur, shall be handled in a sincere and quick manner
and the consequences or results of the management of such cases shall be reported to
those concerned.
Article 33 The Executive Committee shall provide insurance to cover accidents if they should
occur during the event. The participants are required to sign up for insurance that
provides suitable coverage if they should get injured at the event.
Chapter 21 Doping
Article 34 Any doping practices shall be prohibited abiding by the World Anti-Doping Code.

Chapter 22 Accidents during Competitions

Article 35 Embu competitors, if they are not able to continue to perform due to any accidents
involving them, shall discontinue their performances. Injuries or accidents, if they
occur, shall be handled in a sincere and quick manner and the consequences or results
of the management of such cases shall be reported to appropriate persons.
Chapter 23 Issue Management
Article 36 If any issues arise out of operations of the World Taikai, these shall be handled on the
responsibility of the WSKO Board, and under the leadership of the WSKO Board,
either the Executive Committee or the WSKO Judge Council shall handle such issues,
or both shall work together to do the same.
Article 37 If anyone has any inquiries about the World Taikai, he/she shall address his/her
inquires to the World Taikai Executive Committee through the representative of the
country federation to which he/she belongs. If the World Taikai Executive Committee
finds it impossible to answer them, the Committee shall consult the WSKO Board.
Article 38 Any matter concerning competitions not specified herein shall be resolved by the
WSKO Judge Council.
Chapter 24 Revisions of the Rules
Article 39 Any provisions hereunder may be revised upon approval of the WSKO Judge Council.
[Supplementary Provision] This Rulebook shall become effective on April 1, 2008.
This revised rulebook shall become effective on December 4, 2008.

II. World Taikai Competition Rules

1. General Rules
Chapter 1 General Rules
Article 1
Competitions shall be executed in accordance with the competition rules defined by
the WSKO.
Article 2
All competitors must comply with the essence of Shorinji Kempo and recognize the
purpose of it and perform in a cheerful and generous, and fair and open manner as
WSKO kenshi.
Chapter 2 Clothing Regulations for World Taikai
Article 3
All competitors shall wear a Shorinji Kempo official dogi that satisfies the following
requirements:
1. They shall wear a Dogi that fits their body size.
2. They shall wear a clean Dogi and avoid wearing any dirty ones.
3. They shall wear a designated sleeve badge.
4. The competitors name must be put in three parts of the Dogi, namely, the back collar
and the lower part of one front lapel of the jacket and the front upper part of a trouser
leg. In principle, the Dogi shall only have the names written in black ink, with no
other decorations, such as embroideries of manji, So-en or any other symbols, on
it.
5. Neither of the jacket sleeves of the Dogi shall be rolled up.
6. The jacket sleeves shall each be long enough to cover the forearm and to reach a level
somewhere between the wrist and the elbow and the trousers shall each be long
enough to cover the leg and to reach a level somewhere between the ankle and the
knee:
[The lengths of the Dogi for adult kenshi (age 13 and above)]
1) The jacket sleeves shall each be long enough to reach, at the maximum, 5 cm above
the wrist joint and, at the minimum, 10 cm below the elbow level.
2) The trousers shall each be long enough to reach, at the maximum, 10 cm above the
ankle joint and, at the minimum, 10 cm below the knee level.
[The lengths of the Dogi for junior kenshi (aged 12 or younger)]
1) The jacket sleeves shall each be long enough to reach, at the maximum, 5 cm
above the wrist joint and, at the minimum, 5 cm below the elbow level.
2) The trousers shall each be long enough to reach, at the maximum, 5 cm above the
ankle joint and, at the minimum, 5 cm below the knee level.
Note: Each of the above figures represents the length measured from the center of
each joint when a person stands upright with arms held straight down.
7. A male kenshi age 13 or above shall not wear a T-shirts under dogi in principle.
When a T-shirts is worn under the dogi by a female or junior kenshi, it shall be plain
and white and look neat and tidy.
8. The belt should be worn as regulated. (Corresponding to the wearers rank.) Belts
must not be worn that have their surface too abraded, or their color too faded, or be so
frayed that they look too shabby to wear.
9. Embroidery on the belt shall, in principle, be limited to the wearers name and the
organization that he/she belongs to.
10. The competitor shall, in principle, be barefooted, except for any special reasons that
he/she may not be able to be barefooted.
11. Hair shall look neat and decent.
Anyone who does not meet any of Requirements 2, 6 or 7 above shall immediately be
deemed to be in breach of this article.
Any violation of the other Requirements, if extreme, shall also be deemed to be a
breach of this article.

