Handbook

Official club handbook and member resources.

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  • From Techniques to Principles

    It is natural for beginners to think of martial arts as a collection of techniques. Every lesson introduces new strikes, escapes, throws or locks, and progress can easily be measured by how many techniques have been learned.

    Techniques are, of course, essential. They are the practical tools of martial arts. However, experienced practitioners gradually come to see them differently. Rather than viewing each technique as something entirely new, they begin to recognise the principles that connect them.

    A strike, a throw or an escape may look completely different, yet all may rely on the same ideas of position, balance, distance or timing. Once these principles are understood, learning becomes less about memorising individual techniques and more about recognising familiar patterns.

    For this reason, Kempo places great emphasis on understanding principles as well as techniques. Every technique should help develop one or more of the fundamental ideas that underpin the art.

    Combat Principles

    Combat principles describe what you are trying to achieve in a confrontation.

    • Position. Improve your position while reducing your opponent’s options.
    • Balance. Maintain your own balance while disrupting your opponent’s.
    • Distance. Recognise and manage the range between you and your opponent.
    • Timing. Act when your advantage is greatest and your opponent’s ability to respond is least.

    These principles are closely connected. A successful technique often works because it creates an advantage in one or more of these areas.

    Movement Principles

    Movement principles describe how you use your body to achieve your objectives.

    The central aim is mechanical efficiency: using your body as effectively as possible. Rather than relying on muscular strength alone, strive to generate, transmit and resist force through good structure, leverage and coordinated movement, while avoiding unnecessary effort.

    Mechanical efficiency is supported by several related ideas:

    • Whole-Body Movement. Coordinate the body so it moves as a single unit rather than as separate limbs.
    • Structure. Maintain sound posture and alignment so force can be transmitted efficiently.
    • Leverage. Prioritise mechanical advantage over muscular strength.
    • Relaxation. Remain relaxed wherever possible, using tension only when it serves a purpose.
    • Economy of Movement. Avoid unnecessary movement or effort, making every action purposeful and efficient.

    Together, these principles allow techniques to become more effective while often requiring less effort.

    Applying the Principles

    The principles described above should not be thought of as rigid rules that produce identical techniques in every practitioner. Rather, they provide a framework for adaptation.

    No two people have exactly the same height, build, strength, flexibility or experience. Likewise, no two opponents or situations are ever identical. A movement that provides excellent leverage for one person may be less effective for another. The best distance, timing or angle may also vary depending on the opponent in front of you and the circumstances of the encounter.

    By understanding the underlying principles, techniques can be adapted to suit both the practitioner and the situation. Rather than memorising a separate technique for every possible circumstance, you learn to apply the same principles in different ways. Two experienced practitioners may therefore perform the same technique differently, yet both can be correct because they are applying the same underlying principles.

    Adapt the techniques. Preserve the principles.

    The principles provide the foundation; the techniques provide the expression.

    Seeing the Bigger Picture

    As your training progresses, you will probably find yourself thinking less about individual techniques and more about the principles that unite them. A new throw may reveal another lesson in balance. A different strike may illustrate the importance of timing or distance. What first appears to be a large collection of unrelated techniques gradually becomes a much smaller number of recurring ideas.

    This is one of the most rewarding stages of martial arts training. The goal is not to collect the greatest number of techniques, but to understand the principles that allow any technique to be applied effectively. Those principles provide the common thread running through every aspect of Kempo and continue to guide your development throughout a lifetime of training.

  • What Defines a Martial Arts Style?

    When people compare martial arts, they often focus on the techniques they see. Yet techniques are only one part of what defines a style. A martial art is equally shaped by its history, its purpose and the way it is taught.

    Understanding these different influences helps explain why schools with the same name may train quite differently, while schools from different traditions sometimes appear surprisingly similar.

    Where It Comes From

    Every martial art has its own history. Many developed within particular countries or cultures, carrying with them distinctive terminology, etiquette, teaching methods and traditions.

    This heritage gives a style its identity and provides a connection with those who developed and practised it in earlier generations. Even newer martial arts often develop their own traditions and culture over time.

