Bushin Kenpo Martial Arts West Kent

As I prepare to retire from club-level teaching and officially pass the torch to Stuart, my loyal student of over 30 years and an exceptional instructor in his own right, I find both pride and bittersweet reflection in this transition. Last night, I stopped by the dojo intending to teach a single festive session and wish the students a Merry Christmas. Enthusiasm and connection led me to teach for the entire evening—proof of how deeply this community means to me. Regrettably, osteoarthritis and acute back pain have made it impossible to commit to regular teaching, a decision I reached after 37 years of dedication to running dojos (training centres) across various locations in London and Kent. While this chapter closes, I will remain involved, stepping in occasionally to share my knowledge and support the dojo’s spirit. As founder and chief instructor of Bushin Kenpo and the European Bushin Kenpo Martial Artist Academy, I am eager to re-engage with the global martial arts community in 2026, resuming international teaching for the first time since 2020. This new phase brings uncertainty, but also excitement—the future of Bushin Kenpo is in capable hands, both here and abroad, and I look forward to what 2026 will bring.
Prof: David Wilson, Hanshi.
10th Dan Bushin Kenpo

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS...
There are two main instructors at our South Darenth/Horton Kirby dojo. Stuart is a 7th Dan (degree) black belt in Bushin Kenpo, and the main Thursday evening instructor. David Wilson is a 10th Dan (degree) instructor and the founder of the Bushin Kenpo Martial Arts System. David visits regularly to teach specialised sessions.

For more information on our Bushin Kenpo classes, please contact Stuart on 07904 857087.

It has been several years since I last produced a training video. Tragic family events and my ill health have meant that I needed to fade into the background. Well, I am slowly clawing my way back.
My health issues are not going away, and looking ahead, I will be having two knee replacements. However, I am doing my best to get back to an active role in my dojo, and our academy. I am not sure whether I am brave or stupid to publicly share training videos, as these days there are always people hiding behind their keyboards eager to criticize other people's content!

"It is better to be judged by 12 than to be carried by 6"
Some fly on the wall footage from one of David Wilson's knife defence training sessions in February 2024.

When demonstrating movements and techniques unarmed or against a weapon, (even if it is a training weapon), all the movements and techniques are performed slowly and with fluidity. With practice and experience, the students gradually speed up the attack and countermeasures to a realistic speed. This is how I teach, I do not criticize other instructors for their teaching method, I keep my eyes focused on the path, rather than meddle in other people's practices or methods of teaching. Although these videos are public, they are primarily uploaded as reference material for instructors and students in my academy.

David Wilson, Hanshi
Bushin Kenpo Founder & Principal Instructor.

KNIFE COUNTER ATTACK TRAINING (PART 2) "It is better to be judged by 12 than to be carried by 6"Some fly on the wall footage from one of David Wilson's knife defence training sessions in February ...

A few screenshots from video footage captured during my knife defence teaching session tonight.

"It is better to be judged by 12 wise people than to be carried by 6"

KNIFE COUNTER ATTACK TRAINING (PART 2)
Instructor: professor ( Hanshi) David Wilson, 10th Dan Kenpo JuJitsu.

Following on from my first basic knife defence session two weeks ago, after a brief recap, I will be teaching part two (Knife Counter Attack) this evening This will be a 45-minute session from 8pm with Sensei Stuart Rogers taking over the class from 8.45 to 10pm.

It was good to be back in the dojo teaching tonight. It has been a long time with lots of life issues and injuries. So nice to see the old faces, and some new training. 😁

Now some good news on the training front. From September 2022, there will be classes every Thursday at our South Darenth dojo. On the third Thursday of the month, class times will be

13 to 16yrs: 8 to 9pm
Adults (16+): 8 to 9.45pm

Yours in Budo
David Wilson, Hanshi.

Late notice but unfortunately, classes at our South Darenth/Horton Kirby dojo are cancelled on the 4th of August due to the hall being deep cleaned. My apologies for the short notice.

It has been quite a while since I have taught classes at my dojo (training centre). Covid, bereavement, and my new job have prevented me from this. At present, I am recovering from eye surgery which means I cannot take part in any form of contact sport (art) for 6 weeks, however, I am determined to get back on the mat teaching some classes in between my shifts in September. God willing, I will also return to the international circuit in 2024 as well.

Yours in Budo
David Wilson, Hanshi
10th Dan Bushin Kenpo/Kempo Ju-jitsu.

I am shocked and absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of one of my old students, Sean Bingham.

Sean moved to Western Australia back in 2014, he was a valued student, a great laugh, and a good friend to many of us at the dojo. Life can be so cruel, you had your whole life ahead of you, buddy.

My sincerest condolences to Michelle, Sophie, and all of Sean's family. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

I think that after class next week, we should raise a glass in memory of this wonderful man.

David Wilson, Hanshi.

Photo: Sean (far right) with a few of the lads shortly after he started training back in 2011