British Kempo Society

The British Kempo Society (BKS) is an association of martial arts clubs, mostly based in the United Kingdom. The society was founded by three instructors: Renshi Ben Ledwick, Sensei Paul King, and Sensei Warren Palmer who were seeking mutual support as "stand alone" martial arts clubs. None of the clubs practice competition martial arts, concentrating upon self defence and self-improvement aspects.

The style of martial arts practiced within BKS clubs is varied (and generally quite non-traditional), but in general is derived from Jiu Jitsu, combined with the application of the non-chemical aspects of Traditional Chinese medicine (often called Kyusho Jitsu or Dim Mak), striking techniques from martial arts such as Karate and modern anatomical knowledge to martial arts practice. The society provides international cross-recognition of each other's grades, whilst providing mutual support for club instructors and students - it does not however set any common syllabus or grading structure.

Current BKS clubs are in Andover, Hampshire, Bedford, Peterborough, Marlow, Buckinghamshire,Edinburgh and Calgary, Alberta Canada.

There are other martial arts using the term "Kempo", such as Shaolin Kempo Karate, and Shorinji Kempo - the BKS is not technically related to any of these other organisations, although there is inevitably much crossover in techniques, methods and attitudes. The use of the term Kempo (or Kenpo) is often disputed, although most usually refers to martial arts which include a substantial striking element.

Links to BKS club websites:

[952] (Bedford Inner Circle Academy of Martial Arts)

[953](Monxton Kempo)

[954] (Peterborough. Goshin Ryu Kempo Jujitsu)