Handbook

Official club handbook and member resources.

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  • The Origins of Our Forms

    The exact origins of the forms we practise are uncertain. Like much martial arts history, they have been passed down through generations of practitioners, and not much of that journey was formally documented. Nevertheless, the evidence we do have provides a fascinating glimpse into their likely history.

    The Martial Arts of Inter-War Britain

    The story begins during the period between the First and Second World Wars, when the martial arts landscape in Britain looked very different from today. Boxing and wrestling clubs were well established, while judo, ju-jitsu and other systems of self-defence were gradually becoming known through demonstrations, military training and the experiences of those who had travelled overseas.

    The boundaries between different fighting systems were far less rigid than they are today. Knowledge was often exchanged informally, particularly in boxing gyms, wrestling halls and boys’ clubs, where practitioners with different backgrounds trained alongside one another. Some instructors also brought experience of military combatives or martial arts learned abroad, creating an environment in which ideas and techniques could be shared and adapted.

    Leeds and the Early Tradition

    It was within this environment that the roots of our forms appear to have developed.

    Leeds was one of the centres in which these influences came together, and it was here that George Smith encountered the body of movement that would later become an important part of our shared Kempo tradition.

    Looking back decades later, Smith recalled that, alongside familiar boxing and wrestling methods, he had been exposed to movements that were quite different in character—more circular, more fluid, and unlike the judo or ju-jitsu then becoming established in Britain. He also described training under an instructor known as “Mr Burma”, whose background may have connected him, directly or indirectly, with martial arts traditions from Southeast Asia.

    Nearly a century later, it is unlikely that the full story can ever be reconstructed. However, these recollections provide a plausible historical context for the origins of the forms that continue to be practised today.

    A Distinctive Character

    One particularly interesting feature of our forms is that they bear little resemblance to the Japanese karate kata that became widely known in Britain from the 1960s onwards.

    Instead, their rhythm, footwork and flowing transitions suggest a different influence. While it is impossible to determine their precise lineage with certainty, they possess a distinctive character that has been preserved through successive generations of instructors.

    Preserving Our Heritage

    As George Smith established clubs after the Second World War, the forms eventually became an established part of training and were passed on to his students. They preserved not only sequences of movement, but also a connection to an earlier period in British martial arts, when practitioners drew inspiration from a wide variety of sources and effective methods were shared more freely between traditions.

    Today, these forms remain an important part of our heritage. They connect present-day members with those who trained before them and help preserve the distinctive movement, principles and character of our style. While training methods and self-defence techniques might continue to evolve, the forms remain a valuable link between our history and our future.

  • Forms: Why We Practise Them

    At first glance, a form may appear to be a choreographed sequence of techniques against imaginary opponents. It is understandable to wonder why time is spent practising forms when partner drills, sparring and self-defence training seem more directly applicable.

    The answer is that forms are not intended to simulate a real fight. Instead, they are carefully structured training exercises that develop movement, reinforce fundamental principles and preserve the traditional character of the art.

    Alongside practical training, forms provide a different—but equally valuable—way of learning.

    Developing Movement

    Forms encourage you to practise movements that might otherwise receive little attention during partner work. Turning, changing direction, maintaining balance, coordinating the whole body and moving smoothly from one technique to the next all require careful practice.

    Repeated over time, forms help develop posture, coordination, agility, flexibility and body control. They also encourage precision and discipline, as even small improvements in movement quality become apparent through regular practice.

    Understanding Principles

    As your experience grows, forms become less about remembering the next movement and more about understanding the principles behind it.

    Rather than viewing each technique in isolation, you begin to recognise recurring ideas such as balance, posture, timing, efficient body movement and the generation of power. These same principles appear throughout Kempo, helping to connect techniques into a coherent system rather than a collection of unrelated responses.

    Like many aspects of martial arts, the goal is not simply to memorise movements, but to understand the principles that make them effective.

    A Method of Solo Practice

    One of the greatest strengths of forms is that they can be practised almost anywhere. They provide a structured way to train when you do not have a partner, allowing you to reinforce key movements, improve fitness and maintain your skills between classes.

