Shorinji Kempo is the Japanese translation of the Chinese Shaolin Ssu, which intertwines self defence techniques with zen meditation, and is based on Buddhist principles. Shorinji Kempo was established in the UK in 1974, and so was the Polytechnic of Central London Shorinji Kempo Society. The Shorinji Kempo Society was first mentioned in a sports timetable notice in the McGarel in October 1975. The society would usually have training in the Judo Room in Regent Street on Fridays 5pm-7pm.
In November 1977, members attended The British Shorinji Kempo Association convention, that was taking place for the 3rd time ever on Sunday 26th November 1977 at the Finsbury Leisure Centre. The previous convention 1976 was held in Bournemouth. The convention involved a day of many events such as Randori competition (free sparring), Embu (pair from display) and Group Kata display. Toshiho Sato was able to get into the quarter finals in the randori competition, Soon Liao and Nonaka came in 3rd position in the Embu competition, and in the group kata competition the club came in joint first place with the Bournemouth Team.
In the summer of 1979, a delegation from the British Shorinji Kempo Association including members of the Polytechnic’s society trained with French members in Paris. At the time, the society was represented at the fourth Shorinji Kempo Convention, where one of the members came in second position in the free sparring competition.
During the summer of August 1982, students from the society participated in a summer training camp at Kent University, Canterbury.