Published 20 August 2026 | By Sensei Rebecca Kane and the British Kempo Society Team
Looking for a practical way to get fit, build confidence, and learn real self-defence? British Kempo Society brings together Kempo Ju Jitsu, kickboxing training, traditional martial arts, and a welcoming community for adults, children, beginners, and experienced students.
A martial arts community for every stage
Starting martial arts can feel like a big step. You may be worried that you are not fit enough, flexible enough, or experienced enough. Your child may feel nervous about joining a new group. Or perhaps you are an experienced martial artist looking for a supportive club with strong traditions and varied training.
At British Kempo Society, you do not need to arrive as an expert. You simply need to be ready to learn.
Our society was founded around 2001 by instructors who wanted to share their knowledge in a positive, non-political environment. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide community that connects students, instructors, clubs, and martial arts families across the UK.
We respect the traditional roots of Kempo while using modern coaching methods and sports science. That means your training can be challenging and purposeful, while still being safe, welcoming, and suitable for your level.
Learn more about British Kempo Society and discover the values behind our community.
Kempo Ju Jitsu: striking, grappling, and practical self-defence
Kempo Ju Jitsu combines several important areas of martial arts. Training can include strikes, blocks, kicks, throws, locks, escapes, and controlled movement. This makes it a versatile system for anyone interested in martial arts and self defense.
Rather than focusing only on one type of movement, Kempo Ju Jitsu helps you understand how to respond at different distances. You may learn how to maintain space, move safely, escape a grab, or control a situation without relying only on strength.
Self-defence is not about looking for conflict. It starts with awareness, confidence, communication, and avoidance. Your training can help you become calmer under pressure and more aware of your surroundings.
In class, you can expect to work on:
- Awareness and positioning
- Balance, footwork, and timing
- Safe escapes from common holds
- Striking and blocking fundamentals
- Throws, locks, and controlled take-downs
- Confidence and composure
- Respect, discipline, and personal responsibility
Every student progresses at a different pace. The aim is not to compare yourself with the person next to you. The aim is to become more capable, focused, and confident than you were when you first stepped onto the mat.
Kickboxing training that improves your whole body
If you want a fast-moving workout, kickboxing training can be an excellent choice. It combines cardio, coordination, strength, mobility, and technique in one session.
You do not need to be in top shape before joining. Beginners kickboxing classes are designed to help you build fitness gradually. You may start with simple movements, pad work, basic combinations, and conditioning exercises. As your confidence improves, you can develop your speed, accuracy, balance, and stamina.
A typical kickboxing class for beginners may include:
- A dynamic warm-up and mobility work
- Basic stance, guard, and footwork
- Punches such as the jab and cross
- Kicks and defensive movements
- Pad or shield drills with a partner
- Strength and conditioning exercises
- A cool-down and review of the session
The focus is on learning good habits rather than rushing through advanced techniques. You will be guided by your instructor and supported by other members of the community.
Our Beginners Kickboxing 101 guide explains what to wear, what to expect, and how to feel more comfortable before your first class.
Martial arts for adults: fitness with purpose
Many people begin martial arts for adults because they want a more interesting alternative to the gym. Others want to manage stress, improve their fitness, or learn useful self-defence skills.
Martial arts gives you a reason to keep turning up. You are not simply counting repetitions or watching the clock. You are learning something practical, working with training partners, and becoming part of a group.
Regular training can support:
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Functional strength
- Flexibility and mobility
- Balance and coordination
- Weight management
- Stress relief
- Focus and mental resilience
- Self-confidence and discipline
Adult kickboxing classes can also be adapted to suit different fitness levels. You can work at a pace that challenges you without pushing beyond what is safe. If you have an old injury or health concern, speak with your instructor before training so movements can be modified where appropriate.
There is also a strong social benefit. Training partners help you learn, improve, and stay motivated. Gradings, seminars, workshops, and club events give you opportunities to meet people who share your interest in martial arts.
Martial arts for kids: confidence, discipline, and safe learning
Martial arts for kids should be about much more than physical techniques. It should help your child develop confidence, focus, coordination, respect, and self-control.
A well-structured class gives children clear boundaries and achievable goals. They learn to listen, follow instructions, work with a partner, and keep trying when something feels difficult. These habits can support your child’s development at home, at school, and in other activities.
Self-defence classes for children should always be age-appropriate and safety-focused. The emphasis is on awareness, boundaries, confidence, and getting help: not aggression or encouraging children to start fights.
Your child can benefit from learning how to:
- Use confident body language
- Recognise uncomfortable situations
- Set clear personal boundaries
- Ask for help
- Stay calm and think clearly
- Move safely and confidently
- Respect others while protecting themselves
The supportive community is an important part of this experience. Children learn alongside others, celebrate progress together, and see that everyone has different strengths.
Meet the instructors behind the training
Our instructors bring experience from a range of martial arts disciplines. Their role is not only to demonstrate techniques but also to help you understand why those techniques matter.
Shihan Ben Ledwick : Chief Instructor and Head of Kempo Ju Jitsu
Shihan Ben Ledwick is the Chief Instructor and Head of Kempo Ju Jitsu at British Kempo Society. As a key founder, he has helped promote Kempo and its values to students and instructors in the UK and internationally.
His teaching reflects the wider purpose of Kempo: developing physical skill, mental strength, ethical character, and respect for the people around you.
Rebecca Kane : World Champion and Head of Weapon Systems
Rebecca Kane is a World Champion, Head of Weapon Systems, and Master Grade FMA. She is also Head of Weapons Training for the UK and Europe.
Rebecca brings extensive experience in Filipino Martial Arts, stick fighting, kickboxing, and Thai boxing. Her career includes national and international titles, as well as professional competition experience.
She offers both online and in-person training, with a particular passion for helping women, children, and communities build confidence and resilience. You can learn more about her work and personal journey at The Dancing Fighter.
You can meet more of our instructors and learn about the experience available across our wider network.
Searching for karate in Huddersfield?
If you have been searching online for karate Huddersfield, you may also want to explore Kempo Ju Jitsu. Kempo includes striking and blocking skills that may feel familiar to karate students, while also adding grappling, throws, locks, and practical self-defence work.
British Kempo Society’s network includes instructors with experience in Kempo Ju Jitsu and Filipino Martial Arts in Huddersfield. Whether you are looking for a new activity, a self-defence class, or a martial arts community for your family, it is worth asking about the options available in your area.
The best martial art for you is one that you enjoy, feel safe learning, and can practise consistently. A conversation with an instructor is a good place to start.
Your first step is simple
You do not need to wait until you are fitter, stronger, or more confident. Those are some of the benefits you can develop through training.
Whether you are interested in:
- Ju Jitsu classes
- Martial arts for adults
- Martial arts for kids
- Adult kickboxing classes
- Beginners kickboxing
- Practical self-defence
- Weapons training
- Club workshops and seminars
our community is here to help you find the right starting point.
Contact British Kempo Society to ask about training, class options, or joining a club. Tell us what you are looking for, and we will help you take the next step.
Stay connected with the British Kempo Society community
Martial arts is a long-term journey. Your next goal might be attending your first class, completing a grading, improving your fitness, or supporting someone else in the community.
Subscribe to the British Kempo Society network for updates about training sessions, workshops, gradings, seminars, and community news. Subscribe today and keep learning with us.