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Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

4.7 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Bellevue, Washington

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons

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

  • Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 2–12) — 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 martialartswa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 425-881-1550

Hours

Monday 12:30–8 pm
Tuesday 12:30–8 pm
Wednesday 12:30–8 pm
Thursday 12:30–8 pm
Friday 3–6 pm
Saturday Closed
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 Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 32 mentions

“Keep up the great work Levi, you're one of a kind and thank you for the impact you make on these kids.”

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🐉 Little Dragons

“He had joined their tiny tigers program and then moved up to their basics program.”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring 2 mentions

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👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“I bought a Groupon which included the 20 lessons, the uniform and two private lessons.”

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🥋 Adult Karate

“I recently started attending the adult classes and I'm really satisfied with both the way the academy runs the classes and the improvements in physical and mental health.”

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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 Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🐉 Kung Fu 2 mentions

“We really enjoy spending time practicing our kung fu together.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

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 51 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“The best teacher is Fernando, he really knows how to deal with kids.”

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“Going to the academy provided me not only the positive outlet I sought, but also a place that feels like a second home and a community of people who feel like a part of my family.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“People from all walks of life, ethnicities, religions and age all gather here to form a bond through a common interest: self-improvement.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“I was looking for an extracurricular activity to teach my kids about discipline, focus and hard work.”

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“Sharing our experience with the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts, where our 5-year-old has been receiving exceptional training under the guidance of Levi.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 19 mentions

“I recently started attending the adult classes and I'm really satisfied with both the way the academy runs the classes and the improvements in physical and mental health.”

From the reviews

The place looks and smells old but I don't care because my 4yo son really enjoys the lessons. The website is like nothing to be with the place. It's hard because he doesn't want to go but once there, he really enjoys it.

★★★★☆ — Adriana, Apr 2019

I was looking for a fitness program that could keep me engaged. I had tried going to the Gym and found it too mechanistic. I was seeking something more holistic, something that was broad and would keep me engaged and learning for years to come. I've been active for over a year with the academy.

★★★★★ — Naraen, Mar 2013

Master Jones and the team at AKMA are outstanding. Super friendly, supportive, overall an amazing place to go to. I recently started attending the adult classes and I'm really satisfied with both the way the academy runs the classes and the improvements in physical and mental health. Give it a go!

★★★★★ — Juan, May 2025

It was a little over a year ago when I joined AKMA. I was suffering from my anxiety disorder in an unnecessarily hostile work environment and dealing with the strain provided by elements of my personal life. My hope was that by practicing martial arts I would learn to channel that energy in a more positive way.

★★★★★ — Kal, Feb 2013

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 51 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Academy of Kempo 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.

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 Martial Arts

1950 130th Ave NE #3, Bellevue, WA98005

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.