# City Kempo: London's Premier Shorinji Kempo Training

City Kempo offers authentic Shorinji Kempo classes in Clerkenwell, teaching a traditional Japanese martial art that balances practical self-defence with physical conditioning and mental development. Based at Finsbury Leisure Centre, they welcome adults aged 18 and above, regardless of fitness level or martial arts experience.

What sets City Kempo apart is their holistic approach to training. Rather than focusing solely on combat techniques, they integrate mindful meditation and philosophy into every session, cultivating both physical strength and mental resilience. Their curriculum covers practical defensive applications—blocking, striking, joint locks, throws and releases—designed to work effectively against larger, stronger attackers through leverage and pressure point application. This makes their teaching accessible to all body types and abilities.

The classes deliver genuine fitness benefits through circuits and padwork, offering an outlet for stress relief whilst building fighting fitness. However, their philosophy emphasises mutual respect and cooperation over competition, creating a genuinely welcoming community environment where students support one another's development.

Classes run twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6–8pm), with convenient transport links via Old Street or Barbican tube stations. The leisure centre facilities include changing rooms with showers, adding practicality for London's working professionals. City Kempo removes barriers to entry with free trial classes, allowing prospective students to experience their approach risk-free before committing.