Category: Club Documents

One of the most rewarding aspects of martial arts training is seeing your progress over time. The coloured belt system provides a simple way of recognising that development and celebrating important milestones in your journey.

At London Kempo, our aim is to ensure that promotions are both fair and meaningful, while maintaining the high technical standards for which the club is known.

Coloured Belts

All new members begin by wearing a White Belt.

There are three student grades:

• Yellow Belt – Novice Student
• Green Belt – Intermediate Student
• Brown Belt – Advanced Student

Beyond Brown Belt, students may be considered for promotion to Black Belt, recognising a high level of technical competence together with a deep understanding of Kempo’s principles.

A student of average ability who trains twice each week, attends the appropriate classes for their grade, and practises consistently can typically expect to spend around three to six months at White Belt, followed by approximately two years at each of the coloured belt grades. However, everyone progresses at their own pace, and promotions are based on demonstrated development rather than time served.

Our Approach to Promotion

Progress in Kempo is about much more than learning a list of techniques.

While students are expected to learn the syllabus for each grade, instructors also assess the qualities that make techniques effective in practice. These include posture, balance, movement, distancing, timing, control, awareness, decision-making, and the ability to adapt techniques to different situations and opponents.

The purpose of a belt is not to show how good you are—it is simply to indicate where you are on your learning journey.

Tabs (Belt Stripes)

Progress through the coloured belt grades is recognised by the award of tabs (belt stripes).

Tabs are awarded through continuous assessment during regular training sessions. Rather than preparing for a single examination, students are encouraged to focus on consistent attendance, thoughtful practice and gradual improvement. This allows instructors to observe technical development over time and helps students build a deeper understanding of the art.

Students may be awarded up to three tabs on each coloured belt before being invited to their next grading.

There is no substitute for time spent in the dojo. Students who train regularly and consistently generally make the fastest progress.

Nobody Is Overlooked

Instructors regularly review every student’s progress, considering both their technical development and their attendance.

You do not need to ask to be promoted or remind instructors that you are ready. Every member is reviewed, and no student will be overlooked.

Rather than focusing on your next belt, focus on becoming a better martial artist. Promotions will follow naturally.

Gradings

Once a student has been awarded three tabs, they will normally be invited to attend the next grading.

Gradings are usually held twice each year, with one grading in the Summer and one in the Winter.

A grading typically includes:

• Demonstration of syllabus techniques
• Practical application of techniques
• Pressure drills
• An assessment of overall technical ability and understanding

Following a successful grading, the new belt is presented at the grading event.

Promotion to Black Belt is considerably more demanding and requires consistently high technical ability together with a deep conceptual understanding of Kempo.

Grading Fees

London Kempo does not charge for:

• Belt promotions
• Grading certificates
• Belts

We believe that promotions should recognise achievement, not provide a source of income for the club.

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A Final Thought

Belts are an important part of martial arts, but they are not the goal of training.

True progress is measured by the quality of your technique, your understanding of the art, your attitude towards others, and your commitment to continual improvement.

Train consistently, enjoy the journey, and let the belts take care of themselves.

Our Approach

The aim of every London Kempo training session is to provide a safe, enjoyable and supportive environment in which everyone can develop their martial arts skills.

We all play a part in creating that environment. The guidance below reflects the traditions of martial arts together with the practical measures needed to ensure training remains safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone.

Most of these expectations are simply common courtesy and good dojo etiquette. By becoming a member of London Kempo, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

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Essential Safety Rules

Before Training

• Please do not attend training if you have a fever, cold or flu symptoms, or any other infectious illness.
• Do not enter the dojo unless an instructor is present.
• Remove shoes and socks before entering the dojo. Footwear should always be worn outside the dojo.
• Please remove all jewellery (including watches, earrings, necklaces and bracelets) before training.
• Maintain good personal hygiene, including clean hands and feet and short, clean fingernails and toenails.
• Long hair should be tied back securely.
• Please tell an instructor before training if you have an injury, medical condition or any other issue that may affect your participation.
• Any cuts, abrasions or blisters should be cleaned, covered with a secure dressing and protected before training.
• For your own safety, and that of others, do not attend training under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that may impair judgement or coordination.
• Eating, drinking and chewing gum are not permitted in the dojo. Please bring a water bottle and leave it outside the training area. Water breaks will be provided during the session.

