Zazen Meditation at Camden Kempo
Our classes balance fitness training, self-defence techniques and meditation practices. Every session includes a short meditation (known as zazen ĺş§çŚ or chinkon-gyĹ ć˛ććĽ) This part of the session allows our kenshi to clear their minds, focus on their bodies and breathe deeply. When practiced alongside physical self-defence training, regular meditation can help you to become calmer and more mindful, increasing your ability to deal with pressured situations.
What is Zazen ĺş§çŚ ?
Zazen is a type of seated meditation that’s all about calming your mind and focusing on your breath. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your concentration, and boost your self-awareness.d
What to expect during zazen (chinkon-gyĹ) in class:
Youâll be guided into a seated positionâanzaâusually in silence or with calm instruction. A senior kenshi may gently help you adjust your posture so your spine is tall and your body relaxed.
Weâll close our eyes and begin with deep, steady breaths. The focus is simple: follow the rhythm of your breathing. Your mind might wander (itâs normal!), but just bring your attention back to each inhale and exhale.
The hall will be quietâuntil the sudden crack of the shakujo staff strikes the floor at the end. That sharp sound snaps us back into awareness, followed by a group kiai (ć°ĺ) to reconnect body and spirit.
Zazen only lasts a few minutes in class, but its impact resonates far beyond. Itâs not about doing it ârightââjust being present.
Why Zazen is essential for martial artists (yes, even the excitable ones)
Zazen isnât just about sitting stillâitâs about sharpening the most important weapon you have: your mind. In class, you’ll sit in silence, with clear guidance and the occasional gentle posture tweak to help you settle. Then, just breathing. Focusing. Letting everything else fall away.
It helps you move smarter with more control, train deeper with real discipline, and perform better under pressureâwhether youâre grading, sparring, or just holding your ground. At the end, youâll hear one loud bang that snaps everyone back into awareness, followed by a powerful shared kiai.
Curious? You donât need to know how to sit perfectly or stop thinking completely. You just need to show up. If you’re under 24, you can train with us for freeâbecause presence, focus, and community should be accessible to everyone.
Letâs breathe, move, and growâtogether. Camden Kempo has a spot for you
Another part of our training that surprises many is seiho (ć´ćł) â a restorative massage system used to release tension, relax muscles, and improve recovery. We teach both partner-seiho and self-seiho, so youâll learn how to ease your own post-training aches, as well as support others.
As you progress through the grades, you may also be introduced to appĹ (ĺ§ćł) â more advanced pressure-point techniques that require careful precision and deeper understanding. AppĹ belongs to the higher-level curriculum in Shorinji Kempo, and while itâs rarely taught outside the art, we honour its principles with care and respect.
Most seminars end with a seiho session. After all the punches, throws, and kiai â itâs a moment of balance that brings us back to centre.
You can learn much more from practicing in class and reading more in our Philosophy Book.