By Sensei Rebecca Kane
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Let’s be honest: the world is a different place than it was even ten years ago. We see it in the news and feel it in our communities. Naturally, more people are looking for ways to protect themselves and their families. But here’s the kicker: most people who "learn" self-defence are actually doing it wrong.
Whether you’ve watched a few YouTube videos, attended a one-day seminar, or you’re just starting your journey at a local club, there are common traps that almost everyone falls into. These mistakes don’t just make your training less effective; they can actually put you in more danger.
At the British Kempo Society, we don’t just teach you how to punch and kick. We teach a system of Kempo Ju Jitsu that addresses the physical, mental, and legal realities of personal safety.
Here are the 7 biggest mistakes you’re probably making with your self-defence: and exactly how we help you fix them.
1. You Think Self-Defence Is Only About "The Fight"
The biggest mistake is believing that self-defence starts when the first punch is thrown. If you’re already in a physical altercation, several things have already gone wrong. Many people focus 100% of their energy on "the move": how to break a grip or strike a target: while ignoring the 90% of safety that happens before the contact.
How Kempo Fixes It:
In our classes, we focus heavily on Situational Awareness. We teach you how to scan your environment, recognize "pre-contact cues" (the subtle signs that someone is about to become aggressive), and maintain proper distance. In Kempo, the best "technique" is the one that ensures the fight never happens in the first place.
2. Training Only for "Perfect" Scenarios
Have you ever practiced a move where your partner stands perfectly still, holds your wrist loosely, and lets you perform a five-step counter? That’s great for learning the mechanics, but it’s a trap if you stop there. Real-life attacks are messy, fast, and unpredictable. If your training is always "static," you’ll likely freeze when a real attacker doesn't follow the script.
How Kempo Fixes It:
Our Instructors bridge the gap between "technical" and "tactical." We use progressive pressure testing. We start with the basics, but quickly move into drills where your partner provides resistance. We teach you how to adapt when a technique doesn't work perfectly, ensuring you have the "muscle memory" to keep moving under stress.
3. Escalating Instead of Escaping
There’s a common misconception that self-defence means "winning" a fight. In the ego-driven world of movies, the hero stays until every bad guy is knocked out. In the real world, "winning" means getting home safely to your family. If you stay to finish a fight when you had a clear path to the exit, you’re making a massive mistake.
How Kempo Fixes It:
We instill an "Escape-First" Mindset. Every combination we teach: whether it involves a strike, a joint lock, or a throw: is designed to create a "window of opportunity" for you to disengage. We don't train you to be a cage fighter; we train you to be a survivor. You can learn more about our philosophy on our About page.
4. Using Excessive or Disproportionate Force
This is a legal minefield. If someone shoves you in a pub and you respond by causing them permanent injury, you could end up being the one facing charges. Many self-defence systems only have one "gear": total destruction. If your only tool is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a nail.
How Kempo Fixes It:
Kempo Ju Jitsu is a "complete" system. Because we incorporate elements of Ju Jitsu, we offer a Spectrum of Force. We teach you how to use soft controls, joint locks, and off-balancing to neutralise a threat without necessarily causing lasting harm. Having these options allows you to respond proportionately to the threat level, keeping you safe both physically and legally.
5. Ignoring the "Adrenaline Dump"
You can have the best technique in the world, but if your heart rate hits 180 bpm and your fine motor skills disappear, that complicated 12-step move is going out the window. This is called the "Adrenaline Dump," and most people don't prepare for the way their body will betray them under pressure.
How Kempo Fixes It:
We focus on Gross Motor Movements for high-stress situations. Our core self-defence techniques are designed to work even when your hands are shaking and your vision is narrowing. Through regular training and controlled sparring, we help you become "inoculated" to stress. You’ll learn how to breathe, keep your head clear, and stay functional when the adrenaline hits.
6. Not Training for Multiple Attackers or Environments
Most martial arts are practiced on a nice, flat, padded mat. But what happens if you’re on a slippery pavement? Or in a cramped hallway? Or if your attacker has a friend standing behind you? Training exclusively in a "sterile" environment is a mistake that leads to a false sense of security.
How Kempo Fixes It:
We frequently discuss and drill for Environmental Awareness. This includes learning how to use your surroundings to your advantage and how to handle multiple threats. Our community often shares insights into real-world safety, making sure your training is as practical as possible. You can see our upcoming workshops and community sessions on our Events page.
7. Thinking Self-Defence is a "One-Off" Event
The final mistake is treating self-defence like a vaccine: you get one shot (a weekend course) and you're "immune" for life. Physical skills are perishable. If you don't practice, you lose the timing, the speed, and: most importantly: the mindset.
How Kempo Fixes It:
At the British Kempo Society, we offer a Consistency-Based Approach. We aren't just a gym; we’re a community. By joining our regular classes, you’re making your safety a habit rather than a hobby. Whether you're interested in Kempo, Ju Jitsu, or even our kickboxing-inspired fitness training, regular attendance ensures your skills stay sharp and your confidence stays high.
Ready to Fix These Mistakes?
Self-defence is about more than just fighting; it’s about empowerment, confidence, and community. Whether you are an adult looking to feel safer on your commute or a parent wanting to boost your child's development and safety, we have a place for you.
If you’re ready to move past the myths and start training in a system that actually works for the real world, we’d love to meet you. Our Contact page is the best place to start your journey.
For more inspiration on the intersection of movement, martial arts, and life, don’t forget to check out The Dancing Fighter, where I dive deeper into my personal journey and the philosophy behind what we do.
Don't wait until you need these skills to start learning them.
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