Figure 1. The Lengths of the Jacket Sleeves and Trousers of the Dogi

The sleeve shall reach 10 cm below the

elbow level or be longer.
(For junior kenshi of age 12 and under,
the sleeve shall reach 5 cm below the
elbow level or be longer.)

Standard
length

The sleeve shall reach 5 cm

above the wrist level or be
shorter.
(For junior kenshi of age 12
and under, the sleeve shall
reach 5 cm above the wrist
level or be shorter.)

The trouser shall reach 10 cm below the knee

level or be longer. (For junior kenshi of age
12 and under, the trouser shall reach 5 cm
below the knee level or be longer.)
Standard length
The trouser shall reach 10 cm above the
ankle level or be shorter.
(For junior kenshi of age 12 and under,
the sleeve shall reach 5 cm above the
ankle level or be shorter.)
Figure 2. The Standard Points of the Parts of the
Body for Measurement
2. Wrist

1. Elbow

3. Knee

The base point for the sleeve length measurement shall be

the center of the elbow (the tip of the joint when the arm is
bent).

4. Ankle

The base line for the sleeve length

measurement shall be the line that
crosses the center of the wrist
joint.
The base point for the trouser
length measurement shall be the
center of the ankle joint.

10

The base point for

the trouser length
measurement shall
be the kneecap (the
center of the knee).

Article 4
Article 5

A competitor shall wear nothing metal or no other objects that may hurt the opponent
during a competition.
If a competitor has any religious problems with these regulations, they shall not be
applicable to him/her.

Chapter 3 Responding to Breach (Clothing Regulations)

Article 6
The Executive Committee shall be responsible for managing the uniform rules during
the World Taikai:
1) Let the participating federations and branches and kenshi fully know about how to
dress in the World Taikai before its opening, and encourage the branches and
federations to instruct their kenshi to fully comply with the clothing regulations.
2) Check if performers may properly get dressed before each competition starts on the
day of the Taikai. Any competitor who breaches any clothing regulations shall be
instructed to remedy the way he/she dresses, and if no remedy is taken, he/she shall
not be allowed to participate in the competition.
3) If it receives a report by a judge or staff member about any breach of the clothing
regulations of a performer in ongoing embu or after embu, the Executive Committee
shall discuss and determine how to handle the matter. A performer, if deemed to
breach the regulations, shall be disqualified (from being awarded).
Chapter 4 Court
Article 7
The court shall, in principle, be a square 7 meters by 7 meters, though this dimension
may be changed depending on varying conditions at the competition event or the site.
Article 8
The outline of the court shall be 5 cm to 10 cm wide and be painted in white.

11

2. Categories
Chapter 5 Categories
Article 9
The categories to be held in the World Taikai shall be described as follows. Any
changes in these events shall be made subject to the approval of the WSKO Judge
Council.
1) Competition Division
(The best competitors shall be recognized and preliminary results shall be announced.)
Categories
Description
th
th
1. Men 4 Dan or higher
Male kenshi both 4 Dan or above, or a pair of 4th Dan and 3rd Dan. (e.g.,
a 7th Dan and a 4th Dan may be paired, while 4th and 2nd Dan may not.)
rd
2. Men 3 Dan
Male kenshi both 3rd Dan, or a pair of 3rd Dan and 2nd Dan
3. Men 2nd Dan
Male kenshi both 2nd Dan , or a pair of 2nd Dan and 1st Dan
4. Men 1st Dan
Male kenshi both 1st Dan , or a pair of 1st Dan and 1st Kyu
5. Men Kyu Kenshi
Male kenshi both in kyu rank. (Minarai kenshi may not participate.)
6. Women 3rd Dan or higher Female kenshi both 3rd Dan or higher, or a pair of 3rd and 2nd Dan. (e.g., a
7th and 3rd Dan may be paired, while 3rd and 1st Dan may not.)
nd
7. Women 2 Dan
Female kenshi both 2nd Dan , or a pair of 2nd Dan and 1st Dan
8. Women 1st Dan
Female kenshi both 1st Dan , or a pair of 1st Dan and 1st Kyu
9. Women Kyu Kenshi
Female kenshi both in kyu rank. (Minarai kenshi may not participate.)
10. Men & Women Dan Male and female kenshi both in Dan ranks, or those in the 1st Dan and 1st
Holders
Kyu. A grade difference of a pair should be up to one grade.
11. Men & Women Kyu Male and female kenshi both in kyu ranks. (Minarai kenshi may not
Kenshi
participate.)
12.Groups
One group shall consist of 4, 6 or 8 performers, regardless of gender and
technical grade.
[Points of Confirmation]
1) Anyone aged 15 or younger shall not be allowed to participate in any of the events above.
2) Events 1 to 4, 6 to 8 shall be, in principle, kenshi in the same ranks shall be paired to participate
in an event that is applicable to their ranks. Kenshi in different ranks shall participate in an event
that is applicable to the higher grade of the two.
3) Events 1 to 5 shall be competition events for the male kenshi in pairs.
4) Events 6 to 9 shall be competition events for the female kenshi in pairs.
5) In events 1 to 11 shall be all kumi embu (paired embu). Sannningake may not be performed.

