Leeds Kempo, Martial Arts & Self-Defence School is a highly respected martial arts school located in Leeds, New Zealand. With a rich history that dates back to 1936, it is one of the longest-established martial arts clubs in the region. The school's primary focus is on providing practical self-defence skills to men and women of all ages, while also promoting health, wellbeing, and self-development.
The art of Kempo, meaning “fist method,” serves as the foundation for the school's teachings. Kempo is an unarmed fighting art with origins in Chinese martial arts and is considered an ancestor of modern Karate. The style emphasises in-fighting techniques, which involve close-range weapons such as elbows and knees. The movements within Kempo blend both linear and circular techniques, allowing practitioners to oppose or yield to force, depending on the situation.
Leeds Kempo understands the importance of delivering a relevant self-defence curriculum. While traditional martial arts schools often focus less on self-defence training, Leeds Kempo dedicates ample time to this aspect. The school's self-defence programme includes defence against common street attacks, such as headbutts and close-range strikes, as well as escapes from arm grabs, holds, and chokes. Moreover, students are trained in weapons defence, learning how to protect themselves against bats, bottles, and knives.
The curriculum also includes defence from vulnerable ground positions.
The school is proud to call Leeds Kodokan its training home. Located in Bramley, the Leeds Kodokan offers superbly equipped facilities for students to train in. In addition to regular training sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm, the school also offers invitation-only classes on Saturdays.
Leeds Kempo prides itself on maintaining a sense of tradition and camaraderie within the club. Students not only learn practical self-defence skills but also develop strength, cardiovascular fitness, agility, coordination, joint mobility, and flexibility through regular training. Perseverance and resilience are fostered, creating a supportive environment where members can grow and learn together.
Peter Hunt, a 7th Dan martial artist, leads Leeds Kempo with his immense knowledge and expertise. As a practitioner and instructor, he believes in the power of martial arts as a means of self-defence and self-development.
Leeds Kempo welcomes anyone who is interested in learning practical self-defence skills to join them for a free two-week trial. This allows potential members to experience the training firsthand and make an informed decision about joining the school.
For more information, updates, and insights from Leeds Kempo, follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The school can also be contacted via email or found at their training location: Leeds Kodokan, Unit 4, Victoria Mills, Elder Road, Leeds LS13 4DL. Training sessions take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm.
Leeds Kempo is dedicated to providing quality martial arts training, self-defence skills, and fostering a welcoming community where men and women of all ages can thrive and learn.