A. Shorinji Kempo is completely distinct from karate and other martial
arts. Shorinji Kempo has a unique curriculum, and all WSKO branches
around the world follow the same curriculum and study the same
techniques and teachings. This means that around the world, everyone of
the same rank practices the same techniques and fundamental principles.
Consequently, even if you have the highest ranking of 10th dan in
another martial art, when you start Shorinji Kempo you know none of the
Shorinji Kempo techniques or teachings, so, as you might expect, you
will need to start from a white belt.