Kenpo or Kempo (拳法)?
Where do you train?
Public Classes: The Old School Hall, 37 Green End Road Sawtry, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 5UX
Private Classes: Shunryukan Honbu
Can I watch your classes?
Yes, we have an open door policy and anybody is welcome to watch our classes.
I am a beginner with no experience, when can I start?
You can start at any time. The lessons will be structured to your needs and capabilities.
Can people with previous experience in martial arts join?
Yes, we welcome martial artists from any discipline at any time. Many of the techniques within Shunryu Kenpo may seem familiar to experienced martial artist.
What do I wear?
First session wear something loose and comfortable like a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms.
We have an official uniform of White GI Top and Black Training Pants. [GI = Uniform] Training is done in bare feet.
Please understand that for your own safety you will not be allowed to wear any jewellery. If it cannot be removed it must be covered with tape.
Do I have to be fit?
No. Provided there are no obvious medical reasons why you should not train, fitness should be no barrier to starting at the Academy. As you progress in your training your fitness level, your suppleness and flexibility will improve.
Does it matter how old I am?
No. Provided there are no obvious medical reasons why you should not train, age should be no barrier to starting training. The only restriction we place on age is that students must be a minimum of 16 years of age to train in the adult ONLY sessions due to the nature of the techniques taught. However our minimum starting age is 7 years*.
*As children mature at different rates we also consider kids that are aged 6 but are 7 in the year of joining the Academy.
Is Shunryu Kenpo suitable for women?
Yes, Shunryu is an ideal martial art for women. Techniques are designed to be both pro-active and reactive, accepting the opponent’s attack and intercepting their attack. The vast majority of the syllabus is geared towards building on instinctive programming which means that there are techniques that suit people of all strength, shapes and sizes. Students are partnered up irregardless of sex or size so that they get used to training with and against a wide range of people.
What are the benefits of studying at the Academy?
There are many including promoting good health, increasing fitness, building confidence and providing an enjoyable way to learn something positive whilst making new friends. Martial arts are a very personal experience and everyone has their own reasons for starting martial arts (which may change over time) as well as their own goals.
Do you teach in Japanese?
No, everything is taught in English. However Japanese Terms, Commands and Techniques are often taught along side for historical interest.
Do you have a Dojo Code that I have to Follow?
Yes, we only ask that our students adhere to the ethics taught within our Dojo Code:
Dojo Kun
Strive for perfection of Character
Strive for mental and physical mastery
Always be Tolerant
Always have a controlled mind
Above all, Tolerance-Humility-Harmony-Peace
What is Kyosei and how are you applying it to what you teach?
A concise definition of this word would be "Living and working together for the common good," However based on Canon’s expanded definition we can apply the concept of Kyosei as "All people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future."
What is the difference between self protection and self defence?
We define self protection as 'street safe techniques' compared to martial arts self defence techniques which are traditional in their application.
Self protection is taught under the guise of 'Instinctive Kenpo' [IKM] which is a Conceptual 'Reality Based System' that contributes to 20% of the Shunryu Kenpo Syllabus.
Do you have a Child Protection Policy?
Yes, we have two documents; A Child Protection Code of Conduct and a Child Protection Policy and Procedures document. These are available on request from the Senior Instructor of the club(s)*.
* available in PDF format and sent via email on request - these documents are not published on this website.
Do you Spar [Fight] ?
You are not required to Spar in Shunryu Kenpo because the system relies on cooperative and uncooperative partnered work. Shunryu Kenpo does not actively teach sparring for competition fighting however part of our grading process is based on ‘Live Fighting’ which to define is basically a form of ‘No Rules Reality Based Sparring’ that includes all ranges of combat. Adult grades are expected and coached to be able to pressure test their skills and thus tailor their own Kenpo to suit their own ability.
Gloves & Safety Equipment are used to minimize damage to one another!! Total respect for your opponent is propagated and strict safety guidelines are adhered to.
The Art of Shunryu Kenpo isn’t a brutal blood sport or competition system.
Do you hit each other?
During Partnered Practice as a rule of thumb 'full power' is never used out of respect for our fellow Kenpoka so 70% power is used once; followed by 50% continued drilling of techniques. Full Power is reserved for Focus Mitts, Kicking Shields and Punch Bags.
Children train using minimal power at all times until they have learned proper control in their limbs.
