Published 27 August 2026
Looking for a practical way to get fitter, build confidence, and learn valuable self-defence skills? British Kempo Society brings Kempo Ju Jitsu, kickboxing, and traditional martial arts training together for adults, children, beginners, and experienced students across the UK.
One martial arts community, many ways to train
Choosing a martial art can feel difficult when there are so many styles and clubs available. You may be searching for martial arts and self defense training, a friendly fitness class, or an activity that helps your child develop confidence and discipline.
At British Kempo Society, our training combines the striking techniques of Kempo with the throws, locks, escapes, and control methods of Ju Jitsu. We also support kickboxing training for students who want to improve their striking, fitness, coordination, and pad-work skills.
Our aim is simple: to help you become fitter, more confident, more focused, and better prepared to deal with challenging situations safely and responsibly.
You can learn more about British Kempo Society and discover how our community connects traditional martial arts values with modern training methods.
What is Kempo Ju Jitsu?
Kempo Ju Jitsu is a practical hybrid martial art. It includes skills for different distances and situations, rather than focusing on only one type of movement.
Training may include:
- Punches, kicks, blocks, and striking combinations
- Breakfalls and safe movement
- Escaping from grabs and holds
- Throws, takedowns, and controlled pins
- Joint-control techniques
- Ground defence
- Pad work and fitness drills
- Awareness, distance, and de-escalation
This variety makes Ju Jitsu classes suitable for people with different goals. You may want to improve your fitness, prepare for your next grading, learn practical self-defence, or simply enjoy a new challenge with supportive people around you.
The emphasis is not on starting fights. Good self-defence begins with awareness, communication, avoidance, and sensible decision-making. Physical techniques are taught as part of a wider approach to personal safety.
Kickboxing training for fitness and confidence
Kickboxing training is an energetic way to improve your whole-body fitness. A typical session can challenge your cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, core stability, balance, timing, and coordination.
You do not need to be a competitive fighter to benefit from kickboxing. Pad combinations and movement drills can provide a focused workout while helping you learn useful striking skills. As your technique improves, you may also notice that you move with greater control and confidence.
Our approach can support:
- Improved stamina and cardiovascular fitness
- Stronger legs, shoulders, arms, and core
- Better balance and coordination
- Increased flexibility and mobility
- Stress relief after a busy day
- Greater focus and self-belief
If you are searching online for beginners kickboxing, a kickboxing class for beginners, or adult kickboxing classes, the most important step is finding a welcoming class where your instructor can guide you safely. You can start at your own pace, learn the basic stance and movement, and build your skills gradually.
Self-defence classes for adults
Many people join self-defence classes because they want to feel more prepared in everyday life. You may want to improve your awareness when travelling, feel more confident setting boundaries, or learn what to do if someone grabs or pushes you.
Our martial arts training helps you develop useful habits, including:
Awareness
You learn to pay attention to your surroundings, recognise potential problems, and create distance where possible.
Communication
Self-defence is not only physical. A clear voice, confident posture, and the ability to set boundaries can all play an important role.
Movement
Footwork, balance, positioning, and controlled movement help you respond more effectively under pressure.
Escapes and control
Kempo Ju Jitsu includes practical ways to escape common holds and regain a safer position. Training is progressive and adapted to your experience level.
Confidence
Confidence comes from repeated practice. When you train regularly, you become more familiar with challenge, pressure, and problem-solving.
Martial arts cannot remove every risk, but regular training can help you develop physical skills, awareness, and a calmer mindset. It also gives you the opportunity to learn alongside a community that values respect and personal responsibility.
Martial arts for kids: fitness, focus, and personal development
Martial arts for kids should be challenging, positive, and age-appropriate. At British Kempo Society, children can learn movement and self-defence skills while also developing important life skills.
Your child’s development may benefit from:
- Better coordination and balance
- Improved listening and concentration
- Positive discipline and routine
- Greater confidence in new situations
- Respect for instructors and training partners
- The ability to work towards goals
- A stronger sense of belonging
A martial arts class gives children a chance to practise, make mistakes, and try again in a supportive setting. Gradings and progress milestones can help them understand that improvement comes through patience and consistent effort.
The community aspect matters too. Children train with others, encourage their training partners, and learn how to behave responsibly in a shared space. Parents can see their child becoming more focused and self-assured over time.
Martial arts for adults at every level
It is never too late to begin martial arts. You do not need to be extremely fit, flexible, or experienced before your first session. Those qualities develop through training.
Our classes can suit:
- Complete beginners
- Adults returning to exercise
- Parents looking for an active hobby
- Experienced martial artists
- Students preparing for grading
- Competitors who want to improve their skills
- People interested in practical self-defence
- Anyone looking for a friendly fitness community
You will learn alongside people with different backgrounds and abilities. The goal is not to compare your first class with someone else’s tenth year of training. The goal is to keep learning, support your partners, and make progress at your own pace.
Meet the instructors behind the training
Strong martial arts teaching depends on experience, clear instruction, and a genuine commitment to students. Our British Kempo Society instructors bring knowledge from Kempo Ju Jitsu, kickboxing, Thai Boxing, Filipino Martial Arts, and other disciplines.
Shihan Ben Ledwick : Chief Instructor and Head of Kempo Ju Jitsu
Shihan Ben Ledwick is a key founder of British Kempo Society and serves as Chief Instructor and Head of Kempo Ju Jitsu. He continues to promote the art and its values to an international community.
His role reflects the importance of technical development, tradition, and responsible teaching within the Society. Whether you are beginning your martial arts journey or preparing for higher-level training, Ben’s leadership helps maintain a clear connection between practical skills and the values behind them.
Rebecca Kane : World Champion and Head of Weapons Training for the UK and Europe
Rebecca Kane is a World Champion with an outstanding background in Filipino Martial Arts, K1 kickboxing, and Thai Boxing. Her career includes more than 36 national and international titles, including five World titles, as well as professional competition experience.
Rebecca is Head of Weapons Training for the UK and Europe. She offers both online and in-person training, helping students, clubs, and organisations develop practical skills, confidence, and resilience.
You can learn more about Rebecca’s wider work in self-defence, empowerment, and personal development at www.thedancingfighter.com.
Searching for karate in Huddersfield?
If you have searched for karate Huddersfield, you may be interested in the wider options available through Kempo Ju Jitsu. Kempo includes striking techniques that may feel familiar to people looking for Karate, while also adding Ju Jitsu-based grappling, control, and escape skills.
Our instructor team includes Stephen Walker, who teaches Kempo Ju Jitsu and Filipino Martial Arts in Huddersfield. The best way to find out whether the training is right for you is to ask about current classes, beginner options, and local availability.
The same principle applies wherever you are in the UK: find a club where you feel welcome, where safety is taken seriously, and where instructors can explain the purpose behind each technique.
Join a supportive martial arts community
British Kempo Society is more than a place to exercise. It is a network of students, instructors, families, clubs, and martial artists who share a commitment to learning and personal growth.
You can train for fitness, self-defence, grading, competition, or personal interest. You can start as a complete beginner or continue developing skills you have already learned elsewhere. Along the way, you will meet people who understand the value of regular practice and shared effort.
Ready to take your first step?
- Read more about British Kempo Society
- Meet our instructors
- Contact British Kempo Society about classes and training
Whether you are looking for self defence classes, Ju Jitsu classes, kickboxing training, martial arts for adults, or martial arts for kids, our community is ready to help you learn.
Subscribe to the British Kempo Society network to receive updates about training sessions, events, gradings, workshops, and opportunities to train with our wider community. Stay connected, keep learning, and take the next step in your martial arts journey.