Why join Leeds Kempo?
- Learn practical self-defence skills quickly
- Build strength and cardiovascular fitness as a natural byproduct of regular training
- Improve agility, coordination, mobility in joints and flexibility in muscles and connective tissues
- Develop perseverence and resilience
- Experience the camaraderie of a traditional martial arts club.
Most traditional martial arts schools devote too little time to self-defence training
At Leeds Kempo we are proud of our many traditional techniques and training methods. We also understand the importance of delivering a self-defence curriculum appropriate to the modern world. Our self-defence curriculum includes:
- defence againt common street attacks such as head butts and other close-range strikes;
- escapes from arm grabs, holds and chokes;
- weapons defence, including against bats, bottles and knives;
- defence from vulnerable ground positions.
What is Kempo?
Kempo, which translates as fist method, is a broad term but usually refers to martial arts that are descendents of Chinese Kung Fu and ancestors of modern Karate. Though there are many different strands of Kempo the following is true of most:
- Kempo is not a combat sport
- Kempo is primarily an unarmed fighting art, using the body's natural weapons to deliver quick powerful strikes to vulnerable targets
- The techniques of Kempo are fluid combinations of strikes, throws and finishing holds such as joint locks and strangulation techniques
- There is an emphasis on close-range or in-fighting techniques including, for example, elbows and knees
- Kempo teaches linear and circular movements using the traditional concepts of hard and soft, sometimes opposing force directly and at other times yielding to it
- Today Kempo is not only a self-defence method but a perfect way to maintain health and wellbeing at any age and can be a hobby for life.
Benefits of traditional martial arts training
The advanced technical skills of a traditional martial art can take many years to perfect. However, the process of doing so improves a raft of physical attributes, promotes a healthy lifestyle and develops character. These are the great strengths of traditional martial arts styles and the reason why they remain so popular.
At UK Kempo we set out to provide an appreciation of the underlying principles and mechanics of a technique, so that individuals can ultimately develop their own unique set of skills best suited to their body type, age and fitness levels. Thousands of traditional techniques and unique drills give life to the core principles and develop economy of motion.
At UK Kempo we set out to provide an appreciation of the underlying principles and mechanics of a technique, so that individuals can ultimately develop their own unique set of skills best suited to their body type, age and fitness levels. Thousands of traditional techniques and unique drills give life to the core principles and develop economy of motion.
As a beginner you will follow the Green Belt Course
Early Kempo training places a strong emphasis on developing self-defence skills. After a short induction period you will follow the Green Belt Course. The aim of the course is to develop core self-defence skills and at the same time lay the technical foundations for an advanced study of Kempo. You will practise traditional techniques and drills that will teach you how to use your body with maximum efficiency, and in a way that suits your body type.
The Journey to Black BeltWe won't lie and say that Black Belts come quickly or easily at Leeds Kempo. But we will say that anyone can get there provided they train regularly and with determination. Remember, a Black Belt is a White Belt who didn't quit!
There are three student levels: Yellow Belt (Novice Student), Green Belt (Intermediate Student) and Brown Belt (Advanced Student).
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History of Leeds Kempo, Est. 1936
Leeds Kempo can trace its roots in the UK as far back as 1936. The story goes that Merchant Navy seamen who had been stationed in the Far East added Kempo to the mix of boxing, wrestling and Japanese jiu jitsu practised in the Brunswick Stadium area of Leeds.
Founding members of the Club were conscripted to the British Army in World War II and received instruction in the newly developed close-quarters combat methods. These methods, which were designed to be simple to learn yet highly effective, combined battle tested elements of not only Western boxing but also Chinese and Japanese martial arts. The techniques go well beyond the rules of any combat sport, and involve disabling an opponent quickly with vital point strikes. This period undoubtedly set the tone for future of Leeds Kempo, with practical self-defence always emphasised over sport.
Following the war, senior members of Leeds Kempo were also instrumental in promoting Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Aikido and Karate as those arts were introduced and took hold in the region. Exchanges and interactions with UK students and masters visiting from overseas further influenced the Club's character and mission as a martial art for self-defence and development of the individual.
Still have questions?
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Drop us a line using this form.
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Why train Kempo?
Friendly yet focused club atmosphere.
Independent of any national governing body and and politcs free.
Licensed with British Martial Arts and Boxing Association
No hidden charges. There is no annual membership fee and we do not charge for gradings or grading certificates.
Student insurance available through British Martial Arts and Boxing Association.
Receive personalised instruction from experts with a lifetime of experience. Technical details for efficient movement and mechanical principles of balance and stability, leverage, etc.
There is no ideal body type for Kempo. Under the guidance of experienced instructors you will find your own way to suit your dimensions, regardless of age or gender.
Train absolutely free for two weeks!
We think Kempo is a good for everyone. But find out for yourself by training complete free, with no obligation to join, for two weeks. After that, it's £30 per month for at least two classes weekly. That's about £3.50 per class!
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