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American Self-Defense Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Mesa, Arizona
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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule asdakenpo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (480) 805-0596
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The level of instruction surpasses my expectations, and the ability to work with kids of all abilities is a talent that not many can master.”
“My daughter is a beginner only been in taekwondo for 1 year and is a yellow belt.”
“When we moved to Arizona 2 year's ago we had decided to put our 8 year old whom has special needs in self defense classes due to being bullied .”
Other martial arts here
“My daughter is a beginner only been in taekwondo for 1 year and is a yellow belt.”
“When we moved to Arizona 2 year's ago we had decided to put our 8 year old whom has special needs in self defense classes due to being bullied .”
What students say
“Master Dixon and his amazing family brought me into their karate school and treated me as if I were their son.”
“We were so impressed at the welcoming environment and the support of all of the staff and parents!”
“We were welcomed with open arms by every parent and teacher who works or comes here and it has become a second family for us.”
“He'll teach a technique how it was taught classically, then he'll modify the technique so it tailors to the individual so it's more practically.”
“I was at a karate tournament recently local in Arizona and my daughter competes for fun and discipline.”
“I have witnessed first hand how the whole academy supports one another in class and in competition and for me that solidifies that I have made the right decision to come here.”
From the reviews
I absolutely love this academy! As a single mother who was facing the challenges of raising a son, making the decision to bring my son here and have him train was one of, if not the best, decisions I could have made for him.
Where do I even start.. I moved to Arizona last year. Within that year, I have had a rollercoaster of events happen to me. There was a time where I was basically homeless. Master Dixon and his amazing family brought me into their karate school and treated me as if I were their son.
When we moved to Arizona 2 year's ago we had decided to put our 8 year old whom has special needs in self defense classes due to being bullied .By God's grace we were led to the American Self-Defense Academy!
I have never actually been inside of this school so truly I don't have a right to review it but...I was at a karate tournament recently local in Arizona and my daughter competes for fun and discipline. She belongs to a school in Gilbert so sometimes it can be a drive.
New to Karate? Start at American Self-Defense Academy
American Self-Defense Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 American Self-Defense Academy
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site