ABOUT
The 'Merton Kenpo Academy | MKA'
The Merton Kenpo Academy is a nonprofit, charitable organisation devoted to the advancement of the martial arts. And through the promotion and development of a practically based self defence and self protection system, we are committed to communicating the facets of Kenpo and the framework upon which it is founded, in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that students will come to an understanding of how Kenpo can enhance their lives, as well as highlighting their significant role as authentic practitioners of the art. Assured in the knowledge that they are not 'ultimate warriors' but better prepared than the untrained fighter.
What is Kenpo?
Kenpo, or to refer to it using it's full title: 'Kenpo Karate' is a fighting system that consists of the rudimentary techniques of Striking, Locks, Grappling, Throws, Trips, Buckles, Claws, Rips and Pokes. The aim of Kenpo is to provide a platform for each practitioner to learn and then recall defensive techniques allowing a response to any given situation as it arises.
Our particular flavour of Kenpo should be considered as a modern, multidisciplinary system of martial arts; with it's very own ranking system and unique curriculum.
A typical session will include:
Warm up and stretching (similar to that found in most sports).
Static Drills
Linear and dynamic drills
Pad Work
Focus Pad drills
Kick Bag drills
Kick Shield drills
Trapping and sensitivity drills
Self Defence Technique Practice (the mainstay of Kenpo) - Solo and partnered, taught in four phases:
By the book (as taught)
What if (Altering attack or defence)
Formulation (Responding spontaneously)
Instinctive (Defence/attack become one and instinctive)
Light Continuous Sparring (Purple Belts and above)
Groundwork and safe falling.
Function over fitness
Function is placed over fitness in Merton Kenpo. Although fitness is still a very important part of our practice, it is never placed before the practical function of a particular technique. Our students will probably find that they become ‘Functionally Fit’ rather than reaching peak physical fitness. However, you do need to attain a level physical fitness and well being to be able to execute Kenpo techniques. And this is an incidental effect of training in Kenpo.
We’re not in the business of churning out elite martial athletes – we leave that to the professionals.
Google Classroom
We utilise Google Classroom to provide an online learning environment that complements the in-person training at the Academy. Spread across eleven courses taking you from Beginner to Black Belt our syllabus not only challenges you physically but also mentally. We pride ourselves on the quality of our concisely written and clear step-by-step instructions, enabling our practitioners to become quickly proficient in the basics of Kenpo Karate. Sign up for our Beginners' course today >>
Run your own local group
Would you like to run your own local group by becoming an instructor? Then why not consider our 'Fast Track Instructors Diploma' [FTIDip] -- an intensive 3 year course aimed at existing Black Belts or Instructors* (minimum 1st Kyu or equivalent).
For further information please use the form below, stating your interest.
*subject to DBS and other background checks.
Instructors
MKA - Official Instructors [MKAOI]
All MKA instructors are fully insured and DBS checked by the 'British Martial Arts & Boxing Association' and deemed qualified to teach the art of Kenpo Karate. [Verify]
Management Team
Adam Merton
Founder & Principal Instructor
Lifelong Kenpo Practitioner and Martial Arts stalwart, Adam is truly passionate about the transmission of Kenpō Karate to the enthusiastic beginner and veterans alike. With over 30+ years of training in the Martial Arts he continues his 'Musha shugyō (Pilgrimage) with a passion for helping others improve their Karate.
Clare Merton
Co-founder & Secretary
Not just a trusty sidekick, Clare is the secretary and co-founder of the MKA. Back in her youth she competed in several World Tang Soo Do Championships.
Today she is a avid supporter of the Kenpo way and tirelessly runs our admin with the same enthusiasm and skill.
Su Merton
Safeguarding Officer
Keeping it in the Family, we welcomed Su onto the MKABG back in July 2019, as our 'Safeguarding Officer'. With over 25 years of experience working within special needs education; we feel she is best place to be a trusted advisor.
Apprentice Instructors & Academy Coaches
Karl Butcher
Apprentice Instructor (FTIDip.)
LSAI Master and Immortal365 Gym Manager Karl joined us in July 2020. He has been fortunate enough to visit Philippines on many occasions to train with the Masters of LSAI and brings a raft of knowledge to the Academy. He is currently working towards completing his FTIDip. and becoming a fully certificated 1st Degree Black Belt.
Dominic Scott
Apprentice Instructor (FTIDip.)
Martial Arts veteran and BMABA member Dominic joined us in March 2021 after a successful application to join our FTIDip. course. Having previously studied both Korean and Japanese arts (in Japan), he now operates his own club 'Coton Bushido' near Cambridge and hopes to complete his FTIDip. by becoming a fully recognised and certificated 1st Degree Black Belt and MKA - Instructor.
Grace Merton
Academy Coach
And worth a mention is a our lovely Academy Coach Grace. Having benefited from having Kenpo instruction on tap, as it were. Grace has been fortunate enough to train along side her Father since she could walk.
We are blessed to have her oversee the Karate 4 Kids Classes at the Academy, under the watchful gaze of our Principal Instructor.
Board of Governors
MKA - Official Board of Governors [MKABG]
The Merton Kenpo Academy Board of Governors is made up of volunteers from our extended martial arts family and the wider community.
Our board can be contacted via: mkabg@mertonkenpo.org
Outreach
The Merton Kenpo Academy are not just a martial arts organisation, we also want to meet the practical and emotional needs of those living in our local areas. We strive to achieve this by joining forces with other charitable organisations and focus on those that are suffering from mental health conditions. By offering help and support through our local groups we can provide safe environments for students that experience anxiety, in any form, to come and train; catering for their needs, where normal Karate Schools fail (due to their size and number of students crammed into classes). We feel it is essential to help those that deal with anxiety to overcome those intense feelings of worry and fear by providing solutions to combat and escape the imprisonment of anxiety. Through a programme of Martial Arts one can be empowered by applying specific strategies to the way they feel about their thoughts and feelings.
"Confidence is a Kenpo practitioners perfect weapon"
We love to share
Are you looking for a speaker for your organisation? Then look no further. We can be booked to speak at events organised by charities, schools, universities, colleges, clubs and societies, churches and hospitals. Our aim is to inspire and empower the audience, by sharing our mission, experiences and the knowledge we have acquired through teaching Martial Arts.
Contact us to today to find out more...
Partners
We run a series of initiatives, and partner with other organisations, to help improve the lives of those in our local areas. By offering help and support, we are fulfilling our mission within the wider community.
To find out more about any of our Community Action projects, or to get involved, click or tap on the button below.