    What It Teaches

    Styles also differ technically. Some specialise in particular aspects of combat, such as striking, throwing or grappling, while others aim to develop competence across a broader range of techniques. Some favour long-range kicking, others emphasise close-range fighting, and different systems develop their own preferred stances, methods of movement and technical variations.

    These technical choices give each style its recognisable character.

    Why It Trains

    Perhaps the greatest influence on a martial art is its purpose.

    Is the primary goal sporting competition, practical self-defence, preserving a traditional system, military training or personal development?

    The answer shapes almost every aspect of the curriculum. A combat sport naturally develops techniques that succeed within its rules. A self-defence system prepares for situations where there are no rules. Traditional martial arts often seek to preserve a broader body of knowledge while also encouraging lifelong personal development.

    None of these objectives is inherently better than another. They simply lead to different emphases in training and technique.

    How It Trains

    The way a martial art is practised is just as important as what it teaches.

    Even two schools teaching the same style may look quite different because they emphasise different methods of training. One club may devote more time to sparring, another to forms, while another focuses on self-defence scenarios or technical drills. The balance between cooperation, progressive resistance, physical conditioning and competition all influences how practitioners develop.

    Conversely, schools from different styles may sometimes look remarkably similar because they share comparable objectives and training methods. For example, two self-defence-focused schools from different traditions may train in surprisingly similar ways.

    More Than a Name

    A martial arts style is therefore much more than a collection of techniques. It reflects its history, its technical approach, its purpose and its methods of training.

    Understanding these influences helps explain why martial arts continue to evolve while remaining recognisable. It also reminds us that the name of a style tells only part of the story. To truly understand a martial art, it is equally important to understand how and why it is practised.

  • Groundwork for Self-Defence

    Although most self-defence situations begin standing, they do not always stay that way. A slip, a tackle, a throw or a loss of balance can quickly take one or both people to the ground. For this reason, every self-defence practitioner should have a basic understanding of groundwork.

    The question is not whether groundwork is important—it is. The question is how it should be approached within a self-defence system.

    A Different Set of Priorities

    Ground fighting in combat sports often focuses on achieving positional dominance, applying submissions or controlling an opponent until the contest ends.

    In self-defence, the priorities are different.

    The ground is rarely a safe place to remain. You may be struck while down, the surface itself may present hazards, and additional attackers may become involved. Even if you are successfully controlling one opponent, you are often less aware of what is happening around you and may find it difficult to disengage quickly.

    For these reasons, self-defence generally prioritises returning to your feet whenever it is safe and practical to do so.

    Escaping First

    Kempo is a traditional martial art with a strong emphasis on practical self-defence rather than specialising in any one area of combat. As a result, students are introduced to groundwork from the perspective of self-protection rather than prolonged ground fighting.

    The primary emphasis is therefore on escaping from common bottom positions, protecting yourself while under pressure and creating opportunities to stand up safely. These skills are developed through partner practice and progressively more resistant drills, helping students learn to apply techniques against realistic resistance.

    Escaping a side headlock into an armlock finish.

    Control When Necessary

    As students progress, they are also introduced to methods of controlling or restraining an opponent on the ground. These are generally taught from dominant top positions, often following a successful throw or escape.

    The emphasis, however, remains on maintaining control while retaining the ability to disengage if circumstances change. In a self-defence situation, remaining entangled on the ground for longer than necessary is rarely desirable.

    A Balanced Approach

    Different martial arts naturally place different emphasis on groundwork, reflecting their aims and methods of training. Some specialise in ground fighting for sport and explore it in great technical depth. Kempo takes a broader approach, recognising that groundwork is an important part of self-defence while also recognising that it is only one piece of the puzzle.

    The aim is not to become a specialist ground fighter, but to develop the knowledge and confidence to protect yourself if a confrontation reaches the ground, recover your position and, whenever possible, return safely to your feet.

  • Distance: Understanding Range in Self-Defence

    Distance is one of the most important concepts in martial arts. It determines which techniques are possible, how much time you have to react, and whether you or your opponent are in the stronger position.

    Different martial arts naturally develop tactics around the distances that best suit their aims. Boxers operate primarily at punching range, wrestlers seek to close the distance and establish grips, while arts such as Taekwondo often favour longer ranges where kicking techniques can be used effectively. Each develops skills that reflect its own objectives and methods of training.