12

2) Exhibition Division
(All performances shall
results or no awarding.)
Categories
1. Age 13-15
2. Age 7-12
3. Men Masters
4. Women Masters
5. Parent and Child
6. Married Couples
7. Group Age 13-15
8. Group Age 7-12

be examined and scored. No placing shall be made based on the score

Description
Either sex. Minarai kenshi may not participate.
Either sex. Minarai kenshi may not participate.
A pair of kenshi, both male or male and female, age 45 or above, any rank.
A pair of kenshi, both female, age 35, any rank.
A child should be aged 15 or younger, either sex, any rank.
Note: A grandparent and his/her grandchild may be paired.
No limitation of age and rank.
One group shall consist of 6 to 12 performers, either sex, any rank.
One group shall consist of 6 to 12 performers, either sex, any rank.

[Points of Confirmation]
1) All Embu Demonstrations in Events 1-6 above shall be kumi embu (paired).
2) In addition to the categories above, a category for sanningake may also be set.
Chapter 6
Unyoho (Application)
Article 10 Unyoho may be conducted as presentation at a World Taikai in following matter
(however, competitive randori performances are not allowed):
1. Each kenshi may participate in up to two application performances.
2. No announcement shall be made to specify the winners or superiority of the
performers at the end of the performance.
3. Based on results of the performances, a plural number of the performers shall be
chosen as the excellent skilled players for recognition (with no placing).
Article 11 Participants in the application performances must understand and comply with the
following requirements:
1. Mental Attitude and Preparedness
1) All participants shall respect good manners. (One should be polite with his/her other
partner and with the judges.)
2) Either party, if an attack (counterattack) given by the other party is found final, shall
stay calm to accept the situation and then, the two parties shall stop and
acknowledge the outcome by making gassho rei with each other.
2. Compliance with Instructions by the Judge
1) Participants shall control themlseves over emotins with usual frame of mind.
2) Any kenshi who does not comply with the rules and manners shall be disqualified
(and asked to leave the site). Upon noticing that a player has made a dangerous trick,
the judge may instruct the player to stop and leave.
Article 12 Participants in the application performances shall in advance take a medical
checkup to ensure that they are healthy enough to participate.

