Shorinji Kempo has its roots in India and can be traced back to almost 5000 years. It was introduced to China through Bodhidharma, who was one of the founders of Zen Buddhism. He introduced kempo in the legendary Shaolin Temple of the Honan district. There are several wall paintings in most of the Shaolin temples that show Indian monks practicing the art of Kempo. Even today Kempo is taught but only in secret societies.