Published on: Thursday, 30 April 2026
By: Sensei Rebecca Kane, World Champion
Hi everyone! I’m Rebecca. Whether you’ve been following my journey for years or you’ve just stumbled across this page because you’re looking for a way to feel a bit more confident on the streets of Yorkshire, I’m glad you’re here.
Living in a beautiful part of the world like Huddersfield or Leeds doesn't mean we can ignore the reality of personal safety. As women, we often have that little voice in the back of our heads when we’re walking to the car late at night or taking a jog through the park. I want to tell you right now: that voice is your intuition, and it’s your best friend. But wouldn't it be even better if you had the physical skills and the mental "know-how" to back that intuition up?
At the British Kempo Society, we’re all about keeping things simple, effective, and: most importantly: empowering. Our mission is to help people across Yorkshire feel safer, stronger, and more confident through practical martial arts training, and you can learn more about our approach on our About page. Today, I want to dive into why self defence classes are a total game-changer for women and where you can find us across the Yorkshire region.
Why Self-Defence is More Than Just "Fighting"
When people hear the words martial arts and self defense, they often think of high-flying kicks or intense cage matches. But real-world self-defense for women is actually very different. It’s about awareness, prevention, and having a "toolbox" of moves that work even if your attacker is much bigger or stronger than you.
Statistically, about one in three women will face some form of physical threat in their lifetime. That’s a heavy number, but it’s not meant to scare you: it’s meant to prepare you. When you join a class, you aren’t just learning how to punch; you’re learning how to:
- Identify potential danger before it starts.
- Use your voice as a weapon.
- De-escalate a situation.
- Escape a grab or hold quickly so you can get to safety.
The Rebecca Kane Approach: From World Champion to Your Local Coach
I’ve spent a lot of my life on the mats. Being a Rebecca Kane World Champion title holder taught me a lot about discipline and technique, and as the Head of Weapons Training for the UK and Europe, I bring that wider experience into every class. If you’d like to learn more about my background, or explore ways to train with me both in person and through my online training options, you can also visit my personal website at www.thedancingfighter.com. My real passion is taking those world-class skills and making them accessible for the everyday woman in Huddersfield.
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to learn how to protect yourself. In fact, most of the women who come to the British Kempo Society start with zero experience. My goal is to make sure that whether you’re a busy mum, a student at the University of Huddersfield, or a professional working in Leeds, you walk out of our doors feeling ten feet tall. Alongside me, Ben Ledwick leads the wider organisation as the Chief Instructor of the British Kempo Society, helping shape the standards, teaching, and direction of our community.
Where to Train: Martial Arts Across Yorkshire
We are so proud to be part of the Yorkshire community. Our roots are deep here, and we want to make sure every woman in the region has access to high-quality training. If you’re looking for self defence classes, here are the key areas where we focus our energy:
1. Huddersfield (Our Home Base)
Huddersfield is where a lot of the magic happens. We run regular sessions here that focus specifically on Kempo Ju Jitsu: a style that is perfect for self-defense because it uses an attacker’s energy against them. It’s practical, easy to learn, and great for fitness too!
2. The Wider Yorkshire Reach
From the bustling streets of Leeds to the smaller towns across West and South Yorkshire, the British Kempo Society is dedicated to spreading awareness. We often host special workshops and pop-up events in local community centres. We believe that safety shouldn't be a luxury: it should be available to everyone.
What Makes British Kempo Society Different?
There are plenty of gyms out there, but at the British Kempo Society, we keep it simple. Our values are built around practical training, confidence, and community, and you can read more about that on our About page. We don’t use overly complicated Japanese terminology that leaves you confused. We focus on "gross motor skills": moves that your body naturally wants to do when you’re under stress.
Our brand tone is simple because self-defense should be simple. If a move takes ten steps to complete, you probably won't remember it when your heart is racing. If it takes two steps? You’ll remember it forever.
The Power of "Target Denial"
In our classes, we talk a lot about "target denial." This is a fancy way of saying "don't be there." We teach you how to position yourself in public, how to stay aware of your surroundings without being paranoid, and how to make yourself a difficult target. This mental shift is often the most powerful part of martial arts and self defense training.
Physical Fitness and Mental Health
One of the best "side effects" of joining a self-defense class is the boost to your fitness. You’ll be moving, stretching, and building core strength without even realizing you’re "working out" because you’re having so much fun.
But beyond the physical, there’s a massive mental health benefit. We see so many women come in feeling a bit shy or anxious, and within a few weeks, they are standing taller and speaking more confidently. Knowing you can handle yourself if things go wrong takes a massive weight off your shoulders. It’s about peace of mind.
Is it for Me? (Spoiler: Yes!)
I hear it all the time: "Rebecca, I'm not fit enough," or "I'm too old to start martial arts."
Let me stop you right there. Our classes are for everyone. We have teenagers learning how to stay safe at uni, and we have women over 60 who want to stay active and secure. We adapt the moves to fit your body, not the other way around.
The community at the British Kempo Society is one of the friendliest you’ll ever find. We aren’t a "tough guy" gym. We are a family. We support each other, we laugh a lot, and we make sure everyone feels welcome from the moment they walk through the door.
Taking the First Step
If you’ve been thinking about trying a class, why not make today the day? You don't need any special gear: just some comfortable leggings and a t-shirt.
To get started, visit our Instructors page to meet the team and see who you’ll be training with, or head straight to our Contact page to ask about our next beginner-friendly session in Huddersfield or elsewhere in Yorkshire.
Summary of Benefits:
- Confidence: Feel safer and more empowered in your daily life.
- Practical Skills: Learn moves that actually work in real-world scenarios.
- Community: Meet like-minded women in a supportive, casual environment.
- Expertise: Train under the guidance of a Rebecca Kane World Champion and the experienced team at British Kempo Society.
Stay in the Loop
We’re constantly updating our Blog with tips on staying safe, fitness advice, and news about upcoming Events.
Self-defense is a journey, not a destination. It starts with a single class and grows into a lifestyle of confidence and strength. Whether you want to become a Black Belt or just want to know how to get home safely after a night out, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to start?
Come and join us! We’d love to see you on the mats soon. Yorkshire is a great place to live: let’s make sure you feel confident enjoying every bit of it.
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Coming Soon: Related Topics You’ll Want to Read
We’re also planning more helpful articles for our community, including:
- Martial arts for kids: how training can support your child’s confidence, discipline, and personal safety.
- Ju Jitsu training: what to expect as a beginner and how regular practice helps build practical self-defence skills.
- Beginner-friendly class guides: simple advice to help you choose the right session for your goals.
- Community events and workshops: ways to stay involved and keep learning with the British Kempo Society family.
Keep an eye on our Blog or get in touch if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover next.
Read More
We’ll be sharing more soon about Kids' Martial Arts and Kempo Ju Jitsu, with practical advice, beginner-friendly tips, and more ways for you to stay connected with the British Kempo Society community.