13

3. Competitions
Chapter 7 Start, Discontinuation and Finish of a Competition
Article 13 An embu competition shall start when two competitors make gassho rei with each
other and shall end when they make gassho rei with each other.
Article 14 If an accident makes it impossible for competitors to continue their embu competition,
the judge shall instruct them to discontinue. Once it is discontinued, it shall not be
resumed.
Chapter 8 Where to Stand to Start and End the Competition
Article 15 An embu competition shall start in the center of the court and end as near as possible
to the center of the court.
However, the competitors may change places from their original place as they stand
face to face when finishing their embu.
Chapter 9 Proceeding during Competition (as embu performer)
Article 16 In principle, competitors shall perform embu in the manner stated below, providing
that if the World Taikai Executive Committee issues any special instructions about the
procedures during the World Taikai, the participants shall follow those instructions.
1. The kenshi and judges shall enter the stadium, and according to the commands given,
they shall turn to the front to give a gassho rei and the judges and the kenshi shall give
gassho rei to each other.
2. When called by paging person, the kenshi shall come forward to stand outside the
court and give gassho rei to the chief judge before entering the court.
(The kenshi that will perform next shall come forward and stay outside the court in
front of the chief judge to wait for their turn.)
3. The kenshi already on the court shall give gassho rei to each other in the center of the
court to start the embu.
Note: In the case of pairs, competitors shall give no gassho rei to the chief judge in the
court (standing on the line to start an embu).
4. The kenshi shall end the embu by giving gassho rei to each other before leaving the
court.
5. Standing outside the court, the kenshi shall give gassho rei to the chief judge before
moving to a designated waiting area.
Chapter 10 Composition
Article 17
1. An embu shall consist of six compositions. One composition is defined as follows;
1) A composition shall be deemed to consist of sequential movements from zanshin
to zanshin.
2) Harai before juho and counterattack shall not be deemed to constitute one
composition (a hangeki shall consist of up to a sequence of two counterattacks).
2. If an embu consists of more or less than six compositions, 10 points shall be deducted
from the full score.
3. One composition of a group embu consists of the same kumi embu by all the pairs or a
solo embu by all the members..
1) A solo embu in the group embu will be one of the choices below performed which
will make one part of the 6 parts.
However, giwaken dai ikkei, dai nikei, ko manji ken, and byakuren ken dai ikkei
shall be performed to one direction only.
tenchi ken dai ikkei[dai ni kei][dai san kei][dai yon kei][dai go kei][dai rokkei]
giwa ken dai ikkei[dai nikei
ryu-o ken dai ikkei (kote nuki solo form)ryu-o ken dai san kei (ryote yori nuki solo form)
ryu no kata (gyaku gote solo form)
ko manji ken
[byakuren ken dai ikkei]

14

2) In the case all the members of the group are not performing the same kumi or solo
embu, 10 points shall be deducted from the full score.
3) Any movements or calls that can be a signal to perform group embu are not allowed.
In the case such a signal/call is seen, 5 points shall be deducted from the full score.
However, a group of age 12 and under may use a call/signal.
4) In the case sannin-gake is performed in an embu, the group shall be disqualified.
Chapter 11 Techniques for Use
Article 18 The kenshi shall, in principle, perform techniques appropriate to their ranks.
Only in the case of a group embu, it is allowed to perform techniques that can be used
by the highest technical rank of a member of the group.
1) Restrictions on the use of attacking techniques according to ranks
Attacking techniques allowable during embu shall correspond to those usable by the
defenders rank, not restricted to the actual ranks of the competitors.
Ex 1. The 2nd Kyu kenshi may provide ude gyaku dori and then maki gote
to the 1st Dan kenshi.
Ex 2. Since the 2nd Kyu kenshi is supposed to have learned ukemi against ippon se
nage and kataguruma through studies on techniques to defend against seoi
nage and daisharin, any kenshi may use these throwing techniques,
regardless of the rank.
2) Confirmation of techniques usable
Shita uke geri kote nage (a 2nd Dan technique), shall be allowed if the kenshi
provides kote nage only, without shita uke geri.
For example, if 1st Dan kenshi only provides kote nage, it would be regarded as a
technique that is appropriate for his/her rank.
3) Techniques usable by the junior 1st Dan kenshi (aged 12 or younger)
The junior 1st Dan kenshi may use techniques which are up to the 2nd Dan
curriculum (to be acquired by the 1st Dan kenshi), provided that no prohibited
techniques for children (aged 12 or younger) embu are used, as defined in Article 20
hereunder.
4) Techniques usable by Kyu kenshi
In principle, they shall perform techniques corresponding to those usable by the
defenders rank, for example:
If a 2nd Kyu kenshi participates in the Kyu kenshi category of embu, he/she may
use techniques up to those taught in the 1st Kyu curriculum as a defense.
Chapter 12 Prohibited Techniques
Article 19 In case a participant performs a technique that is not appropriate for his/her rank, then
10 points shall be deducted from the full score for each technique used.
Article 20 1. The following techniques are prohibited for children (aged 12 or younger) embu,
both in pair and in group competition, by taking their physical impact on the junior
kenshi into consideration. If any prohibited techniques are performed in childrens
embu, 15 points shall be deducted from the full score for each technique used.
2. The use of any somersault ukemi against throwing techniques* (which shall be
defined as ukemi in which all the parts of the body are completely up in the air for
a moment) shall also be prohibited for the same reason as described above. (If such
a technique is deemed to be used by any junior kenshi, 15 points shall be deducted
from the full score for each technique used.)
An example is a case of shita uke geri kote nage, in which the defender throws the
attacker instead of rolling, and the attacker reacts by performing a somersault
ukemi.

