What is Kempo?

Kempo means “Fist Method” — a martial art with deep roots in Chinese, Japanese, and Okinawan traditions.

​What makes Kempo unique?
  • We prioritise self-defence over competition: training for real-life confidence, personal safety and self-improvement.
  • Unarmed but powerful: using the body’s natural weapons to strike with speed and precision.
  • Fluid and adaptable: blending strikes, throws, joint locks, and finishing techniques into smooth combinations.
  • Close-range skills: elbows, knees, and in-fighting tactics that work when space is tight.
  • Hard and soft together: sometimes meeting force head-on, sometimes redirecting it — always choosing the right response

​Kempo today is much more than a fighting art. It’s an energising way to stay fit, sharpen your mind, and build resilience at any age. Many of our students find that after just a few sessions, Kempo becomes a highlight of their week and a practice they carry with them for life.

What does training involve?

At London Kempo, we believe you should understand the purpose of what you’re learning from day one.

​Depending on level, our classes may include:
  • Conditioning drills specific to martial arts development (no gym-style workouts)
  • Technical basics drilled for efficiency — best effect with least effort
  • Combinations (attack and defence sequences) trained with partners
  • Self-defence pressure drills to build awareness, reactions, and composure
  • Sparring to develop timing, distance, balance, and resilience
 

Belts and progression

We use a visible ranking system to recognise student progress and skills.
  • White Belt: Beginners
  • Yellow Belt: Novice student
  • Green Belt: Intermediate student
  • Brown Belt: Advanced student
  • Black Belt: Technical mastery and deep understanding of Kempo

​Students are continuously assessed and awarded belts when they meet the required standard.  We never charge for promotions or certificates.

A Black Belt is just a White Belt who didn't quit!
With regular training and determination, anyone can get there — and most Black Belts go on to become fully qualified instructors.

Schedule

Our training runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a superb fully equipped dojo in Harrow on the Hill.
19:00–20:00 20:00–21:00
Kempo Foundations Intermediate Kempo
Kempo Foundations Intermediate Kempo


​The Kempo Foundations class focuses on developing your basic self-defence toolkit.
You’ll learn:
  • Safe falling and recovery techniques
  • Positioning and footwork for self-defence
  • Striking techniques including open-hand strikes and kicks
  • Escapes from grabs, chokes, and holds
  • Basic throws, joint locks, and choke holds.

​Once you have been awarded Yellow Belt you can attend Intermediate Kempo, which develops:
  • More complex combinations and in-fighting tactics
  • Defence against common weapons
  • Advanced self-defence pressure drills
  • Sparring with greater intensity.

Where we train

Training takes place at:  Harrow School Dojo, Chapel Terrace, Harrow on the Hill.

​Our facility has IJF-regulation matting, safety wall padding, and a full range of equipment.

Address:  Harrow School Dojo, ​Chapel Terrace, Harrow on the Hill.

Club fees

  • We are a non-profit community club — fees are set to cover running costs.  
  • No hidden costs: we never charge for grading or certificates

Try before you join

  • ​The best way to experience Kempo is to try it.
  • We offer a free one-week trial for anyone interested — no equipment required, no pressure to commit.
London Kempo 2026