    While solo practice can never replace training with a partner, it is an excellent way to improve movement quality and build consistency over time.

    Preserving Tradition

    Long before books, videos and online instruction, forms provided a practical way of recording and passing on movement from one generation to the next. They helped preserve not just individual techniques, but the characteristic movement patterns and principles of an entire martial art.

    Although training methods continue to evolve, forms remain an important link with earlier generations of practitioners. They provide continuity, helping to preserve the distinctive character of Kempo while allowing other aspects of training to develop over time.

    A Different Kind of Learning

    Forms are only one part of Kempo training. They do not replace partner drills, sparring or self-defence practice, just as those activities cannot fully replace the benefits of forms. Each develops different skills, and together they provide a broader understanding of the art.

    As you continue your training, you may find that the value of forms changes. What begins as an exercise in memory gradually becomes an opportunity to refine movement, deepen your understanding of Kempo and appreciate the traditions from which the art has developed.

  • Inside or Outside?

    Choosing Your Position Against a Strike

    When defending against a strike, one of the first tactical decisions is whether to move to the inside or the outside of your opponent’s arms.

    These terms simply describe your position relative to the attacker’s body.

    • Outside means you have moved so that both of your opponent’s arms are on one side of you.
    • Inside means you have moved between your opponent’s arms.

    Neither position is always right or always wrong. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and experienced practitioners learn to use each according to the situation. However, understanding the strengths of each will help you appreciate why many Kempo techniques are taught the way they are.

    The Advantages of the Outside

    Against straight punches, our basic preference is usually to move to the outside.

    From here, you are generally farther away from your opponent’s free hand, reducing the immediate risk of a follow-up attack. Your position also gives you better access to your opponent’s side and back, making it easier to control their balance, create angles for striking, or transition into throws and locks.

    Perhaps most importantly, moving outside often allows you to avoid meeting force with force. By changing your position rather than simply blocking, you can defend while creating opportunities of your own.

    This is why many of our fundamental defences against straight attacks emphasise stepping to the outside while counter-attacking.

    When the Inside Is Better

    Swinging attacks, such as hooks and haymakers, present a different problem.

    Moving away from the attack often leaves the strike with room to develop its full power. Instead, our basic response is usually to drive forward on the inside while protecting ourselves and striking simultaneously.

    By moving towards the centre of the attacker’s rotation, you effectively shorten the blow. The strike has less distance to accelerate before it reaches you, reducing its potential power. At the same time, closing the distance makes it more difficult for your opponent to launch further swinging attacks.

    Rather than remaining at striking range, you quickly enter a position where clinching, grappling, throws or finishing techniques may become appropriate.

    Principles, Not Rules

    Like many ideas in martial arts, these are principles rather than fixed rules. Real confrontations are unpredictable, and your response will always depend on the nature of the attack, the environment and the opportunities available in the moment.

    Nevertheless, understanding the distinction between the inside and the outside provides a useful way of thinking about self-defence. Instead of seeing techniques as isolated movements, you begin to recognise the tactical ideas that connect them.

    As your training progresses, you will find yourself asking not just “How do I defend this attack?” but also “Where do I want to be once I have defended it?” That change in thinking is an important step towards understanding the principles that underpin effective Kempo.

  • Stages of Learning: How Your Training Changes as You Progress

    When you first begin martial arts, it can seem as though progress simply means learning more techniques. As your experience grows, however, you discover that training changes in more fundamental ways. The questions you ask, the skills you develop and even the way you practise begin to evolve.

    Although every person’s journey is different, many martial artists pass through a series of recognisable phases.

    1. Learning the Basics

    Every martial artist begins by building a foundation of fundamental skills. At this stage, much of your learning comes through imitation. You watch carefully, copy your instructor and gradually develop coordination, balance and body awareness.

      The focus is on acquiring essential knowledge: stances, strikes, footwork, breakfalls, escapes and basic combinations. Progress comes through repetition, correction and patience. The aim is not perfection, but building habits that will support everything that follows.

      2. Understanding the Principles

      As your technical knowledge grows, you naturally begin asking different questions.

        Why does this technique work? Why is one variation more effective than another? What happens if my opponent reacts differently?

