Shorinji Kempo: Pioneering Women’s Self-Defence Martial Art in the UK

The first all-women-founded Shorinji Kempo club

We know the stats—women are underrepresented in sport, from beginners to black belts. According to Sport England:

There are over 300,000 fewer women than men regularly taking part in physical activity. Men outnumber women in almost every age group when it comes to sport. And 4 in 10 women aren’t active enough to fully benefit from movement.

Martial arts, especially, can feel unwelcoming. So we decided to change that.

Camden Shorinji Kempo was founded by women determined to rewrite the narrative. Rooted in the empowering principles of Shorinji Kempo, we built a space where gender doesn’t limit growth—and where women lead from the front.

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Try a class. Find your place. Join the movement.

We’re still growing, and the dojo is open.

Women Leading the Way in Shorinji Kempo

Across the British Shorinji Kempo Federation (BSKF), women are not just training—they’re shaping the future of the art. Sensei Yasue, a 6th dan instructor and member of the BSKF’s Senior Instructor Group, stands as a beacon of technical excellence and inclusive leadership. Her presence at the highest level of instruction reflects a federation where women’s expertise is not the exception—it’s the standard.

That spirit is echoed across the country. Nearly half of all kyu-graded Kenshi in the UK are women—a figure that speaks to the growing confidence, visibility, and impact of female martial artists in our community.

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Camden, Bristol, and Glasgow are all led by female Branch Masters, each bringing their own vision and strength to the mat. Together, we’re proving that when women lead, martial arts evolve.

Sensei Nicola (Bristol Branch Master) and Sensei Kavita (Camden Branch Master)

Everyone is welcome to train with us

Here at Camden we welcome all women, trans women and non-binary people. We also welcome men, trans men and those of no gender. Actually, absolutely everyone is welcome to train with us. As long as you are respectful in our classes and willing to learn, then we will teach you.

We all train together regardless of gender, size and ability.

The club can support your training by providing two or more classes a week but also we push to ensure that all our members can participate in tournaments and have safe training spaces at seminars. Give it a go.

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