    Self-defence presents a different challenge. A confrontation may begin with someone shouting from several metres away, standing uncomfortably close, or suddenly grabbing you without warning. Rather than relying on one preferred distance, you must learn to recognise the range you are in and adapt to the situation as it unfolds.

    Five Ranges of Combat

    Although distance changes constantly, it is helpful to think of five broad ranges, each with its own threats and opportunities.

    Out of Range

    Beyond striking distance, the immediate danger is low, but the situation may still be developing. This is often the best opportunity to create space, use verbal de-escalation or leave safely before physical violence begins.

    Kicking Range

    At this distance, kicks become possible while punches generally do not. Low kicks, front kicks and pushing kicks can help maintain space, but there is always the possibility that an opponent will suddenly close the distance.

    Punching Range

    Within arm’s reach, punches become the primary threat. This is often where confrontations begin and where reactions must be quick. It also provides opportunities to strike, improve your position or safely enter into closer range if appropriate.

    Close-In Range

    Once inside punching distance, elbows, knees and other short-range strikes become effective. This is a dynamic range where opponents often collide, clinch or attempt to control one another. It rarely remains a purely striking exchange for long.

    Grappling Range

    When body contact is established, the emphasis shifts towards controlling the opponent. Grabs, throws, joint locks and restraints become possible, as do very short strikes. Balance, positioning and control often become more important than speed.

    Distance Is Always Changing

    One of the most important lessons in self-defence is that distance is never fixed. People move forwards, retreat, circle and suddenly rush in. A confrontation may pass through several ranges in only a few seconds.

    Different martial arts naturally place greater emphasis on particular ranges, reflecting their goals and methods of training. Since Kempo is taught primarily as a traditional self-defence system rather than a combat sport, students are encouraged to develop familiarity with all of these ranges rather than specialising in one.

    Ultimately, effective self-defence is not about keeping your opponent at one particular distance. It is about understanding the opportunities and dangers that each range presents, and adapting your response as the situation changes.

  • Should I Train in Other Martial Arts?

    Many students eventually wonder whether they should train in another martial art alongside Kempo. There is no single right answer. Cross-training can be an excellent way to broaden your experience and develop specialised skills, but the timing is important.

    In general, we recommend building a strong foundation in Kempo before expanding into other systems.

    Build One Foundation First

    Like any traditional martial art, Kempo has a broad curriculum that develops striking, grappling, throws, joint locks, movement, awareness and self-defence principles. During your first few years of training, there is already a great deal to learn.

    Trying to study several martial arts at the same time can make progress slower rather than faster. Different systems often use different stances, training methods, tactical preferences and terminology. For beginners, constantly switching between them can make it harder to develop confident, instinctive movement.

    By concentrating on one art initially, you build a solid foundation of technique, body mechanics and understanding that will support everything you learn in the future.

    The Value of Cross-Training

    As your experience grows, training in other martial arts can become extremely valuable.

    Combat sports such as boxing, Muay Thai, judo, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu each specialise in particular areas of unarmed combat. They provide opportunities to study aspects of striking, grappling or ground fighting in greater depth and often include extensive practice against skilled, resisting opponents within clearly defined rules. These rules allow practitioners to train and compete at high intensity while maintaining an acceptable level of safety.

    This kind of training can deepen your understanding of specific areas while also exposing you to different coaching methods and ways of solving familiar problems.

    Understanding Before Expanding

    One of the advantages of waiting until you have a solid grounding in Kempo is that you are better able to recognise the principles that different martial arts share.

    Instead of seeing hundreds of unrelated techniques, you begin to recognise common ideas such as balance, leverage, timing, positioning and efficient movement. New techniques become easier to learn because they can be connected to principles you already understand.

    At this stage, cross-training is far less likely to create confusion. Instead, it broadens your perspective, helping you see familiar principles expressed through different techniques, training methods and coaching styles. Many practitioners find that exploring another discipline not only develops new skills, but also deepens their understanding of Kempo itself and strengthens their appreciation of the art they first learned.

