By Sensei Ben Ledwick – Friday, 19th June 2026
We all want to feel safe when we’re out and about, whether you’re walking home from work in Huddersfield or traveling across the country. But here’s the truth: most of us have picked up a few bad habits that actually make us more of a target without even realizing it.
At the British Kempo Society (BKS), we don’t just teach you how to throw a punch. We teach you how to avoid needing to throw one in the first place. Under the guidance of our Chief Instructor, Ben Ledwick, and our world-renowned Head of Weapons Training for UK and Europe, Rebecca Kane, we focus on real-world survival.
If you’re looking for self defence classes that actually work, you need to start by fixing these seven common mistakes.
1. The Smartphone "Trance"
We’ve all done it. You’re walking down the street, and you’re deep into a WhatsApp thread or scrolling through TikTok. In that moment, you are effectively blind and deaf to your surroundings.
The Mistake: Being mentally "switched off" in public spaces.
The Fix: Use the "Head on a Swivel" rule. If you must use your phone, stop, put your back against a wall or enter a shop, and then check it. When you’re moving, your eyes should be up and scanning. At BKS, our martial arts and self defense training starts with awareness drills that help you spot potential threats long before they reach you.
2. Ignoring Your "Gut Feeling"
Have you ever walked into a lift or down a street and felt a sudden chill or a sense that something wasn’t right? Many people ignore that feeling because they don’t want to seem "rude" or "paranoid."
The Mistake: Overriding your intuition to avoid social awkwardness.
The Fix: Give yourself permission to be rude. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately. Your intuition is a survival tool developed over thousands of years: trust it. In our classes, we discuss the psychology of self-defence to help you understand and trust these internal signals.
3. "Target" Body Language
Predators don't look for a fair fight; they look for an easy target. If you walk with your head down, shoulders slumped, and a hesitant gait, you are communicating vulnerability.
The Mistake: Projecting "victim" body language.
The Fix: Walk with purpose. Keep your chin up, your shoulders back, and maintain a steady, confident pace. This doesn't mean looking for a fight; it means looking like someone who is aware and capable. This physical confidence is a natural byproduct of training in Kempo Ju Jitsu.
4. Carrying Tools You Haven't Trained With
Many people carry personal alarms, pepper spray (where legal), or even keys between their knuckles. But if you haven't actually practiced using them under stress, they can become a liability.
The Mistake: Relying on a "magic" tool instead of skill.
The Fix: Training is the only tool that never fails. If you are interested in the technical side of defence, especially with tools, you should check out the work of Rebecca Kane, a World Champion and expert in weapons training. You can find her specialized insights at The Dancing Fighter. She teaches how to turn everyday objects into defensive assets through proper movement and timing.
5. Thinking "It Won't Happen to Me"
Complacency is a major safety risk. People often think that because they live in a "nice area" or are "just popping to the shops," they don't need to be prepared.
The Mistake: Assuming safety is a constant.
The Fix: Adopt a "What If" mindset. We don't want you to live in fear, but we do want you to have a plan. "What if that person follows me?" "What if I get cornered here?" Having a pre-visualized plan reduces the "freeze" response if a real situation occurs.
6. Lack of Physical Preparedness
When the "fight or flight" response kicks in, your fine motor skills (like dialing a phone) often disappear. If you’ve never practiced physical self-defence, your body might not know how to react when it matters most.
The Mistake: Thinking you can "wing it" in a physical confrontation.
The Fix: Build muscle memory. This is where self defence classes become invaluable. By practicing escapes from grabs, strikes, and distance management in a safe environment, your body learns to react automatically. Whether you join us for in-person training in Yorkshire or take part in our online training modules, consistency is key.
7. Not Understanding Boundaries
Many physical altercations start with a "boundary test." Someone might get too close to your personal space or ask a probing question to see how you react.
The Mistake: Failing to set clear, verbal boundaries early.
The Fix: Learn to use your voice. A firm "Stay back" or "I can't help you" can stop an encounter before it turns physical. At the British Kempo Society, we teach you the verbal skills to de-escalate situations and the physical skills to back them up if things go wrong.
Join the Community
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist looking to add a practical edge to your skills, there’s a place for you here. Our community is built on mutual respect, safety, and a shared goal of becoming more confident individuals.
We offer both online and in-person training to fit your lifestyle. You can learn the basics from the comfort of your home or join us on the mats to train with Sensei Ben Ledwick and the rest of our expert team.
Ready to stop making these mistakes and start building real confidence?
Learn more about our classes here
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About the Authors
Ben Ledwick is the Chief Instructor of the British Kempo Society. With decades of experience in martial arts and self defense, he is dedicated to teaching practical, effective Kempo Ju Jitsu to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Rebecca Kane is a multiple-time World Champion and the Head of Weapons Training for UK and Europe. Her unique approach combines the grace of movement with the clinical efficiency of combat. Visit her website at www.thedancingfighter.com for more specialized training content.