Looking for practical self-defence, enjoyable fitness, and a welcoming martial arts community? Discover how Kempo Ju Jitsu and kickboxing training at the British Kempo Society can help you and your family become fitter, more confident, and better prepared.
Published 3 September 2026
By Sensei Rebecca Kane, World Champion and Head of Weapons Training for the UK and Europe, with the British Kempo Society team
A martial arts community for every level
Starting martial arts can feel like a big step. You might be searching for martial arts and self defense classes, a new way to improve your fitness, or a positive activity for your child. You may even be looking for karate in Huddersfield and wondering which style is right for you.
At the British Kempo Society, we welcome complete beginners, experienced martial artists, families, and clubs looking to develop their training. Our community brings together traditional martial arts values with practical, modern training in Kempo, Ju Jitsu, weapons systems, and kickboxing.
You do not need to be fit, flexible, or experienced before you begin. Your training is designed to help you improve step by step, with support from instructors and fellow students.
Learn more about the British Kempo Society and discover the history, values, and mission behind our nationwide community.
What is Kempo Ju Jitsu?
Kempo Ju Jitsu combines striking, movement, throws, locks, escapes, and control. It gives you the opportunity to train at different distances and develop a broad range of martial arts skills.
Kempo includes punches, kicks, blocks, footwork, and combinations. Ju Jitsu adds practical grappling skills, including balance breaking, holds, takedowns, and escapes. Together, they create a flexible system for fitness, confidence, and self-defence.
Training is not about looking for conflict. A strong martial artist learns awareness, self-control, and how to avoid unnecessary confrontation. You will practise how to create space, stay calm, and respond appropriately when faced with pressure.
This makes Kempo Ju Jitsu suitable for:
- Adults looking for practical self defence classes
- Families searching for martial arts for kids
- Beginners wanting a supportive introduction to martial arts
- Experienced students who want to broaden their skills
- Clubs and centres interested in partnership or instructor development
- Anyone wanting a more purposeful approach to fitness
Martial arts for adults: fitness with a purpose
Many adults want to get fitter but find traditional gym workouts repetitive. Martial arts offers a different experience because your body and mind are active throughout the session.
A typical class may include warm-ups, movement drills, pad work, technical practice, partner exercises, and conditioning. You will work on your balance, coordination, strength, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness while learning useful skills.
The benefits of martial arts for adults can include:
- Improved stamina and general fitness
- Greater strength and coordination
- Better balance and movement
- Stress relief after a busy day
- Increased focus and concentration
- More confidence in everyday situations
- A regular routine supported by a friendly community
You will also learn to work with different training partners. This teaches patience, communication, respect, and adaptability. These qualities are just as valuable outside the dojo as they are during training.
Kickboxing training for beginners and experienced students
Kickboxing is an energetic and enjoyable way to improve your fitness. Pad drills, combinations, footwork, and controlled movement can provide a full-body workout while helping you develop timing and technique.
If you have searched for beginners kickboxing or a kickboxing class for beginners, you may be pleased to know that you do not need previous experience. You can learn the basic stance, guard, punches, kicks, and movement at a pace that suits you.
Our kickboxing training can help you to:
- Build cardiovascular fitness
- Improve coordination between your hands and feet
- Develop core strength and balance
- Release tension in a controlled environment
- Learn striking skills safely and progressively
- Set personal goals and track your improvement
For those seeking adult kickboxing classes, training can be adapted to different fitness levels. You can focus on technique, conditioning, confidence, or a mixture of all three. The aim is to help you enjoy the process and keep progressing.
Kickboxing also fits naturally alongside Kempo Ju Jitsu. Striking practice develops speed and distance management, while Ju Jitsu teaches you what to do when an opponent closes the distance or attempts to grab you.
Self-defence for adults and children
Effective self-defence starts before physical contact. Awareness, confidence, communication, and knowing when to leave a situation are all important parts of staying safe.
At the British Kempo Society, self-defence training may include:
- Awareness of your surroundings
- Recognising potential risks
- Using clear communication
- Understanding personal space
- Escaping common grabs and holds
- Learning how to fall safely
- Creating distance and finding an opportunity to leave
- Staying calm and making sensible decisions under pressure
For children, martial arts can support personal development as well as physical ability. Martial arts for kids can help your child improve focus, discipline, coordination, confidence, and respect.
Children learn through age-appropriate activities, repetition, games, partner drills, and clear instruction. They also learn that martial arts is not about bullying, showing off, or starting fights. It is about responsibility, self-control, and looking after yourself and others.
For adults, the same principles can build quiet confidence. You do not need to become aggressive to feel more capable. With regular practice, you can become more aware of your posture, boundaries, movement, and decision-making.
Meet the instructors behind the training
The quality of instruction matters when choosing martial arts or self-defence classes. Our instructors bring experience across 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 the Chief Instructor and Head of Kempo Ju Jitsu for the British Kempo Society. As a key founder, he has helped promote Kempo Ju Jitsu and its values to students and instructors across the UK and internationally.
His teaching reflects the balance between traditional practice and practical application. Students can develop technical skill while also learning the importance of discipline, respect, and continuous improvement.
Sensei Rebecca Kane : World Champion and Head of Weapons Training
Rebecca Kane is a World Champion and Head of Weapons Training for the UK and Europe. Based across Yorkshire and Huddersfield, she offers both online and in-person training through The Dancing Fighter.
Rebecca has a strong background in weapons systems, Filipino Martial Arts, kickboxing, Thai Boxing, self-defence, and empowerment training. Her work focuses on helping women, children, and communities develop resilience, confidence, and practical awareness.
You can read more about the British Kempo Society team on our Instructors page.
Finding martial arts in Huddersfield and Yorkshire
If you are searching online for karate Huddersfield, Ju Jitsu classes, kickboxing, or self-defence training in Yorkshire, Kempo Ju Jitsu may offer the variety you are looking for.
Our instructors and affiliated clubs support students across different locations and experience levels. Class availability, training times, and programmes can vary, so the best way to find suitable options is to contact the Society directly.
Tell us whether you are interested in:
- Kempo Ju Jitsu
- Kickboxing training
- Adult or children’s classes
- Weapons training
- Self-defence workshops
- Instructor or club development
- Online or in-person sessions
Contact the British Kempo Society and let us know what you would like to achieve.
Join a community that helps you progress
Martial arts training is easier to maintain when you feel part of something. At the British Kempo Society, students train together, encourage one another, and celebrate progress at every level.
You may begin by learning a basic stance or escape. Over time, you could work towards your next grading, take part in a seminar, support a newer student, or represent your club at an event. Every stage has value.
The community helps you stay motivated, especially on days when your energy is low. You are not expected to be perfect. You are encouraged to attend, learn, practise, and keep moving forward.
Take your first step today
Whether your goal is better fitness, increased confidence, practical self-defence, or a positive activity for your child, the British Kempo Society can help you begin.
You do not have to wait until you are fit enough, confident enough, or experienced enough. Start where you are, ask questions, and let your training develop naturally.
Ready to learn more?
- Read about the British Kempo Society
- Meet our instructors
- Contact us about classes
- Explore Rebecca Kane’s online and in-person training
Subscribe to the British Kempo Society newsletter for training updates, grading dates, seminars, self-defence advice, and community news. Stay connected, keep learning, and take your next step with a martial arts community that supports your progress.