    Complement, Don’t Replace

    Every martial art has its own strengths, emphasis and methods of training. Traditional martial arts, combat sports and modern self-defence systems all have something to offer, and each should be appreciated for what it does well.

    Cross-training works best when it complements your Kempo rather than replacing it. A strong foundation allows you to learn from other systems without losing sight of the principles and skills you have already developed.

    Your Martial Arts Journey

    Many experienced martial artists eventually choose to explore other disciplines, broadening their perspective and developing specialist skills. Others devote a lifetime to Kempo, continually refining their understanding of the same principles and techniques. Both approaches are entirely valid.

    Our advice is simply to build strong foundations first. Once you have developed a solid understanding of Kempo, you will be in a far better position to appreciate what other martial arts can teach and, if you choose to do so, integrate those lessons into your own training.

    Whether your journey remains entirely within Kempo or eventually extends into other martial arts, the most important thing is to train consistently, remain curious and continue developing your understanding.

  • Art or Science?

    People sometimes ask whether martial arts should be regarded as a science or an art. The answer is that they are both.

    The effectiveness of martial techniques depends on principles that can be observed, tested and refined. Balance, leverage, timing, distance and body mechanics are not matters of opinion. Over many generations, martial artists have discovered what tends to work and what does not. Modern knowledge of biomechanics, physiology and coaching continues to improve our understanding of these principles.

    At the same time, martial arts can never become an exact science. Every encounter is different. Opponents vary in size, strength, speed and intent. No two people move in exactly the same way. Success depends not only on applying sound principles, but on adapting them to the circumstances.

    This is where the art begins.

    As your training develops, you gradually stop thinking in terms of fixed techniques and begin thinking in terms of principles. Two practitioners may solve the same problem in different ways, both drawing on the same underlying ideas. Just as two musicians can interpret the same piece differently, experienced martial artists develop movement that reflects their own physique, experience and personality while remaining true to the principles of the system.

    The same balance exists in coaching. Scientific evidence can guide how we develop strength and flexibility, acquire skills and prevent injuries. Yet teaching remains an art. Every student learns differently, and a good instructor continually adapts their approach to the individual in front of them.

    Traditional martial arts add another dimension. They preserve not only effective methods of self-defence, but also a cultural heritage expressed through etiquette, forms and shared traditions. These are not scientific necessities, yet they contribute to the character and identity of the art, connecting present-day practitioners with those who trained before them.

    Perhaps this is why the appeal of martial arts extends far beyond those interested simply in fighting. The objectivity of science is combined with the creativity of art. One without the other would leave something important missing. Science helps us understand why techniques work; art allows each generation—and each individual—to express those principles in their own way.

  • What is Blocking?

    The English word block is widely used in martial arts, but it can be misleading. It often suggests meeting an attack with a hard, forceful stop. While this is certainly one type of defensive movement, it represents only part of a much broader range of techniques.

    In many Japanese martial arts, the original term is more closely related to the idea of receiving an attack than simply blocking it. This reflects a wider concept: responding to an incoming strike, push or grab in whatever way is most appropriate, rather than always trying to stop it head-on.

    In Kempo, we often think in terms of Blocks & Controls. This includes the many ways of engaging with an opponent’s arms as you establish a connection—or bridge—between yourself and your opponent. Depending on the situation, that may involve stopping, redirecting, guiding, controlling or clearing the attacking limb.

    A Spectrum of Responses

    Some defensive movements are firm and direct, particularly when learning the fundamentals. A strong rising or outward block can stop or significantly disrupt an incoming attack, providing a simple and reliable response.

    As your training develops, however, you will discover that many defensive movements become softer and more economical. Rather than meeting force with force, you may deflect a strike with minimal contact, guide it past your body, hook or control the arm, or move smoothly from the outside to the inside of your opponent’s guard.

    These are all examples of blocking in its broader sense.

    From Defence to Control

    An effective block involves far more than the movement of your arms. It is coordinated with footwork, body movement and positioning. By moving off the line of attack while engaging your opponent’s arm, you not only reduce the risk of being struck but also place yourself in a more advantageous position.

