Like all successful martial arts, Kempo has continued to evolve throughout its history.
Although its roots lie in the traditional fighting systems of China, Okinawa and Japan, Kempo has never been a single, fixed style. As it spread to different countries and cultures, it continued to develop, with individual teachers adapting techniques and training methods to suit their own experience, philosophy, and the needs of their students.
Martial arts evolve in much the same way as languages, music, or scientific knowledge. While they retain important links with their past, they also change over time as ideas are refined, shared, and adapted. This process of evolution has produced many different branches of Kempo, each with its own character and emphasis.
Today, a wide variety of martial arts use the name Kempo. Some are closely related, while others differ considerably in their techniques, training methods and objectives. It is also common to encounter hybrid names such as Kempo Karate or Kempo Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting the influence of other martial arts traditions. (The alternative spelling Kenpo is also widely used, particularly in the United States.)
Nippon Kempo
Founded in Japan during the 1930s, Nippon Kempo places a strong emphasis on full-contact sparring. Drawing on traditional Kempo, karate and judo, it combines striking and grappling within a competitive training environment using protective equipment.
Shorinji Kempo
Established in Japan in 1947, Shorinji Kempo combines martial arts training with a strong philosophical and educational framework. Alongside practical techniques, it places considerable emphasis on character development, cooperation and personal growth.
American Kenpo
Developed during the 1950s and 1960s, primarily in Hawaii and the United States, American Kenpo reflects a blend of Chinese, Japanese and Okinawan influences. It is particularly well known for its structured self-defence techniques, rapid combinations and analytical approach to movement.
Our Kempo Tradition
Our tradition developed independently in Britain, with roots extending back to the inter-war period. While sharing common ancestry with other branches of Kempo, it has preserved a distinctive body of traditional Forms and techniques alongside a strong emphasis on practical self-defence and technical understanding.
Like many lonstanding martial arts schools, we have continued to evolve over time. New training methods have been adopted where they improve safety or effectiveness, and modern knowledge of biomechanics, coaching and learning has influenced both how techniques are taught and understood. At the same time, great care has been taken to preserve the traditional Forms and core principles that give the system its unique identity.
Our Philosophy
Different schools naturally emphasise different aspects of training. Some focus primarily on immediate application, whether for self-defence or competition. Others prioritise technical refinement, preserving traditional methods and lifelong development of the individual.
At London Kempo, our aim is to strike a balance between these elements. We seek to preserve an important martial arts tradition while continuing to develop the art responsibly for modern students.
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