Kempo Ryu Karate Kickboxing uses a belt system to distinguish grade and level of ability. Belts start with White and progress through Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Brown and Black. Intermittent grades are denoted by coloured bands or tips on the ends of the belt. There are three levels of Brown, and grades after Black are given a Red tip, these are called Dans.

	Kempo Ryu is a complete martial art system. It encompasses all parts of the human body as either an offensive or defensive weapon. Hands become punches, hand swords, blocks and parries, legs become kicks, knee strikes and leg jams.
Light sparring can be practiced against one or more opponents. Protective pads are normally worn over feet, shins and hands
	Training consists of practicing set moves and techniques, to form, (in the air against an imaginary opponent), or with one or more partners. Bag and pad work are used to increase focus, power and stamina.
The self defence techniques have been modernised to cope with todays violent society. Kempo Ryu has effective techniques against all manner of attacks, from simple lapel grabs, punches and kicks, to strangle holds, head locks and knife attacks. The more advanced grades of Kempo Ryu will also learn the use of weapons including stick and knife fighting.