15

= A List of Prohibited Techniques for Junior Kenshi (aged 12 or younger)

mae tembin from hiji nuki, okuri maki tembin, gyakute nage, ryu nage, soto maki
tembin, kiri kaeshi tembin, kiri kaeshi maki tembin, uwauke gyaku tenage, gyaku
tembin, ude juji gatame, tembin gatame, gyaku tembin dori (two types), tsuri age
dori, tsuri otoshi, sode maki tembin, soto maki otoshi
All somersault ukemi against throwing techniques (which shall be defined as ukemi
in which all the parts of the body are completely up in the air for a moment), except
ippon se nage and okuri yoko tembin.

Chapter 13 Embu Time

Article 21 1. One paired embu shall, in principle, last from 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes. A
deduction from the full score shall be applied to any embu of more or less than this
time range, and if it exceeds 3 minutes, the performers shall be disqualified.
2. In the childrens category (aged 12 or younger), one embu shall last from 1 minute to 1
minute 30 seconds. A deduction from the full score shall be applied to any embu that
lasts longer than 1 minute 30 seconds, and if it exceeds 2 minutes 30 seconds, the
performers shall be disqualified.
3. A solo embu shall last from 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds. A deduction from the full
score shall be applied to the embu of more or less than this time range, and if it
exceeds 2 minutes 30 seconds, the performer shall be disqualified.
Chapter 14 Judging
Article 22 Each embu shall be judged in accordance with a designated scoring method, with the
full score of 300 points.
1. Each judge shall score an embu for technical quality and expression, and disclose
the result.
2. Upon completion of scoring the embu, deductions, if any, shall be made from the
full score by referring to the following items:
Table 1. List of Deductions
Item

Deduction from the full score

The embu time is shorter than the minimum time allowed*

The embu time is longer than the maximum time allowed *

5 points deducted for every 10 seconds

shorter than the required time
5 points deducted for every 10 seconds
longer than the required time

The embu includes less than 6 compositions

10 points

The embu includes more than 6 compositions

10 points

Use of techniques not appropriate for the grade of the performer

Use of prohibited techniques (for junior kenshi only)

10 points deducted from the full score

for every technique used
15 points deducted from the full score
for every technique used

A group embu, when all the members are not performing the same
10 points
kumi/solo embu or movements.
A group embu, when a call/signal is used. (Groups of age 12 and
5 points
under are not deducted for using a call/signal)
A group embu, when Sannin-gake is performed.

Disqualified

Note: *Use the deductions above by referring to the ranges listed below in Table 2.

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Table 2. Deductions Due to More or Less than the Required Embu Time
[Adult Kenshi] Aged 13 or older
Embu time

Number of points
deducted from the full
score
10
5

Shorter

1 minute 10 seconds 1 minutes 19 seconds

1 minute 20 seconds 1 minutes 29 seconds

Required time range

1 minute 30 seconds 2 minutes

2 minute 1 second 2 minutes 10 seconds

2 minute 11 seconds 2 minutes 20 seconds

10

Longer

[Junior Kenshi] Aged 12 or younger

Embu time

Shorter
Required time range
Longer

Number of points
deducted from the full
score

40 to 49 seconds

10

50 to 59 seconds

1 minute - 1 minutes 30 seconds

1 minute 31 second 1 minute 40 seconds

1 minute 41 seconds 1 minutes 50 seconds

10

3. An embu shall be placed based on the total score points given by the judges.
4. If any two pairs have the same total score, the judges shall take the following
procedures to determine their places. If the places are still undetermined despite
of taking these procedures, then the group of judges shall confer to determine the
places:
1) The pair with a higher technical quality score shall be placed higher than the
other.
2) Places shall be determined based on the total score points given by the chief judge
to them (whether or not the chief judges points are already included in the total
score points)
3) Their places shall be determined based on the technical quality score points given
by the chief judge. (whether or not the chief judges points are already included in
the total score points)

17

Article 23 The decision made by the judges shall be final and must be respected by everyone.
Chapter 15. Raising Objections
Article 24 No objection shall be allowed to be raised to the judgment made by the judges.
Article 25 If anyone has an objection to the enforcement of these rules, he/she shall immediately
raise the objection against the Chairperson of the Judge Committee through the
representative of the country to which he/she belongs.

