Club History
Leeds Kempo and its affiliated clubs, together known as the UK School of Kempo (UKSK), have no known links to other branches of kempo (or kenpo) and the precise history of our particular school, and the influences on it, remain quite uncertain. We can, however, trace our history in Leeds as far back as 1936. At this time boxing and wrestling were popular live events and Japanese jiu jitsu and judo were becoming known to the public through “all-in wrestling” challenge matches showcased in theatres and musical halls.
Our Club’s connection to this period comes through George Smith, who as a teenager had learned the martial art of Kempo from a Burmese gentleman and merchant navy seamen who had travelled in the Far East. According to Smith, he had trained on a daily basis near or at the Brunswick Stadium in Leeds.
After the Second World War, Smith taught martial arts and self-defence classes at several locations in the Leeds area. Like many who had served in the War, Smith had a excellent working knowledge of the Army’s close-quarters combat methods, devised as a practical mix of jiu jitsu and boxing following the First World War. He also acquired a vast knowledge of fighting arts beyond Kempo, having taken an interest in various martial arts styles as they were embedded in the UK by high profile foreign instructors. This includes, most notably, Karate and Aikido in the 1950s and 60s, and various Kung Fu styles in the 1970s.
Leeds Kempo has existed in its present form, teaching Kempo as a martial art for self-defence, for at least 60 years. We are now using the excellent facilities at the Leeds Kodokan in Bramley, having been based in Kirkstall until very recently.
What does training involve?
Many traditional martial arts schools teach basics in isolation, with self-defence applications considered only at an advanced level or as an afterthought. We disagree with this approach. We believe that basic movements should be learned and refined in the context of their real world applications. We’ve put a lot of thought into how we teach our students, especially during their first few years of training.
Classes at Leeds Kempo will contain several of the following elements (depending on level):
- traditional and modern conditioning drills designed specifically to improve function for martial arts (we don’t spend time doing exercises you can do on your own in a gym)
- repetition of the basics (technical building blocks) to achieve efficiency (best effect with least effort) regardless of size, stength and gender
- combinations (sequences of attack and defence) drilled in pairs to develop technical excellence
- self-defence pressure drills designed to build awareness, reactions and composure
- sparring to develop timing, judgement of distance and balance, and to condition your body for physical contact.
Belts & Progression
- The belt ranking system is a visible system of progression which recognises proficiency and knowledge.
- Students are continually assessed by instructors and belts are awarded when the performance requirements of that grade have been met. Students training regularly tend to make the most rapid progress.
- We do not charge for promotions or grading certificates.
- Ungraded members (usually beginners) wear a White Belt.
- There are three student grades: Yellow Belt (Novice Student), Green Belt (Intermediate Student) and Brown Belt (Advanced Student). When they are ready Brown Belts are invited to take the Black Belt Test.
- The Black Belt denotes a high level of technical competence and a deep conceptual understanding of the art. Most Black Belts also become fully qualified instructors. We can’t say that Black Belts come easily but we do believe that anyone can get there provided they train regularly and with determination. As the saying goes, a Black Belt is a White Belt who didn’t quit!
Syllabus
In the first few years of training the emphasis is on developing your basic self-defence toolkit, namely:
- You will learn how to fall and get up safely as well as how to stand and position yourself for self-defence.
- You will learn how to generate power efficiently across a wide range of striking techniques including open-hand strikes and kicks.
- You will learn key concepts and tactics that will enable you to efficiently defend common strikes and prevent or escape grabs, chokes and body holds.
- You will learn the basic throws, joint locks and choke holds of Kempo and how they are applied to best effect in a self-defence situation.
As you progress further you will develop technical combinations, many of which require a more advanced level of agility, coordination and timing. Some defence against everyday weapons is also considered and more time is devoted to self-defence pressure drills and sparring.
Fees
- The Club is set up as a non-profit community organisation. We set our fees to cover the running costs of the Club.
- The fee for members is £25 per month, which must be paid by bank transfer.
- Our training uniform costs £60 and will last a lifetime.
- There are no hidden costs. We will never charge for belt promotions or certificates.
- Grades will be registered with the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association.
Affiliations
- All our instructors are regsitered black belts with the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association.
- Leeds Kempo and its affiliated clubs together form the UK School of Kempo.