    Good blocking therefore aims to improve your own position while making your opponent’s position less favourable. Depending on the situation, this may mean moving to the outside or inside of your opponent’s arms, disrupting their balance, or limiting their ability to launch further attacks.

    An effective block does more than prevent you from being hit. It should also create opportunities for your next action. Sometimes this means opening a line for a counter-strike. At other times, it means establishing control of your opponent’s arm, creating an opportunity to apply a throw, joint lock or restraint, or simply escaping safely from the encounter.

    For this reason, blocking and controlling are closely linked. The initial contact with an opponent’s arm is often the beginning of a sequence rather than the end of it. As your training progresses, you will come to see blocking not as an isolated defensive action, but as the first step towards taking control of the situation.

    Developing Your Skills

    When you first learn Kempo, you will naturally begin with clear, structured blocks. These develop confidence, timing and sound body mechanics.

    With experience, your movements become more relaxed, adaptable and efficient. The goal is not simply to block harder, but to use only as much force as the situation requires while maintaining control and creating opportunities to respond effectively.

    Understanding blocking in this broader way helps explain why the same movement can be applied in many different ways. What is first learnt as a clear, structured block may later become a deflection, a bridge, a control, or the beginning of a throw, depending on the situation.

  • The Importance of Fundamentals

    Every martial art has its fundamental techniques and movements. These are not simply exercises for beginners; they are the foundation upon which everything else is built.

    It is easy to assume that the more advanced a technique appears, the more important it must be. In reality, the opposite is often true. Advanced variations only become reliable because they are supported by strong fundamentals. A solid stance, a precise strike, or a simple escape performed well provides the structure from which countless other techniques can develop.

    The word foundation should be taken literally. Just as a building cannot stand without a solid base, advanced movements cannot be performed consistently with speed, power, or control unless the underlying skills have first been mastered. Rushing past the basics may produce short-term progress, but the gaps almost always become apparent when techniques are performed under pressure.

    It can also be helpful to think of the fundamentals as the trunk of a tree. From a strong trunk, many branches can grow, each representing a different variation or application. If you focus only on learning one particular branch because it seems more practical or impressive, you may gain a useful tactic, but without the trunk beneath it, that branch remains weak. More importantly, you limit your ability to explore the many other branches that share the same foundations.

    This is why traditional martial arts devote so much time to practising the basics. The aim is not simply to repeat simple movements, but to refine the balance, posture, timing, coordination and body mechanics that lie beneath them. Those underlying skills become part of every technique you learn in the future.

    The best martial artists never leave the fundamentals behind. They return to them throughout their training, continually refining the foundations that support everything else.

  • Timing in Self-Defence: Anticipate, Intercept, Recover

    Good self-defence is not simply about what you do, but when you do it.

    Every defensive action has a point in time at which it is initiated. You may act before an attack begins, as it begins, or after it has already gained momentum.

    These three timing windows can be described as anticipation, interception, and recovery. They are not different techniques, nor are they stages that every encounter passes through. Rather, they describe three different moments at which you may choose—or be forced—to act.

    Understanding these timing windows helps explain why timing is one of the most important skills in self-defence.

    Anticipate

    Anticipation means recognising an attack before it is launched, based on clear signs of intent.

    Violence usually begins long before the first punch is thrown. An experienced practitioner learns to recognise the cues that suggest an attack is becoming likely. These may include an aggressive approach, invasion of personal space, escalating verbal aggression, changes in posture, or obvious preparatory movements.

    In self-defence, recognising these signs may sometimes justify pre-emptive action—acting before the attacker is able to launch their assault.

    This is one of the clearest differences between self-defence and combat sports. In sport, both participants have agreed to engage. In self-defence, waiting for the first strike may place you at a serious disadvantage.

    At the same time, anticipation demands the greatest judgement. Because you are acting on perceived intent rather than an actual attack, any action must be legally, ethically and morally justified. Good awareness, restraint and sound judgement are every bit as important as physical skill.

    Intercept

    Interception means meeting the attack as it begins.

    Rather than waiting for the attack to develop, you disrupt it at the moment it is committed. This may involve striking into the attack, jamming the movement, establishing control, or redirecting the attack before it gathers momentum.

