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It might be noted that although Sawayama called his new style "kempo," this was not the first such use of the name in Japan. The Japanese had a long interest in things Chinese, and virtually all fistic arts with any Chinese influence were known by that name. One art that claimed Chinese influence was established in Japan in 1930 and labeled "Shorinji kempo" by its founder, Taizen Takemori. Organizations dedicated to the study of Shorinji kempo were begun after World War II, one of which is the All-Japan Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan Karate Federation, founded by Masahara Hisataka. (Note that this "Shorinji" has no relationship to the Shorin-ryu of Okinawan karate.)

A ban placed on the martial arts of Japan in 1945 by the American occupation forces was rescinded about two years later. The arts began to flourish again, and by 1948 Japanese karate men, mostly students of Gichin Funakoshi, had organized the Japan Karate Association to honor the master. Funakoshi served as honorary chief instructor and his senior student, Isao Obata of Keio University, was named chairman. The karate clubs of Keio, Hosei, Waseda, and Takushoku universities formed the backbone of the organization. Masatoshi Nakayama, a graduate of Takushoku University who had studied Chinese fighting arts in Beijing, was appointed chief instructor. (At the time of this writing, Nakayama is still serving in this capacity at the Japan Karate Association. At the age of 69, he holds the 9th dan rank.)