        This is an exciting stage because you begin to look beyond individual techniques and discover the principles that connect them. Timing, balance, leverage, distance, posture and movement become more important than memorising another sequence of movements.

        Instead of seeing hundreds of separate techniques, you begin to recognise common ideas appearing again and again.

        3. Refining Your Technique

        Many people imagine that earning a black belt marks the end of learning. In reality, it often marks the beginning of a different kind of learning.

          Rather than constantly adding new techniques, experienced practitioners spend increasing amounts of time refining the ones they already know. Small improvements in posture, timing, relaxation and body mechanics can produce significant improvements in effectiveness.

          At this stage, training becomes less about doing more and more about doing better. Because you understand the underlying principles, new techniques are often learned more quickly and fitted naturally into what you already know.

          4. Making the Art Your Own

          As your understanding deepens, your Kempo becomes increasingly personal. The underlying principles remain the same, but you begin to adapt techniques to suit your own physique, experience and natural movement.

            Teaching often accelerates this process. Explaining principles to others forces you to examine your own understanding, revealing both strengths and areas that still need attention. Many instructors find that they continue learning just as much from teaching as they do from training.

            5. A Lifelong Practice

            For those who continue training over many years, Kempo gradually becomes more than something practised in the dojo. The principles developed through training—patience, awareness, adaptability, self-control and continuous improvement—begin to influence everyday life.

              Physical abilities inevitably change with age, but understanding often continues to deepen. While an older practitioner may no longer be the fastest or strongest person on the mat, they often demonstrate greater efficiency, better judgement and a calmer approach to both training and life.

              There Is No Finish Line

              These phases are not rigid stages that everyone experiences in exactly the same way. You will often revisit earlier phases as you encounter new techniques, explore unfamiliar situations or help teach others. Even the most experienced martial artists continue to practise the fundamentals, discovering new insights in techniques they have performed thousands of times.

              Perhaps that is one of the greatest attractions of martial arts. There is always something more to understand. The goal is not simply to accumulate techniques or earn the next belt, but to continue learning throughout your life. Each stage of the journey builds on the last, leading not just to greater technical skill, but to a deeper appreciation of the art itself.

            1. What to Expect in the Foundations Class

              Building Your Core Skills

              Kempo Foundations is aimed primarily at beginners and lower grades, providing a structured introduction to the core skills of Kempo. However, the class is not exclusively for beginners. More experienced students and black belts regularly train alongside newer members, using the class to refine their fundamentals, deepen their understanding of key principles, and support the learning of others.

              The purpose of the class is to help you develop the essential skills that underpin effective self-defence and prepare you for more advanced training.

              Classes are structured and progressive, allowing you to build confidence through regular practice. Rather than trying to learn a large number of techniques quickly, the emphasis is on developing sound movement, good habits, and an understanding of the principles that make techniques effective.

              Throughout the Foundations programme, you will develop skills in the following areas.

              Safe Falling and Recovery Techniques

              Learning how to fall safely is one of the first skills you will develop. Breakfalls teach you how to protect yourself if you lose your balance, are thrown, or fall unexpectedly. Just as importantly, you will learn how to recover quickly and regain a safe, stable position so you can continue to protect yourself.

              Positioning and Movement for Self-Defence

              Good self-defence is about more than techniques—it begins with where you stand and how you move. You will learn how to position yourself to stay balanced, create opportunities, reduce vulnerability, and respond effectively under pressure.

              Footwork and Balance

              Strong footwork forms the foundation of every technique. You will practise moving efficiently in all directions while maintaining good balance and posture. These skills improve your ability to strike, defend, escape and generate power without losing stability.

              Striking Techniques

              You will learn a range of practical striking techniques using your hands, elbows, knees and feet. Training focuses on correct body mechanics, accuracy, control and safe practice, allowing you to develop effective techniques that can be adapted to different situations.

              Escapes from Grabs, Holds and Chokes

              Many real confrontations begin with someone grabbing rather than striking. You will learn practical methods for escaping common wrist grabs, clothing grabs, holds and chokes using leverage, timing and positioning rather than relying solely on strength. As your confidence grows, you will also practise escaping from common ground positions, including situations where an opponent is on top of you.