4. Other
Chapter 16 Revision of the Rules
Article 26 These rules may be revised subject to the approval of the WSKO Judge Council.
[Supplementary Provision] These rules shall become effective on April 1, 2008.
These rules shall revised and become effective on December 4,2008.

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III. World Taikai Judge Rules

1. Significance of Judging in the World Taikai
The Shorinji Kempo World Taikai has specific purposes and the judges, who are in the position
of evaluating techniques acquired by the kenshi through practicing gyo, shall be responsible for
acquiring the required knowledge and skill.
The judges participating in the World Taikai shall naturally have to make continuous efforts to
improve their levels of quality and skill in judgment.
Misjudging and inexperienced judges might reduce the enthusiasm of the participating kenshi
for self-discipline and their interest in Shorinji Kempo, or evoke dissatisfaction with or complaints
against Shorinji Kempo or doubts about the judges, or even reduce their levels of technical quality.
Therefore, the judges must be aware of their potential impact on the kenshi and take due care not to
lose the trust placed on them by the kenshi and to allow them to compete to the best of their ability
in the Taikai. What the judges are really for is to provide the kenshi with self-confidence, pride and
hope through fair judgment.
Requirements for judges include:

Duties of the Judges

Judge performers by using the designated methods and time ranges
Manage everything necessary to operate and move forward a competition on the court
Manage safety on the court

Attitudes of the Judges

- Quickly make fair and impartial, consistent and appropriate judgments
- Take no arrogant attitude toward the participating kenshi
- Take a dignified attitude to ensure smooth judgment
- Make no speech or do no deed that may prevent the operation and facilitation of a competition
- Make no intervention in the operation and facilitation of the Taikai by taking advantage of a
ranks or senior position
- Make a judgment by taking the right posture (no such actions shall be taken, such as crossing
one leg over the other or looking at the score sheet instead of watching the competitors)
Qualities of the Judges
- Fair and consistent
(Make consistent judgments based on certain criteria)
- Able to judge based on criteria for objective evaluation
(Acquire the criteria for correct evaluation and training to improve the skill for evaluation in a
continuous and consistent manner)
- Acquire full knowledge about a variety of rules concerning judgment
(Make judgments with a fair and impartial attitude based on the right knowledge about a variety
of rules)
- Cooperate in the operation of the Taikai
(The judges and the Executive Committee shall be willing to work together to manage the event)
The judges must, in advance, recognize the requirements as mentioned above and, on the day of the
Taikai, perform their duties as a part of the group of judges by aligning their intentions with those of
the members of the Executive Committee, facilitators and other people concerned.
The Chairperson of the Judge Committee should be ready to take responsibility for all the judgments
made by the judges during the Taikai; and make preliminary preparations by communicating with
the Executive Committee and the Group of Judges to let all the people concerned know about
everything they should know; and should endeavor to manage them properly.

19

2. Outline of Embu Judgment

Chapter 1 Duties of the Judges
Article 1

The judges shall judge embu taking place on the courts of which they are in charge
and shall evaluate and determine the places by following the World Taikai
Competition Rules

Chapter 2 Clothing Regulations for World Taikai Judges

Article 2
The judges shall wear designated uniforms (hoi) to judge embu during the World
Taikai.

(Clothing of a Judge)
In wearing a hoi, follow the points below;
1) The sleeves shall be in middle of the wrist and elbow.
2) Show the Shorinji Kempo mark and logo on the left side of breast on the hoi. (Either
embroidered or breast badge is acceptable.)
3) Adjust the length of the dogi trousers to match the length of the hoi. (The trousers must
not stick out below the hoi.)

