10. All Japan Shorinji Kempo Federation Established
In May 1957, backed by an organization that had already reached a membership nearly 50,000 strong, the All Japan Shorinji Kempo Federation (Zen Nihon Shorinji Kempo Renmei) came into existence. This structure was the forerunner of today's Japan Shorinji Kempo Federation, Incorporated (Shadan Hojin Nihon Shorinji Kempo Renmei). At this time, a trend was growing of high schools, colleges, the Self Defense Forces, government agencies, and corporations wanting to make Shorinji Kempo clubs. The trend was growing, but, especially in the case of public high schools, the fact that Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji was a religious organization presented a great obstacle to receiving permission for a club under school regulations. Similar problems existed at government agencies, the Self Defense Forces, and other such institutions. And of course, this also presented an obstacle for branches wanting to use public facilities long term. Accordingly, it became imperative to create martial arts and sports clubs that would be private but not religious organizations, organizations that would emphasize training in Shorinji Kempo skills. Thus a federation was established to oversee such clubs.