              Basic Throws and Finishing Techniques

              Some escapes naturally create opportunities to take control of an attacker. Throughout the Foundations class, you will be introduced to basic throws, joint locks and chokes where they arise naturally as part of an escape, rather than treating them as separate techniques to memorise. This helps you understand how effective self-defence flows from good positioning, balance and timing. You will also learn how to receive these techniques safely, building confidence and trust with your training partners.

              Awareness

              The most effective self-defence is avoiding danger whenever possible. Throughout your training, you will develop greater awareness of your surroundings, learn to recognise potential risks, and understand practical strategies for preventing situations from escalating into physical confrontation.

              Building Strong Foundations

              The skills taught in the Foundations class provide the basis for everything that follows in your Kempo journey. As you progress, you will continue to revisit and refine these fundamentals while learning more advanced techniques and applications. Even the most experienced practitioners recognise that there is always more to learn from the basics.

              For this reason, we encourage you to make the Foundations class a regular part of your weekly training routine. Consistent practice is one of the most effective ways to build confidence, improve your technique and develop a deeper understanding of Kempo. Whether you are attending your first class or preparing for a black belt grading, strong fundamentals remain the key to long-term progress.

            2. The Techniques of Kempo

              Kempo is a traditional martial art with a strong emphasis on practical self-defence. Rather than specialising in a single aspect of fighting or training primarily for competition, you will develop skills across the major elements of unarmed combat.

              This article provides a brief overview of the different categories of techniques you will encounter as you progress through your training. Don’t worry about understanding every detail at this stage—your instructors will introduce each area gradually through the curriculum.

              Training begins with simple, fundamental movements before progressing to more advanced applications. As your experience grows, you will learn not only how to perform techniques, but also when and why they should be used.

              Striking

              Striking techniques include punches, kicks, open-hand strikes, knees and elbows.

              Initially, you will learn striking primarily in the context of practical self-defence. Particular emphasis is placed on simple, reliable techniques that can be delivered quickly and efficiently against vulnerable targets. Open-hand strikes, knees and elbows are especially valuable at the close ranges often encountered in self-defence situations.

              As your skills develop, you will learn combinations, counter-attacks, close-range striking and how to integrate strikes naturally with other techniques.

              Throws and Takedowns

              Throws and takedowns allow you to unbalance an opponent and bring them to the ground under control.

              Initially, these techniques are introduced mainly as responses to common grabs, holds and chokes, or as natural follow-ups to effective striking techniques.

              As your understanding develops, you will learn a wider variety of throwing methods together with the principles of balance, timing, positioning and body mechanics that make them effective.

              Finishing Holds

              Finishing holds include joint locks, chokes and strangles. In sporting martial arts these techniques are often referred to as submissions.

              Joint locks can be applied to many of the body’s joints, although your early training will focus mainly on techniques affecting the wrist, elbow and shoulder.

              Chokes generally fall into two broad categories. Air chokes apply pressure to the windpipe, while blood chokes (also known as strangles) restrict blood flow through the major arteries of the neck.

              Initially, finishing holds are taught primarily as part of escaping grabs and holds, or as a natural continuation of a successful takedown. The aim is not to voluntarily enter prolonged entanglements on the ground, but to understand how these techniques can be applied effectively and safely when appropriate.

              Defence and Control

              Perhaps the least obvious, but arguably the most important, category of techniques involves defence and control.

              These include blocking, parrying, redirection, positioning, controlling an opponent’s limbs, creating angles and managing distance.

              Rather than simply stopping an attack, these techniques are designed to place you in a more advantageous position from which you can safely disengage or apply strikes, throws or finishing holds.

              As your experience grows, you will begin to appreciate that good self-defence is often determined not by the final technique, but by the quality of the positioning and control that precedes it.

              Putting It All Together

              Although these categories are described separately, they are not intended to be used in isolation.

              A strike may create the opportunity for a throw. A throw may naturally lead to a finishing hold. A defensive movement may become a counter-strike or an escape.

