SOTAI KEMPO
martial arts Academy
what is sotai kempo
Sotai Kempo is more than a martial art, it’s a lifestyle.
It offers a complete approach to martial arts, combining: Self-defense, Fitness, Personal development
and Spiritual growth.
This is true BUDO in action -
training that benefits your body, mind, and character.
Sotai Kempo is an all-round, complete martial art.
It’s an effective and efficient self-defense system,
balancing Goho & Juho.
Goho is striking... punches, kicks & most important blocks
Juho is defenses against when grabbed.
Kempo uses numerous vital nerve points in both
Goho & Juho rather than strength to effect desired results.
The techniques are practical, adaptable, and designed to work for you in real situations.
Learn more about the other benefits of Sotai Kempo HERE
1
Starting out
Everyone begins their journey with the FREE 2 week Try Out Course.
No uniform is required for the
Try Out Course.
When you decide to Join you will recieve a free uniform (Dogi)
Followed by the
Advanced Introduction Course
to your second grading.
Your first classes are fun, engaging, and designed for beginners, giving you a solid foundation in stances, stepping, blocking, punching, and kicking.
You can start your journey anytime. Refer to our Schedule for weekly times.
2
Theory
The Sotai Kempo syllabus includes over 588 techniques, covering both striking and grappling,
along with the study of
Kyusho Jutsu
- the use of vital nerve points.
Together, these elements form a highly practical and well-rounded martial art.
Goho (Hard system of striking) focuses on a balanced use of
punches, kicks, and
effective blocks
that are practical and reliable.
With consistent training,
students quickly develop
strong defensive awareness and control of their opponent.
Juho (Soft system of Grappling) includes
escapes and releases, joint locks, throws, pins, chokes, restraint techniques, and even traditional tying up methods using the belt.
Equally important is the study of strategy and its application, teaching Kenshi how to adapt techniques to real situations rather than relying on fixed responses.
3
Progress Overview
With such a wide range of
techniques,
Sotai Kempo follows a structured, progressive training method.
Kenshi learn techniques in the specific order of the syllabus through each grade,
ensuring strong foundations before moving forward.
Goho (Striking) techniques are first learned in single form
to develop correct form,
then after the second grading,
are practiced with a partner
when
Speed, Timing, Distance, and Awareness are introduced with training focused on cooperation not competition.
Juho (Grappling) techniques are learned with a partner from end of
Orange Belt,
following the same principle:
Learn the form
Do it slow
Make it flow
Gradually speed up to develop control and understanding,
then increase complexity and resistance over time.
Following this method allows students of all ages and abilities to develop high-level, practical skills safely and confidently.
4
Results
Once students have mastered a sufficient number of techniques, they progress to Sparring.
Sparring Training begins with Gentai Randori (limited sparring), where attacks are controlled based on the defender’s skill level, including:
-
Number of attacks
-
Target areas
-
Type of attack
-
Timing and distance
As competence grows,
attacks become progressively
more complex, eventually leading to Randori (full sparring).
This step-by-step approach allows students to develop practical defensive skills and confidence, gradually handling realistic,
high-speed attacks without being thrown into uncontrolled brawling.
5
Discipline
Achieving real results requires an increasing degree of discipline.
Along the way, you’ll discover
the deep reserve of inner strength within yourself,
helping you reach goals you may never have thought possible.
6
Never give up
The most important quality for success is a total commitment to "never giving up".
With perseverance and determination, you can
push through obstacles,
grow stronger, and
achieve your dreams
both in training and in life.