ATMOSPHERE:

• Shorinji Kempo encourages students to develop self defense techniques through regular practice in simulated situations.  Students practice escaping from being grabbed or learn to defend against punches and kicks.  In this way the students will naturally defend  themselves in a real situation. 
• Students learn cooperation.  Students often work in pair form to help each other grasp the techniques, which can only be learned when both cooperate.  
• Concentration improves through the practice of embu.  Embu is pairs demonstrating predetermined techniques with full concentration on performing correctly.  
• There is a strong emphasis on proper behavior.  Students are expected to show respect for fellow students and teachers.  Proper etiquette is explained and the students are reminded when their actions are improper for the situations.  This reinforcement and the knowledge that one needs to demonstrate they can behave properly before moving to the next level helps the students learn the proper behavior.
• Every class includes a short meditation with an empty mind to prepare it to concentrate.  A lecture on respect, helping one another, etc. is part of every class.
•  The students stretch their muscles to avoid injury then practice self defense techniques that do not require power.

 PACE:

• The children's class is designed to allow students to progress at their own pace.  Every student has a progress list of techniques they have accomplished.  They know what they must learn.  This allows the focus on what they need to learn.
• Every class Sensei, the teacher, has the students work on the techniques they need to practice.  Sensei, encourages the students to challenge the techniques they have mastered and he recognizes their accomplishments.

 STRUCTURE:

• Each level has a list of techniques that must be mastered before moving on to the next level.  The belt levels (kyu) are further broken down into 3 levels of kihon, which are recognized by a color star on the gi, uniform. 
• At the 1st level students must learn 8 techniques, getting a gold star for their certificate for each techniques learned.   When all 8 techniques are learned the student gets a certificate, and a yellow star for their gi.  After the student receives 3 stars they are ready to challenge for the 8th kyu yellow belt.  This pattern is repeated for the next belt levels.
• As the belt levels go up so does the challenge to accomplish it.  The green stars require 12 techniques to be learned while the brown stars require 16 techniques.
• Promotion requires an oral and physical test.  Both mental and physical development are promoted equally.