Our History
Shorinji Kempo first came to New York City around 1980 when there was an influx of Japanese practitioners relocating here to live and work. All were highly motivated and had originally learned Shorinji Kempo from well established Japanese branches and university clubs. They were very enthusiastic about introducing Shorinji Kempo to one of the world's largest cosmopolitans.
In December 1982, the Shorinji Kempo New York City Branch was officially established. The branch moved to Chelsea Studios in 2001 and reestablished its state and operations. After nearly two years without an official branch master, Atsushi Ohashi, with the permission of the World Shorinji Kempo Organization (WSKO), became the new certified Branch Master in 2002. Born in the city of Sapporo which is located in the Hokkaido prefecture of Japan, Ohashi Sensei holds the rank of 5th Dan Daikenshi and first studied Shorinji Kempo in 1985 at the Tokyo Meguro Doin Branch and for 10 years was the student of Kubo Hiroshi Sensei, 9th Dan.
In 2014, the branch moved to the East Village to the Teatro Circulo Studio and was formally renamed Shorinji Kempo Downtown New York Branch. When Ohashi Sensei left New York to retire in Japan, he asked Bogdan Sensei to undertake the certification process to become the new branch master. David Bogdan studied at the Shorinji Kempo Downtown New York Branch under Ohashi Sensei for more than 20 years. Bogdan Sensei was officially certified as the branch master in September of 2025. He currently holds the rank of 4th Dan, Seikenshi.
Outside the dojo, Bogdan Sensei runs a small tutoring company with his wife. He lives with his wife and their two daughters in Westchester, New York.
Our Dojo
New York City has always been known worldwide for its diversity and our dojo certainly reflects this. Within our dojo, you will find kenshi (students) who have originated from far away places such as Austria, China, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and even California. Our kenshi also come from a variety of professions such as artists, sailors, teachers, restauranteurs, writers, scientists, police officers, entrepreneurs, students, and financiers.
Our camaraderie has always been our strength. Our workouts are very hard but we all work together. New kenshi are most welcome and are given the utmost encouragement and respect. Every kenshi must practice with a partner no matter what rank they hold. Shorinji Kempo places great emphasis on mutual practice, this being an excellent and proven way for people to develop respect for each other during the rigors of learning a martial art. It takes a great deal of cooperation, patience and communication to master Shorinji Kempo and it is hoped these qualities will follow students into their lives.
