What is Kenpo?
Kenpo for short, it is a modern mix of a number of ancient arts. It contains elements of Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Shiatsu, including self-defence, internal balance and healing skills. Kenpo is regarded as a “soft” martial art – which means that is doesn't require lots of physical strength or involve regular abrupt physical movements.
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Is this a self defence class?
Yes and no. What you'll learn is no substitute for keeping yourself out of harms way but will teach you practical self defence skills.
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How fit do I need to be? And will it help make me fit?
Normal everday fitness is enough (i.e. if you can make it from the car park, up the stairs, and into the dojo or training hall), and yes, Kempo it will help you improve your personal fitness and health – most people also find that it does a lot to reduce stress and improve their self-awareness. If you have any ongoing illness or injury, this shouldn't be a problem, but please tell your instructor at the beginning of your first session.
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Who is the instructor?
The head instructor (Sensei) is Master Linekin. You will also be working with other instrcutors in the school depending on the day, time, and class.
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What should I wear?
If you have any kind of martial arts suit or “Gi” that's great – please wear it, but with a white belt please unless you've graded at another school. For everybody else, a comfortable track suit or similar clothing is fine. Most ladies prefer for their own comfort to wear a sports bra.
Normal footwear in the training room is bare feet. If there's a good reason why you can't go without footwear, then clean martial arts “mat shoes” or plimsoles are fine – but not shoes that have been worn outdoors.
Finally – ABSOLUTELY NO JEWELLERY. This is for everybody's protection, Kempo involves movement and contact and any jewellery can cause injury, most likely to the wearer.
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Does age matter?
No, we have students randing from age 4 to age 82.
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Will I get hurt?
We do everything reasonably possible to avoid anybody getting hurt or injured at our dojo. But, being honest the occasional bruise is probably inevitable, and some risk of injury is unavoidable if our training is worth anything.
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Do you mind me training in another martial art as well?
On the contrary, it can only help – and if you learn anything good, please bring it back and show us.
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But my instructor says that I shouldn't learn another martial art as well as his?
Ask yourself, why are they worried about this?
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I am disabled, does this matter?
The short answer is that I don't know. Clearly some disabilities are likely to preclude this sort of martial arts training – but please phone or come and have a chat. If it's reasonably possible, then yes we'd love to have you in the club.
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