20

Chapter 3 Organization of a Judge Group

Article 3
A group of judges to serve on the court shall, in principle, consist of one chief judge
and four assistant judges.
1. The chief judge shall be authorized to make overall management of embu and
score them as a part of the judge group.
2. The assistant judges shall have the same authorization that the chief judge has in
terms of scoring embu and shall assist the chief judge in court management.
Article 4

The judges shall, in principle, be positioned around the court as shown below. These
positions, however, may be changed depending on varying sizes of event sites or the
different number of courts required.
(A judge trio shall consist of three judges by eliminating Assistant Judges 1 and 4
from the following illustration.)
The traffic, score recording, timekeeping
Chief Judge and other staff shall sit together at the chief
Scoreboard
judges desk.
Judge 4
Assistant

Assistant Judge 1

Assistant Judge 3

Assistant Judge 2

Chapter 4 Criteria and Viewpoints for Judgment

Article 5 The judges shall, in principle, judge embu in the following manner:
1. Evaluation
1) Each judge shall score an embu by referring to the embu judgment manual and use the full
score of 100 points, which consists of certain points allocated to technical quality and the
rest allocated to presentation (excellence in expressions).
2) The judges shall score an embu by evaluating the technical quality of each of its six parts in
accordance with the designated viewpoints for judgment.
3) The judge shall score an embu by evaluating its overall presentation using the six
components from the inception through the finish in accordance with the designated
viewpoints for judgment.
4) As soon as they finish scoring, total points shall be calculated and announced immediately
upon an instruction given by the chief judge.
2. Items for Judgment and Points Allocated thereto
The maximum score level allocated to technical quality shall be 60 points (with 10 points
per each composition). The maximum score allocated to presentation shall be 40 points
(with 10 points per item for judgment).
The four items for judgment of presentation are:
1) Structure, rhythm and flow, moderation
2) Taigamae, stance, beauty
3) Energy, kiai, skill
4) Breathing, eye contact, zanshin

21

3.

Criteria for Evaluation

Both technical quality and presentation of an embu shall be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
Point allocations
Criteria for evaluation
10
Excellent
9
Very good
8
Good (standard)
7
Nearly good
6
Somewhat good
5
Poor
4 or less
Very poor

Expression

Technical Quality

Subject

4. Viewpoints for Judgment

An embu shall be evaluated from the following points of view:

Viewpoint for Judgment

Evaluate technical quality of an embu in terms of each composition by focusing on the
following points:
Goho: Attacking waza, defense waza, counterattack, five elements of atemi, etc.
Juho: Shuho, nuki waza, gyaku waza, nage waza, katame waza, various principles, etc.
- Body carriage and footwork
- Evaluate the essence of each technique performed to check if it may meet the requirements
or the principles of the technical teachings, no matter how speedy or elegant the performance
may look.
[For Group embu]
Evaluate technical quality of an embu in terms of each composition by focusing on the
following points plus the points above:
An embu is checked if all the performers show the same movement in the embu without a
call/signal, as a result of daily practice.
1. An embu must be composed of techniques appropriate for each
performers rank
2. A sequence of attacks and defenses must be natural or make sense,
Structure,
making the entire embu flow well.
1 rhythm,
3. No unnecessary (or unnatural) changes in formations or a transition
moderation
from one movement to another are to be included in the embu, etc.
[For Group embu only]
4. A call/signal is not used.
1. No excess tension
Tai gamae, 2. Good posture
3. Good foot stance, hip position (low enough), fist position and grip, the
2 stance,
beauty
space between the arms and the body, etc.
4. Position taking
1. Energy must exist in the embu.
2. Kiai and movements must be integrated (Kiai must not be a signal to
Energy,
help the performers align their movements) A group of age 7-12 may
3 kiai, skill
use a call/signal.
3. Good speed, power, kime, etc.
breathing,
1. The pair keep eye contact with each other.
4 eye-contact, 2. No disturbance in breathing
zanshin
3. Mental and physical preparedness every time a technique is finished.

