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American Kenpo Karate

4.4 ★★★★☆ 7 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Pasadena, California

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo 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

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 626-993-8528

Hours

Monday 4–9 pm
Tuesday 3–9 pm
Wednesday 3–9 pm
Thursday 3–9 pm
Friday 3–9 pm
Saturday 10 am–3 pm
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 American Kenpo Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 4 mentions

“Both of my daughters, ages 11 and 7, have taken lessons there for over a year, and have had a very positive experince.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“My kids have enjoyed both the group classes and the private lessons.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

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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 American Kenpo Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

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 7 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“The instructors are skilled, the environment is safe, and I feel like I've found a family among my fellow practitioners.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Online Zoom classes are a great way for me to practice techniques in a safe and socially distanced manner.”

traditional style & affiliation 6 mentions

“Definitely a Kenpo Karate destination studio if visiting California.”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions
builds confidence, discipline & respect 3 mentions

“The instructors are WONDERFUL with kids, balancing gently pushing them out of their comfort zones while also supporting them and bolstering their self confidence.”

From the reviews

We love American Kenpo Karate! Both of my daughters, ages 11 and 7, have taken lessons there for over a year, and have had a very positive experince. The instructors are WONDERFUL with kids, balancing gently pushing them out of their comfort zones while also supporting them and bolstering their self confidence.

★★★★★ — Kim, May 2019

I have done Kenpo for twelve years at multiple studios. Jeffcoat's American Kenpo Karate studio is the best one. The instructors are skilled, the environment is safe, and I feel like I've found a family among my fellow practitioners. I recommend this studio highly for all students of Kenpo.

★★★★★ — Nikolas, Jan 2016

Rick is fantastic and this is the best Karate studio in Pasadena! I took lessons here for over a decade and it changed my life. I feel like I can defend myself!

★★★★★ — Nikolas, Jul 2019

Instructors are friendly and very knowledgeable. Online Zoom classes are a great way for me to practice techniques in a safe and socially distanced manner.

★★★★★ — Tracy, Jan 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 7 reviews →

Your first Karate class at American Kenpo 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 American Kenpo Karate

801 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA91105

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.