About Iowa Branch

Following the tradition of Shroinji Kempo's founder, Doshin So, the purpose of the Iowa Branch is to better the community through the nurturing of strong, caring individuals through martial arts practice. To some, it may seem counter intuitive to cultivate caring individuals through a fighting art. However, Doshin So believed that practing martial arts builds health, confidence, and courage, and, thus, develops leaders with a sense of justice.

Under the guidance of Sensei Fred Lepley, the students of Shorinji Kempo Iowa Branch strive to attain the goals of Doshin So and Shorinji Kempo. Men and women of all ages, experience, and physical condition are invited to experience Shorinji Kempo.

Iowa Branch History

Founded in 1972 by Dr. Shingo Fukinbara, the Iowa Branch is the second oldest active Shorinji Kempo dojo in the United States. Dr. Fukinbara, an acupuncturist and kenshi from Japan, moved to Davenport in 1971 to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic. It was there that Dr. Fukinbara met John Stump, a practitioner of martial arts and fellow Palmer student. Dr. Fukinbara agreed to teach Dr. Stump acupuncture and Shorinji Kempo in exchange for english lessons. In addition to founding the Iowa Branch, Dr. Fukinbara and Dr. Stump went on to help spread Shorinji Kempo throughout the United States by establishing other branches.

Over 30 years later, the Iowa Branch is still an active part of Shorinji Kempo in America thanks to several branch masters and many dedicated students throughout the years. Sensei Fred Lepley is the current branch master of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization's Iowa Branch. Sensei Lepley has been training in martial arts for over 20 years and holds black belts in several different systems. He currently holds a 4th Dan ranking in Shorinji Kempo. Mr. Lepley took over the Iowa Branch in the year 2000 and has been running the school with the help of several other black belt instructors.