22

5. Points of Confirmation
(1) Embu Composition
1. A sequence of attacks and defenses until zanshin shall be deemed as one composition.
2. The harai before juho and counterattacks shall not be deemed to constitute one composition.
(Up to two counterattacks in a row shall be allowed.)
(2) Sanningake Embu Composition in Exhibition Division.
1. A sanningake embu shall always have one defender and two attackers. (The three may take
turns to change their attacking and defending roles in each composition.)
(3) Estimated levels of total score points
1. Based on a standard level of total 80 score points, with 8 points earned from each of the ten
evaluation items, superior levels shall be represented by the following total points earned:
81-85 points: Level at which a competitor or team will be selected to go to the finals
86-90 points: Level at which an individual or team is expected to receive an award
91 points or higher: Level at which an individual or team is expected to receive the top
award.
Chapter 5
Judgment (Placement)
Article 13 1. An embu shall be evaluated by a group of five judges and given total score points,
where the total score points are given by three out of the five judges by eliminating
the highest and lowest point scores. Based on their earned points, solo, paired or
group competitors shall then be placed for awarding.
2. If there are two judges providing the highest total score points or the lowest total
score points, for example, the technical quality points given by these judges shall be
compared, and then, the total highest points with the higher technical quality points
or the lowest points with the lower technical quality points shall be eliminated from
the total score point calculation.
3. In the case of a trio consisting of one chief judge and two assistant judges, their
combined total score points shall provide the total score points for an Embu
Demonstration by an individual or team.
Chapter 6
Special Treatment during Judging
Article 14 If any matter not stipulated in this Rulebook arises with respect to an embu performed
on a certain court, it shall be discussed by the judges in charge of the said court and
shall be resolved upon the decision made by the Chairperson of the Judge Committee.
3. Other
Chapter 7 Revision of the Rules
Article 15 These rules may be revised subject to the approval of the WSKO Judge Council.
[Supplementary Provision] These rules shall become effective on April 1, 2008.
These rules shall be revised and become effective on December 4, 2008.

23

[Appendix -1]

Rules Regarding the World Shorinji Kempo Organization

Judge Council
(Purport)
Article 1
These Rules shall provide for the Judge Council established as stipulated in Article 28
of the Statutes of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization (hereinafter referred to as
"WSKO").
(Duties)
Article 2
The duties of the Judge Council shall be as follows.
1. The Judge Council shall respond to requests for advice from the Board Chairperson
and shall report on matters regarding the rules for competitions and judging of the
Taikai, etc. upon holding consultations.
2. The Judge Council shall draw up, develop and implement plans regarding the
content of the WSKO Judges Seminar.
3. The Judge Council shall supervise the WSKO judges.
4. The chairperson of the Council may submit a report regarding judging qualifications
to the President or the Board Chairperson.
5. The Judge Council may act in the position of lecturer for the WSKO Judges Seminar
and the Judges Study Session in countries with no regular group member.
6. The Judge Council may conduct all the judging related duties following the orders
given by the Board Chairperson.
(Makeup)
Article 3
The Judge Council shall consist of nine (9) council members and shall appoint one (1)
chairperson.
(Appointment and dismissal of committee members)
Article 4
1. Each member of the Judge Council (hereinafter referred to as the council) and the
chairperson of the Judge Council (hereinafter referred to as the chairperson) shall
be appointed by the President of the Organization through a resolution of the Board
of Directors. However, such member may be appointed extraordinarily by the
President.
2. As stipulated in the Item 1 of the Article 38 of the Chapter 13 of the Statutes, the
Board Chairperson may dismiss a Judge Council member from his/her position
through a resolution of the Board of Directors upon reporting to the President.

24

(Term of Office)
Article 5
1. The term of office of council members shall be four (4) years from the day of
appointment to the day before expiration and reelection to the same position is
allowed.
2. Even if a council members term of office has expired, he/she shall continue to
perform his/her duties until his/her successor takes over his/her post.
(Convocation of Meetings)
Article 6
Any and all meetings of the Judge Council shall be convened by the chairperson as
necessary after obtaining the approval of the Board Chairperson.
(Quorum and Resolution)
Article 7
1. The quorum for the Judge Council shall be constituted by the simple majority of
council members present and the agenda items shall be resolved by the simple
majority vote of the council members present when such a quorum is present.
2. A council member exercising his/her voting right by proxy shall be deemed to have
attended the Judge Council meeting.
3. In the case of an equal number of votes being cast, the chairperson shall have the
deciding vote.
Article 8
In the event that the Judge Council meeting can not be held but a resolution by the
council members is required, a resolution may be adopted through the opinions
submitted in writing.
(Minutes of Meetings)
Article 9
The written resolved matters of meetings shall be submitted to the Board Chairperson
under the name of the chairperson.
Article 10
Any matters not stipulated in these Rules shall be governed by the related Regulations.
(Revision of Rules)
Article 11
Any revision of these Rules shall be subject to the approval of no fewer than two-thirds
of the incumbent directors at a meeting of the Board of Directors. However, the
proposed revision shall be issued with approval of the President of the Organization.
Supplementary Provisions
These Rules shall take effect as from April 1, 2006.

25