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Academy of Kempo Karate

5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Huntersville, North Carolina

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule karatehuntersville.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 704-488-2984

Hours

Monday 9 am–9 pm
Tuesday 9 am–9 pm
Wednesday 9 am–9 pm
Thursday 9 am–9 pm
Friday 9 am–9 pm
Saturday 8:30–11:30 am
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Academy of Kempo Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💪 Women's Karate

“Both in the women's self defense class and as a traditional karate student.”

All dojos that run women's karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Justin is building his confidence, awareness, and understanding the morals of self respect while learning self defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Academy of Kempo Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Justin is building his confidence, awareness, and understanding the morals of self respect while learning self defense.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 6 Google reviews — in their own words.

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“Both in the women's self defense class and as a traditional karate student.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 4 mentions

“My knowledge of real life situations, my confidence, and my ability to protect myself have dramatically increased since training with Sensei Shotwell.”

From the reviews

I have been a student of Sensei Shotwell for the past 5 years. Both in the women's self defense class and as a traditional karate student. Both of my children take classes with him as well. He is very knowledgeable and knows how to reach students of all levels.

★★★★★ — Kim, Oct 2019

I am honored to have my 8 year old son attend Kempo Karate Mr. Jim’s class is very structured and disciplined. Justin is building his confidence, awareness, and understanding the morals of self respect while learning self defense. Sincerely happy Parent.

★★★★★ — Vanessa, Mar 2020

I had the opportunity to train with Jim Shotwell in South Carolina, and he is an excellent instructor! You can really see how much he loves what he’s doing.

★★★★★ — Ava, Oct 2019

Recently I trained with Mr. Shotwell in South Carolina. He is a great martial artist and teacher. I learned quite a bit with him and enjoyed it too. Would definitely learn from him again.

★★★★★ — Joel, Oct 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 6 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Academy of Kempo Karate

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Academy of Kempo Karate

109 S Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC28078

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.