8. The Birth of Zenrin Gakuin
Critical to the development of Shorinji Kempo was the existence of an institution to consistently foster leaders of Shorinji Kempo. What arose to fulfill this need was the Zenrin Gakuin, forerunner of the Japan Shorinji Academy (Nihon Shorinji Budo Senmon Gakko).
As more and more branches were established, the number of kenshi not able to receive teachings directly from Kaiso began to increase rapidly. Thereupon, Kaiso published "Shorinji Kempo Kyohan," hosted leadership instructional seminars, and made various other efforts to properly communicate his way of thinking and techniques. In addition, by fitting together spare moments in his busy schedule, he traveled to branches in the various regions to teach.
Yet, no matter how much Kaiso did, there was no end in sight to the stream of requests from earnest kenshi asking for more opportunities to learn directly from him. For Kaiso as well, fostering as many branch master candidates as possible with solid mastery of the teachings and instructional methods of Shorinji Kempo was an important part of further expanding the kenshi movement to build circles of community.
Zenrin Gakuin began its work in September of 1952. Then, in '56, it evolved into a full-fledged academy ( Budo Senmon Gakko ). The position of headmaster was taken on by Kaiso himself.