Are you looking for a way to boost your fitness, gain real-world safety skills, and join a supportive community? Whether you're a parent searching for martial arts for kids or an adult wanting to try beginners kickboxing, the British Kempo Society offers a welcoming environment for all levels. Discover how our unique blend of Kempo, Ju Jitsu, and kickboxing training can transform your life.
Why Choose Martial Arts? More Than Just a Workout
When most people think of martial arts, they might imagine flashy movie stunts or intense competitions. But at the British Kempo Society, we see it differently. For us, martial arts is a journey toward becoming the best version of yourself. It’s about building a body that is strong and a mind that is resilient.
In today’s world, martial arts and self defense have become essential skills. It’s not just about knowing how to fight; it’s about knowing how to stay safe, stay calm under pressure, and carry yourself with confidence. Whether you are walking home late or just want the peace of mind that comes with knowing how to protect yourself, our self defence classes provide practical, effective techniques that anyone can learn.
For those in the West Yorkshire area looking for karate Huddersfield style training, you'll find that our Kempo Ju Jitsu offers a more comprehensive approach, combining the striking of karate with the effective grappling and joint locks of Ju Jitsu.
Kickboxing Training: Get Fit, Feel Great
If you want to sweat, burn calories, and have a blast while doing it, our kickboxing training is the perfect choice. Many of our members start because they are bored with the traditional gym routine. Lifting weights or running on a treadmill can get repetitive, but a kickboxing class for beginners keeps you engaged every single second.
Our adult kickboxing classes focus on:
- Cardiovascular Health: Improve your heart health and stamina.
- Full-Body Toning: Kickboxing uses every muscle group, from your core to your glutes.
- Stress Relief: There is no better way to blow off steam after a long work day than hitting the pads.
- Coordination: Develop better balance and faster reflexes.
Don't worry if you've never put on a pair of gloves before. We specialize in beginners kickboxing, meaning our instructors take the time to teach you the proper form from day one. You’ll learn how to punch and kick with power and precision in a safe, controlled environment.
The Art of Kempo and Ju Jitsu
At the heart of our society is Kempo Ju Jitsu. This is a versatile martial art that prepares you for any situation. While some arts focus only on standing up or only on the ground, our ju jitsu classes cover the entire spectrum of combat.
Martial arts for adults at our center focus on "Small Circle" techniques: efficient movements that use an attacker's energy against them. This makes it an ideal choice for people of all sizes. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to excel; you just need the willingness to learn.
Our syllabus includes everything from basic strikes to advanced weapon defence, ensuring that your training is always evolving. You can learn more about our specific style on our About Page.
Martial Arts for Kids: Building Tomorrow's Leaders
As a parent, you want your child to be safe, but you also want them to be disciplined, respectful, and confident. Our martial arts for kids programs are designed to instill these core values while keeping the classes fun and active.
In our kids' classes, we focus on:
- Bully Prevention: Teaching children how to use their words first, and their skills only as a last resort.
- Focus: Improving attention spans through structured drills and katas.
- Respect: Learning to respect instructors, peers, and themselves.
- Fitness: Keeping kids moving and healthy in an age of screens and devices.
By starting their journey early, children develop a "can-do" attitude that carries over into their schoolwork and home life. We take great pride in seeing our young students grow into confident teenagers and adults.
Meet Your Instructors: World-Class Leadership
The quality of a martial arts club is defined by its instructors. At the British Kempo Society, we are incredibly lucky to have some of the most decorated and experienced masters in the country. You can see our full team on the Instructors Page.
Shihan Ben Ledwick
As a key founder and the Head of Kempo Ju Jitsu, Shihan Ben Ledwick is a globally recognized figure in the martial arts community. He travels the world promoting the values of Kempo and ensuring our society stays at the forefront of technical excellence. His teaching style is patient and thorough, making him a favorite among both beginners and advanced students.
Rebecca Kane (World Champion)
We are also home to Rebecca Kane, our Head of Weapon Systems and a Master Grade in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). Rebecca is a true legend in the sport. She was the first female under 16 to qualify for the British Team at the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Championships in the Philippines.
With over 36 national and international titles, including 5 World titles in stickfighting and a world title in K1 Kickboxing, Rebecca brings a level of expertise that is hard to find anywhere else. She has even fought professionally in Thailand! When she isn't teaching at the society, she shares her passion for movement and combat on her personal site, The Dancing Fighter.
A Community You Can Call Home
One of the things our members love most about the British Kempo Society isn't just the training: it's the people. We aren't just a collection of self defence classes; we are a community. From our annual events to our regular grading ceremonies, there are always opportunities to connect with fellow martial artists.
We believe that martial arts should be accessible to everyone. Whether you are a busy professional looking for adult kickboxing classes to de-stress, or a family looking for a shared hobby, you will find a place here. We encourage a culture of mutual respect where higher belts help lower belts, and everyone works together toward their goals.
Join Us for a Class Today
There is never a "perfect" time to start. Whether you want to improve your fitness, learn how to protect yourself, or find a positive outlet for your child, the best time to begin is now. Our doors are always open to newcomers, and we offer a range of classes across different locations, including our dedicated sessions for karate Huddersfield enthusiasts and Kempo practitioners alike.
Ready to take the first step?
- Find a location near you and check our class times.
- Meet our masters and see the lineage of our training.
- Get in touch with any questions you might have.
We can't wait to welcome you to the mat!
Contact Us Today to Book Your First Session!
Sensei's Tip: Consistency is the key to mastery. Don't worry about being "good" on your first day: just focus on showing up. Your future self will thank you.
Stay Updated: Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news on gradings, seminars, and training tips from Shihan Ben Ledwick and the team.