              One of Kempo’s defining characteristics is the way these different elements are combined into a single, adaptable system. As your understanding develops, you will learn to move naturally between striking, throwing, controlling and finishing techniques, selecting the most appropriate response according to the situation rather than relying on a fixed sequence of movements.

              Ultimately, the goal is not simply to learn a collection of techniques, but to develop the judgement, adaptability and technical understanding needed to apply them effectively in practical self-defence.

            3. Tapping: Training Safely Together

              Many Kempo techniques involve joint locks, chokes and strangles that, if applied fully, can cause pain, unconsciousness or injury.

              To allow these techniques to be practised safely, martial artists use a simple and universally recognised signal known as a tap.

              Tapping tells your training partner that the technique has been applied correctly and is now effective. It is not a sign of failure or defeat. Rather, it is an essential part of safe and productive training.

              When Should You Tap?

              Tap as soon as you recognise that a technique has been correctly applied and, if sparring, cannot be escaped safely.

              During pressure or sparring drills, you should make every reasonable effort to escape a finishing hold. However, you must also learn to recognise the point at which the technique has become effective and further resistance is likely to result in injury. At that point, you should tap immediately.

              Do not wait until you are in significant pain or until an injury is about to occur. The purpose of tapping is to prevent injury, not to signal that one has already happened.

              How Should You Tap?

              The standard signal is two quick taps.

              Whenever possible, tap clearly on your partner’s body so they can feel it immediately.

              If this is not possible, tap firmly on the mat or floor. If your hands are unable to move, tap with your foot or leg. If no physical tap is possible, simply say “Tap!” loudly and clearly.

              Your training partner should acknowledge the tap immediately.

              Applying Techniques Safely

              If you are applying a joint lock, choke or strangle:

              • Apply the technique gradually and with control.
              • Give your partner sufficient time to recognise the technique and tap.
              • Release the hold immediately when they tap.
              • Never continue applying pressure after a tap has been given.

              Good control is one of the hallmarks of a skilled martial artist.

              Training Together

              The purpose of technical training is to develop skill—not to defeat your training partner.

              When drilling techniques, allow your partner to perform the movement correctly. Do not fully resist their attempts to apply a throw, lock or finishing hold unless the instructor has specifically asked you to do so. Appropriate cooperation allows both partners to develop good technique before increasing the level of resistance.

              During pressure or sparring drills, greater resistance is both appropriate and expected. Even then, safety must always come first. Apply techniques with control, tap promptly when caught, and release immediately when your partner taps.

              Every time you practise a finishing technique, you place your safety in your partner’s hands, just as they place theirs in yours. This mutual trust allows everyone to train realistically while remaining safe, ensuring that all members can continue to learn, improve and enjoy their training.

            4. Making a Safe Fist

              Learning to make a proper fist is one of the first practical skills every martial artist should master.

              A well-formed fist allows force to be transferred safely and efficiently into a target while reducing the risk of injury to your own hand. Although it may seem like a simple action, poor fist formation is a common cause of bruised knuckles, sprained thumbs and wrist injuries.

              Forming the Fist

              To make a proper fist:

              1. Curl your fingers tightly into the palm, beginning with the little finger and finishing with the index finger.
              2. Place the thumb firmly across the outside of the first two fingers. Never tuck the thumb inside the fist, where it can easily be injured.
              3. Close the fist firmly, but avoid excessive tension in the forearm until the moment of impact.

              The Striking Surface

              For most straight punches, contact should be made with the first two knuckles—the knuckles of the index and middle fingers.

              These knuckles are best supported by the bones of the forearm, allowing force to be transmitted efficiently while reducing the likelihood of injury. Correct alignment is far more important than striking with maximum force.

              Wrist Alignment

              Perhaps the most important point is to keep the wrist straight.

              At the moment of impact, the back of the hand should form a straight line with the forearm. A bent wrist is weak and greatly increases the risk of injury.

              For this reason, beginners should always concentrate on good alignment before attempting to punch with power.

              Stay Relaxed

              One of the most common mistakes beginners make is clenching the fist too early.

              Keep your hands relaxed while moving and close the fist only as the strike is delivered. This allows your movements to remain fast, fluid and efficient while ensuring the fist is strong at the moment it is needed.

