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Aaction Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Springfield, Missouri
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule aactionkenpospringfield.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 417-889-2244
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 12–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–9 pm |
| Thursday | 12–9 pm |
| Friday | 12–9 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It has been amazing watching my daughters confidence grow over the last year!”
“The owner, Phil, is very involved in the students’ training, working with students in private lessons and leading group classes.”
“Besides being the best place to learn self-defense in the Springfield area, it was the start of an exciting adventure and where I made many lifelong friends over the years.”
Other martial arts here
“I come from a Muay Thai background and have studied various other arts.”
“Besides being the best place to learn self-defense in the Springfield area, it was the start of an exciting adventure and where I made many lifelong friends over the years.”
What students say
“Retana is a excellent instructor and Seth is learning alot it is a very good experience!”
“The instruction is friendly and paced to my needs, and they've even helped turn a fear of failure into the awareness of learning opportunities.”
“He explains the reasoning behind techniques and helps you see connections in what you are learning.”
“Combining martial arts tradition with the most modern and practical movement science results in the Kenpo Karate system at this studio.”
“Whether you are looking to build confidence or practical self defense, I can assure you, that you will find it here at Aaction Martial Arts.”
From the reviews
I took a few years off from my Kenpo training and couldn't believe how much my reflex and timing had slowed down. Now that I'm back training I feel much more confident in my ability to self defend myself. Aaction Kenpo Karate is the real deal and the system of self defense that is instructed is top notch.
Aaction Kenpo is the real deal ! If you're looking for real self defense that works this is the place for you. I've been practicing several different systems of martial arts for over 30 and when I found Aaction Kenpo I found a home and haven't ever considered another system since.
Great place to train. Mr. Retana has an awesome teaching etiquette and methodology. The style of Kenpo itself is very "real world" applicable. I've known Mr. Retana for years and I feel very privileged and honored to have him train me. I highly recommend Aaction Martial Arts!
I have taken private lessons with Mr. Retana by myself as well as along with my 14 year old daughter and have had a very positive experience both times. It has been amazing watching my daughters confidence grow over the last year!
New to Karate? Start at Aaction Martial Arts
Aaction Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Aaction Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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