Do you have exams?
Yes we do. They are not mandatory; all students are able to progress at their own pace. Examination is by invitation only based on whether both the student and the instructor feel they are ready to grade. There are gradings every 3 months.
What are the grades?
Shunryu Kenpo uses a curriculum based on Coloured Belts and corresponding tab grades originally devised in the early 1980's. You may also be interested to read that our highest rank is 5th Dan/Degree this too reflects our original Ranking system prior to 2000. We are fairly unique in this way as the foremost ethic of the Academy isn't the polishing of the Self Ego. Moreover it is considered improper to in anyway be boastful of gained rank within Shunryu Kenpo.
[Please Note that the use of Master and Grandmaster are the equivalent English words used to describe the levels in which these belts are awarded. They're not used for Titles per se.]
- Single and Double Stick about 21”-30” long.
- Kenpo Knife/Dagger [Dummy Blades are used in practice]
- Kempo Short Stick based on a temple drum stick of about 15”-18" in length. This weapon can be tailored to suit the outside length of your arm - measured from the tip of the index finger to the elbow.
Do you use Pads?
Yes, we utilise Focus Mitts, Kick Shields, Thai Pads in every session
Do I need to wear protection?
Yes, a groin guard is recommend to both male and female adult students.
How do you encourage children to train and continue training?
As well as a belt ranking system we also have a Star Award Scheme for those students that improve, show great promise or just simply overcome barriers.
One star is awarded for each level of achievement to a max. five. On reaching five stars the student is then awarded a ‘Special’ yellow/white rank stripe to their current belt.
How much does it cost to join?
Membership: £20 per student**
Initial Membership FEE includes first insurance, registration, One style patch*** and access to our ‘Digital Syllabus’ (Members only Section of this site).
*membership renewal is based on (PA) paid in January of each year [Renewal is currently £20]
** or £15 for concessions [Further Education, Higher Education, welfare benefit recipients & Families consisting of Two or More 'Seniors' - Over 18's]
*** Presented at the time of ordering a GI [Uniform]
Do a need a uniform? If so how much does it cost?
Yes, a GI [Training Uniform] - these are guide-priced at £15 for Children's Sizes and £20 for Adult Sizes [Max. size 6]. A uniform is not essential at the beginning of your training however it is required before a student is allowed to grade [Min. 3 Months].
Uniform Size Chart
Uniforms can be ordered through us by filling in a Order Form* and returning it to the club instructor along with your payment.
* available from the club instructor
NB: Flag Patches are used to indicate the place of practice - the Academy promotes the use of the English and UK Flags. Clubs based in Wales, Scotland or Ireland would display their country flags. We are a non-political organisation.
There are various kinds of extras that can be purchased and are completely optional as the Academy is self funding so we strive to supply training equipment where possible.
An optional equipment list is available on request.
£4 Public Classes*†
† Family Discount of four people - £14 per session
Can I buy anything to help my training?
There are various kinds of extras that can be purchased and are completely optional as the Academy is self funding so we strive to supply training equipment where possible.
An optional equipment list is available on request.
How much does it cost to train?
£4 Public Classes*†
† Family Discount of four people - £14 per session
FREE for private classes - Invitation ONLY.
*That's £4 if you train for 1hr or 2hr's
Can I buy one of your superb patches?
Yes, we have two patches available:- Shunryu Kenpo Karate Academy UK Patch priced at £4.00 each worn on the left shoulder of the GI.
- An Extra Shunryu Kenpo Style Patch priced at £4.00 each worn on the left breast of the GI.
We also have a special ‘Kai’ (lit. Group) Patch that is awarded for outstanding commitment to the art of Shunryu Kenpo - and thusly the awardee is considered to be part of the ‘Original’ Group - ‘Shunryu Kenpo-Kai’. This too is worn on the right shoulder.
How much does it cost to grade?
Gradings are scheduled for every three months however the student may not be ready to test so in most cases the individual won’t be invited to grade. At lower ranks skilled students maybe invited to double grade.
- Yellow Tab and above - £10
- Black Belt [Shodan-ho] and above - £50
Do I receive a Certificate and a Belt?
Yes, the cost of these is included in your grading fee.
How do I join?
Individuals
Please ask your club instructor for a membership form or download and print it from the bottom of this page!.
Juniors = Under 18's.
Seniors = 18 and over.