              Small Details Matter

              Get into the habit of making a proper fist whenever you practise striking techniques. Over time, it will become completely natural.

              Like many aspects of Kempo, good technique begins with attention to small details. A correctly formed fist is safer, stronger and more effective, providing the foundation for every striking technique you will learn.

            5. Bowing and the Traditional Salute

              Bowing is one of the oldest and most recognisable traditions in the martial arts.

              To those unfamiliar with martial arts, bowing can sometimes appear mysterious or overly formal. In reality, it is simply a gesture of courtesy and mutual respect. It reminds us that, although we train in techniques that can be dangerous if misused, we do so in an atmosphere of trust, cooperation and self-control.

              At London Kempo, bowing is an important part of our training culture. It reflects not only respect for the traditions of the art, but also appreciation for the instructors and training partners who make our development possible.

              When Do We Bow?

              At London Kempo, members bow:

              • At the beginning and end of every training session.
              • Before and after training with a partner.
              • On other formal occasions when directed by an instructor.

              These bows acknowledge our shared commitment to train safely, learn together and help one another improve.

              The Traditional Salute

              Unlike many Japanese martial arts, which typically use a simple standing bow, London Kempo follows the traditional Chinese martial arts custom of the covered fist salute, known in Chinese as Bàoquán Lǐ (抱拳礼), meaning the “fist-covering salute.” This traditional greeting has been used in Chinese martial arts for centuries as a respectful way of greeting fellow practitioners.

              To perform the salute:

              • Stand upright with your feet together.
              • Make a fist with your right hand.
              • Cover the fist with your open left palm.
              • Hold the hands comfortably in front of the chest.
              • Keeping your back straight, make a small bow by bending from the waist.
              • Return smoothly to an upright position.

              The salute should be calm, natural and respectful, without exaggeration.

              The Meaning of the Salute

              The covered fist salute carries a simple but powerful symbolism.

              The right fist represents martial skill and strength.

              The open left palm represents courtesy, humility and self-control.

              By covering the fist with the open palm, the salute reminds us that martial ability should always be guided by respect, good character and peaceful intentions. Strength exists, but it remains under control. This symbolism has long been associated with traditional Chinese martial arts.

              More Than Tradition

              Although bowing is rooted in tradition, it also serves an important practical purpose.

              Every time you bow to a training partner, you acknowledge that they are placing their trust in you, just as you are placing your trust in them. Together, you agree to train safely, honestly and with mutual respect.

              In this sense, the salute is far more than a ritual. It is a reminder of the attitude that allows everyone in the dojo to learn, improve and enjoy their training.

            6. How to Tie Your Belt

              Learning to tie your belt neatly is one of the first practical skills every beginner should master.

              The belt serves a practical purpose by helping to keep the jacket securely closed during training. It is also a visible symbol of your progress, reflecting your experience and commitment to the art. Taking a few moments to tie your belt carefully demonstrates respect for yourself, your instructors, your fellow students and the traditions of Kempo.

              There are several accepted ways of tying a martial arts belt. At London Kempo we recommend the method shown below, as it produces a secure, comfortable knot that lies flat and is less likely to work loose during training.

              A Good Belt Knot

              When tied correctly:

              • The knot should sit neatly in the centre of your body.
              • Both ends of the belt should be approximately the same length.
              • The belt should be snug enough to keep the jacket closed, but not so tight that it restricts breathing or movement.

              One advantage of the method shown is that the two free ends are tucked between the layers of the belt before the final tightening. This helps produce a tidy, symmetrical knot that remains secure throughout training.

              A Few Tips

              • Take a moment before every class to check that your belt is tied neatly.
              • If your belt comes undone during training, retie it promptly when instructed by your instructor.
              • Avoid twisting the belt around your waist—the layers should lie flat all the way around.
              • Over time your belt will soften and become easier to tie.

              More Than Just a Belt

              Every martial artist begins with a White Belt.

              Whether you have been training for one week or twenty years, taking pride in wearing your uniform correctly reflects the care and attention you bring to your training more generally. Small details matter, and learning to tie your belt well is one of the first steps in developing good martial arts habits.