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During Training

• Please arrive at least five minutes before the start of class so that you are changed and ready to begin on time.
• If you arrive late, wait at the edge of the mat until invited to join the class.
• If you need to leave early, please let an instructor know before the class begins.
• Give your full attention when techniques are being explained. Careful listening helps everyone learn and, most importantly, keeps training safe.
• Always follow the instructor’s guidance during training.
• If you are injured during training, notify an instructor immediately.
• Any blood or body fluid spillages must be reported immediately so that the affected area can be cleaned and disinfected.
• Please let an instructor know before leaving the dojo.
• Unless instructed otherwise, remain standing while in the dojo.

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Uniform

• Members should wear the London Kempo uniform together with the appropriate belt.
• Please keep your uniform clean and in good condition.
• A plain dark, round-neck base layer should be worn beneath the jacket.
• Additional patches or markings should not be added to the uniform or belt.
• Please take all uniforms and equipment home after training.

If you need to purchase a uniform or replacement equipment, please speak to one of the instructors.

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Dojo Etiquette

Martial arts have long traditions that help create an atmosphere of mutual respect and focused learning.

• Be courteous towards instructors, fellow students, visitors and spectators.
• Bowing is a traditional sign of mutual respect. It is customary to bow when entering and leaving the dojo, at the beginning and end of each class, and before and after training with a partner.
• During class, give your full attention to the lesson being taught. Questions are always welcome, but there is usually an appropriate time to ask them so that the class can continue to flow.
• Unless instructed otherwise, please practise only the techniques being taught during the session. This helps ensure everyone develops together and maintains a safe training environment.
• Promotions are awarded when instructors believe a student is ready. Rather than asking when your next grading will be, focus on enjoying your training and continually improving your technique.
• Instructors will often invite students to train with them during a session. Outside those occasions, please allow instructors to supervise the class and support the learning of all members.

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Training Attitude

One of the greatest strengths of martial arts is that we learn together.

Every member contributes to the development of every other member. Good training partners are one of the club’s greatest assets. Treat your partners with care, patience and respect, and remember that your own progress depends upon theirs.

• Show respect and encouragement to every member, regardless of age, experience or grade.
• Always take responsibility for your training partner’s safety.
• Help create a welcoming environment, particularly for new members.
• During technical practice, drills and sparring, maintain control at all times. Contact to the head and other vulnerable targets is not permitted unless specifically authorised as part of a supervised exercise.
• When applying locks, chokes or strangles, always do so gradually and with control. Release immediately when your partner taps. If you are receiving a technique, tap early and clearly. If you cannot tap your partner directly, tap the mat or clearly say “Tap.”
• While helping fellow students is encouraged, please avoid instructing others unless an instructor has asked you to do so. When sharing knowledge, do so with humility, patience and respect.
• Seek opportunities to train with students of all grades. More experienced students have much to share, while helping less experienced students is an important part of your own development.
• When training with someone of similar experience, it can be tempting for drills to become a contest. Focus instead on developing good technique and helping each other improve.
• Sparring and pressure drills are opportunities to learn, not to prove yourself. Be humble when things go well and gracious when they do not.
• Progress in martial arts comes through consistent practice over time. Improvement is rarely linear, so be patient with yourself, enjoy the process and trust that steady effort will be rewarded.

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A Final Thought

London Kempo is more than a place to learn techniques. It is a community built on mutual respect, continuous learning and shared responsibility.

Every member—beginner or black belt—helps shape the culture of the dojo through their attitude, effort and consideration for others.

Train with humility.

Look after your training partners.

Strive to improve.

Enjoy the journey.