    Highly skilled interception often produces the moments that spectators remember in combat sports. A perfectly timed counter-punch, a throw on the move, or an entry that prevents the opponent’s attack from developing all succeed because they meet the attack at exactly the right moment.

    In self-defence, interception is equally valuable. It allows you to seize the initiative while remaining clearly defensive in your actions. In many situations, it represents the ideal balance between patience, timing and decisive action.

    Recover

    Recovery means regaining control after the attack has already developed.

    No one anticipates or intercepts every attack. You may have been surprised, distracted, outnumbered, or simply made a mistake. Recovery is the ability to protect yourself, regain your balance, escape disadvantageous positions, and re-establish control of the situation.

    This is not a sign of failure. It is an essential part of realistic self-defence training. A resilient practitioner is not someone who never falls behind, but someone who can recover quickly when they do.

    Bringing It Together

    These three timing windows provide a simple way of thinking about defensive action.

    The earlier you recognise danger, the more options you have, and anticipation may allow you to prevent the attack altogether. In other situations, waiting and intercepting at precisely the right moment may be the better tactical choice. If neither is possible, recovery allows you to regain control before taking the initiative once again.

    As a self-defence-focused martial art, traditional Kempo training must prepare students for all three timing windows. We develop the awareness to anticipate, the timing to intercept, and the resilience to recover when events do not go to plan.

    Viewed in this way, self-defence is not simply about memorising techniques. It is about understanding timing, making sound decisions, and applying the appropriate response at the appropriate moment.

  • How to Practise Forms

    Learning a form is very different from learning it well. Memorising the sequence is only the first step. Over time, your understanding of the same form will continue to develop as your movement, technique and appreciation of its underlying principles improve.

    The most effective way to learn a form is through regular practice under the guidance of your instructors. A book or video can help refresh your memory, but they cannot provide correction, answer questions or help you feel the balance, structure and timing of each movement. Forms are learned by watching, practising, receiving feedback and refining your technique over time.

    Learn the Sequence First

    When beginning a new form, your first goal is simply to learn the correct sequence. Focus on accurate movements, correct stances, direction and posture, rather than trying to perform the form quickly or powerfully.

    Pay particular attention to the transitions between techniques. These are often just as important as the techniques themselves, developing smooth, efficient movement and showing how individual techniques connect together.

    At this stage, a basic understanding of the purpose of each movement is helpful, but a deeper exploration of applications comes later as your experience grows.

    Train Movement, Not Just Techniques

    It is important to remember that the primary purpose of forms is not to rehearse fighting techniques. While many movements have practical applications, forms are first and foremost a method of developing how your body moves.

    As you practise, pay attention to your posture, balance, coordination, turning, transitions and the efficient generation of power. Rather than asking only, “What technique is this?”, also ask, “What quality of movement is this developing?”

    This shift in thinking marks an important stage in your training. Once you begin to see forms as exercises for developing movement principles, rather than simply sequences of techniques, you will discover far more in your practice.

    Focus on Quality

    Good practice is deliberate practice. Move with control, maintain good posture and pay attention to the quality of every movement. Accuracy should always come before speed.

    As your confidence grows, aim to perform the form with increasing smoothness and efficiency rather than simply trying to move faster. The objective is relaxed, coordinated movement in which each technique flows naturally into the next.

    Break the Form into Sections

    One of the most effective ways to improve is to practise short linked sections rather than performing the entire form every time. Working repeatedly on two or three techniques at a time allows you to refine the transitions between movements and correct small errors before they become habits.

    This approach is also ideal when practising at home, where space may be limited. A few minutes of focused practice on a small section of a form is often more valuable than repeatedly rushing through the entire sequence.

    Keep Returning to the Basics

    As your understanding of Kempo develops, your forms will develop with it. Movements that once seemed straightforward often reveal new layers of meaning as your technique, balance and understanding improve. For this reason, experienced practitioners continue to practise forms they learned many years earlier, discovering new insights each time they return to them.

    Forms are not simply something to learn for a grading and then leave behind. They are a lifelong training method, helping you refine your movement, deepen your understanding of Kempo and preserve the principles that underpin the art.