Whether you’re commuting through Huddersfield town centre, heading out for a run in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, or simply walking home after a late shift, personal safety is likely something that’s crossed your mind. At the British Kempo Society, we believe that safety isn’t just about knowing how to throw a punch: it’s about confidence, awareness, and having the right tools to navigate the world around you.
In this guide, we’re going to break down some practical, real-world self-defence tips specifically for women living and working in Yorkshire. We’ll look at everything from situational awareness to the legalities of self-defence in the UK, and how you can start building your "internal alarm system."
Meet Your Guides: Expertise You Can Trust
Before we dive into the tips, it’s important to know who is behind this advice. Our team at the British Kempo Society is led by some of the most experienced martial artists in the country.
Ben Ledwick is our Chief Instructor. With decades of experience in Kempo Ju Jitsu, Ben has dedicated his life to teaching practical, effective martial arts that work in real-life situations. He focuses on the "Ju Jitsu" side of our art: the "gentle art" that uses an attacker's strength against them, making it ideal for self-defence.
Sensei Rebecca Kane is a name many in the martial arts world will recognise. A World Champion and the Head of Weapons Training for the UK and Europe, Rebecca is a powerhouse of knowledge. She understands the unique challenges women face when it comes to personal safety. Beyond her world-class skills, she is a passionate advocate for female empowerment. You can find more about her specific work at The Dancing Fighter.
Rebecca offers both online and in-person training, ensuring that no matter where you are in Yorkshire (or the world!), you can access her expertise. You can learn more about our team on our Instructors page.
1. The Power of Awareness: Your "Internal Radar"
The best self-defence is the kind you never have to use physically. Most attackers look for "soft targets": people who appear distracted or unaware of their surroundings.
The "OODA Loop"
In martial arts and self-defence, we often talk about the OODA loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.
- Observe: Keep your head up. Avoid looking at your phone while walking.
- Orient: Understand your environment. Where are the exits? Is there a well-lit shop nearby?
- Decide: If something feels "off," decide early to change your route.
- Act: Don't wait for a situation to escalate. If a street looks too dark, cross over. If someone is following you, duck into a public place.
Limit Distractions
We all love a podcast or a playlist, but wearing noise-cancelling headphones while walking alone at night effectively cuts off one of your most important senses. If you must listen to something, keep the volume low or use just one earbud so you can still hear footsteps or approaching vehicles.
2. Practical Tips for Living in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a wonderful place to live, but like any area, it has its challenges. Here in Huddersfield and the wider West Yorkshire area, there are several initiatives designed to keep you safe.
Use the "Ask for Angela" Scheme
If you’re on a date or out with friends in a bar or club and you feel uncomfortable, many venues across West Yorkshire participate in the "Ask for Angela" scheme. Simply go to the bar and ask for "Angela." The staff are trained to understand this as a signal that you need help and will assist you in getting a taxi or leaving the venue safely without making a scene.
Huddersfield Night Safety Bus
Did you know Huddersfield has a dedicated Night Safety Bus? Usually found near the Kingsgate Shopping Centre or Market Place on busy nights (like Wednesdays and Saturdays), this bus is a non-judgemental safe space. Whether you’ve lost your friends, your phone has died, or you just feel threatened, the staff there are ready to help.
Route Planning
Yorkshire’s hills and shortcuts are great for exercise, but after dark, stick to the main roads. It might take five minutes longer, but staying in well-lit areas with CCTV and passing traffic is a simple way to stay safe.
3. Physical Self-Defence: The Kempo Way
If a situation does become physical, you need techniques that don't rely on being stronger or larger than your attacker. This is where Kempo Ju Jitsu shines.
Why Self-Defence Classes?
Unlike some sports-based martial arts, our self-defence classes focus on "gross motor skills": movements that are easy to remember even when your adrenaline is spiking and your heart is racing.
- The Voice: Your voice is a weapon. A loud, sharp "STOP" or "GET BACK" can shock an attacker and draw the attention of bystanders.
- Breakaway Techniques: We teach simple ways to escape wrist grabs, hair pulls, or being pinned against a wall. The goal isn't to "win a fight": it's to create a window of 3 seconds so you can run.
- Targeting: If you have to strike, we teach you to aim for vulnerable areas that don't require massive strength to affect (like the eyes, throat, or groin).
4. Understanding UK Law: Reasonable Force
A common question we get in our martial arts and self defense sessions is: "What am I actually allowed to do?"
In the UK, the law allows you to use "reasonable force" to protect yourself.
- You don't have to wait to be hit: If you genuinely believe you are about to be attacked, you can take pre-emptive action to escape.
- It must be proportionate: Your actions should be enough to stop the threat and allow you to get away. Once the threat is gone, you must stop.
- No Weapons: It is illegal in the UK to carry anything specifically for the purpose of self-defence (including pepper spray or "self-defence keys"). However, your best "weapon" is your training and a loud personal safety alarm.
5. Building Confidence with Rebecca Kane
One of the biggest barriers to starting self-defence is the "fear of the unknown." Many women feel intimidated by the idea of walking into a martial arts dojo.
This is why Rebecca Kane is such a vital part of the British Kempo Society. She offers a bridge for those who want to learn but might feel nervous. Rebecca provides:
- Online Training: Perfect for those who want to start building their confidence from the comfort of their own home. Check out The Dancing Fighter for her latest courses.
- In-Person Workshops: Specific sessions for women that cover the physical and psychological aspects of safety.
- Weapons Defence: As a world leader in weapons training, she teaches how to defend against various threats with precision and calm.
Learning self-defence isn't just about the physical moves; it's about the community. When you join us, you’re joining a group of like-minded people in Yorkshire who support one another. You can read more about our community on our About page.
Take the First Step Today
Safety is a journey, not a destination. By reading this, you’ve already taken the first step toward being more aware and empowered.
If you’re ready to take the next step: whether that’s joining a class in Huddersfield or starting an online course with Rebecca: we’d love to hear from you. Our instructors are friendly, approachable, and here to help you feel safer in your everyday life.
- Want to see where we train? Check out our Contact Us page.
- Interested in our history? Read more about the British Kempo Society.
- Ready to jump in? Visit The Dancing Fighter for Rebecca’s specialised training.
Don't wait for a reason to feel safe. Build your confidence now.
Sensei Rebecca Kane
World Champion & Head of Weapons Training
British Kempo Society