Home › North Carolina › Charlotte › Academy Of Kempo - Karate Inc
Academy Of Kempo - Karate Inc
5 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Charlotte, North Carolina
Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate
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
- 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 torakenryu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (704) 393-1077
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8–10 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I’ve participated in the adult classes, the black belt classes, the tai chi classes, several weekend-long seminars, and even assisted in children’s classes.”
“I’ve been a martial artist for over 20 years, and this is an excellent dojo that I recommend to beginners of all ages and lifelong practitioners.”
“This is a highly technique-oriented school, and most training is done in controlled, simulated environments rather than through frequent sparring.”
“I had the privilege to participate in a number of classes including Tai chi and a self-defense workshop which I attended with my teenage daughters.”
“I’ve participated in the adult classes, the black belt classes, the tai chi classes, several weekend-long seminars, and even assisted in children’s classes.”
Other martial arts here
“Their approach to grappling is very different from something like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
“I had the privilege to participate in a number of classes including Tai chi and a self-defense workshop which I attended with my teenage daughters.”
What students say
“In addition, my husband has learned T’ai Chi and Qigong here as well and considers Soke Ray Ferrell as one of his heroes and an amazing teacher.”
“I’ve been a martial artist for over 20 years, and this is an excellent dojo that I recommend to beginners of all ages and lifelong practitioners.”
“In today’s world, your self protection and for your family is key, Academy of Kempo karate and all instructors are 100% legit in the game!”
“if you are looking for someone to train you in anything from basic self defense techniques, to high end long term training, or weaponry.”
“In today’s world, your self protection and for your family is key, Academy of Kempo karate and all instructors are 100% legit in the game!”
“He is highly respected in the US but also in many countries where he teaches (Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Italy, etc.”
From the reviews
The Academy of Kenpo - Karate Inc. is a great place to train, especially if you’re looking for practical, technique-driven self-defense. The instructor is excellent—knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely skilled at breaking down complex concepts so they make sense and stick.
I have the pleasure of being Ray’s wife and have experienced an amazing awareness of Ray’s true skills, dedication and growth, not only in his history of learning since age of 18, but sharing the legacy of many world wide teachers with students in USA and abroad!
The breadth and depth of Soke Ferrell‘s knowledge is truly amazing. Kempo, Tai Chi, Wing Chung, Ju Jitsu, Chi Kung, sword, self-defense—the list seems to be never ending.
My daughter has been attending classes twice a week for the last two and a half years. I could not speak higher of the staff, owner, and curriculum. The kids are treated with compassion and respect. I also love that unlike a lot of other dojos belts and accolades are only awarded when earned.
New to Karate? Start at Academy Of Kempo - Karate Inc
Academy Of Kempo - Karate Inc 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 Academy Of Kempo - Karate Inc
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.
More Karate dojos near Charlotte
Legacy Martial Arts & Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
Bushiken Karate Charlotte Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
Charlotte Martial Arts Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site