Mushindo Kempo is a form of physical training from which later developed arts such as Karate , Ju Jitsu and AIkido. Unlike these it has never considered itself a sport but more a system of physical practices which are designed both to bring about a state of optimum physical health and a comparable mental clarity.

Due to this equal emphasis upon body and mind Mushindo Kempo forms an important part of the daily practices of certain Buddhist monks, particularly those of the esoteric (Mikkyo) sects. Along with spiritual studies the students of Mushindo Kempo also study various forms of natural healing. Unlike many similar systems found in China these are not based upon Yin Yang philosophy, Taoism etc but instead upon Buddhist medical principles which originated in India - the birthplace of Buddhism.

Because of this special emphasis the manner and ideology of our trainings and practices are very different from those of ordinary Karate groups. We do not practice things which harm the body or encourage attitudes which harm the mind. Perhaps paramount in the latter are things like the spirit of competition, aggression or greed. In this we differ even from sports like Aikido which often is regarded as a more 'spiritual' art than say Karate. This is not so at all but what is often different in Aikido is more often than not simply the attitude and goals of the practitioner.
It is therefore only within Mushindo Kempo that we find such differences not just openly acknowledged but also developed and explained.